Ricky Carmichael wins Truck series' Most Popular Driver award
Ricky Carmichael, who drove for Kevin Harvick Inc. most of the season, was voted the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Most Popular Driver. // David Griffin, NASCAR Scene
Related stories: Coming up short in 2008 fueled Kevin Harvick Inc., Ron Hornaday to 2009 title
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Ricky Carmichael attracted a huge fan base while winning motocross race after motocross race, motocross title after motocross title.
That fan base apparently followed him to NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series, where Carmichael, who drove an 18-race schedule this season for Kevin Harvick Inc., won the fan voting for the Most Popular Driver award.
“I’m among a great amount of talent out here,” Carmichael said in accepting the award. “I can’t say enough obviously about my fans who voted for me. Everybody in NASCAR, I just want to thank you for all the respect, especially the drivers and everybody that gave me the respect this year.
“I know it’s pretty tough for another person to come into the sport who has never really done it to give them the respect. You guys were awesome to me on the track and away from the track. This is a dream come true for me. I’ve always been a competitor, just in a different form.”
The 29-year-old Carmichael seemed a little surprised by the award.
“I’m nervous – I feel like a clown up here; I can’t even talk,” Carmichael said on stage. “It’s definitely special. I’m against some guys that have been doing this [for a long time] and have way more credentials.
“I try to be the best person I can in front of the TV and on the race track and whatever happens at the end of the day is what happens.”
Other series awards:
Manufacturer: Toyota
Featherlite Most Improved Driver (from start to finish of races): Colin Brown
Mobile 1 Command Performance Award (best finishes among teams that use sticker): Mike Skinner
Keystone Light Pole Award (most poles): Colin Braun
Mahle Clevite Engine Builder of the Race: Mark Smith, Pro Motors
Wix Filters Lap Leader Award (most laps led, non-top-35 Cup driver, Wix sticker): Ron Hornaday
Sunoco Diamond Performance Award (most wins): Ron Hornaday
