First person: Kevin Harvick Inc.’s Ricky Carmichael

By SceneDaily Staff

Friday, February 13, 2009

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Ricky Carmichael is scheduled to drive at least 14 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races for Kevin Harvick Inc. this season.

The former motocross star took some time to answer a few personal questions before taking to the track at Daytona International Speedway, where he was 14th fastest in final practice Thursday and qualified sixth for today’s Nextera Energy Resources 250. Here’s a first-person account of the 29-year-old driver’s habits and hobbies:

First race I ever saw in person or on TV:

RC: I can't recall the first race I watched on TV but I can remember the first race I saw live and in person. It was the 2004 Daytona 500. I was injured that year and had some time off, so I went down there for the whole weekend to visit and see Clint Bowyer. From that point on, I have been into it and have met some really cool people.

Most enjoyable stop on the NASCAR circuit:

RC: Well, although I haven't been to many of the tracks, I do like a lot of the ones that I have been to already. It seems that each one has its own character that makes it special. As far as having the most fun racing, it would probably have to be Loudon (New Hampshire Motor Speedway).

Biggest influence on my career:

RC: I have to say that the person who turned [me on] to the sport was Clint Bowyer. Growing up with him racing motorcycles then watching him make the switch, I really got into it. I have a ton of respect for a lot of the drivers because of how tough it is to do what they do at this level.

Ricky Bobby vs. Cole Trickle:

RC: If I was a betting man it would have to be Cole Trickle. Although I would have to pull for Ricky Bobby.

My best friend in the garage:

RC: I can't really say that I have a best friend in the garage; everyone has been really cool so far.

Most memorable race experience:

RC: I have so many great ones and some “not-so-great” ones on a motorcycle. My most memorable car race would probably be the [Camping World East] race at Loudon last fall. I was in second with two laps to go and ran out of gas. I was working on my best finish of the year and thought that I had a chance at the win and fell short.

What I’d be doing if not racing for a living:

RC: If I didn't race for a living, I would like to think that I could either play baseball for a living or work somewhere in the medical field.

Must-see TV:

RC: Other than NASCAR programs or “SportsCenter,” I don't really watch a TV show regularly.

Music that moves me:

RC: I am a huge fan of all kinds of music. I could use any genre to get things cranked up.

First car I owned:

RC: The first car I owned actually was a Chevy truck, 1996 Z71. I was 16.

Career number of speeding tickets:

RC: I can't think offhand, but I believe I have a career high of five speeding tickets. It’s something I'm not proud of.

Movies not to be missed:

RC: “Gladiator,” “Blow,” “Friday,” “Back to School.”

Web sites I hit regularly:

RC: Racer X online, NASCAR.com, weather.com

Biggest superstition:

RC: I tried to break the ritual habit a long time ago because I believe it can ruin you. I have a lot of other things to worry about at the races than to make sure I wear this or do these certain things. Although years back, racing motocross, I went through this spell of racing in the same color gear, but after it let me down a few times I was over it!

Bad habit I’d like to kick:

RC: Probably text messaging when there is no need to be.

Last supper, the one meal to have if you could have just one more:

RC: Last dinner that I would take would probably be a meal at Fleming's steakhouse with my wife.

You’d be surprised to know that I am:

RC: Scared of reptiles!

Best vacation getaway:

RC: The best place for me to get away for some relaxation is at my beach house and cruising the harbor in my boat.

Favorite sports team as a kid:

RC: The Atlanta Braves

Hero worship:

RC: I really look up to a lot of people for many different reasons. When I was a kid, I looked up to Michael Jordan. I always thought he was well spoken, and his skills on the court speak for themselves.

Bucket list:

RC: My bucket list would be:

1. To see my kids grow up and be successful;
2. Learn to fly;
3. Be successful in stock-car racing.
I really feel that I have been fortunate enough to have done a lot of the things I always wanted to do. I'm thankful [for] those things, too, and to me, that’s important.

Words to live by:

RC: My words to live by are, treat people how you want to be treated. And, if you're going to do something, do it 100 percent or not at all. Oh yeah, one more. Good things happen to good people!

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1 response to "First person: Kevin Harvick Inc.’s Ricky Carmichael".

1

Nicalee Sowders said:
Feb 13, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Go get them RC!
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