Ricky Carmichael

Late Models

Ricky Carmichael is one of the most talented racers in motorsports but his newest adventure will be a test to his legacy.  Converting from motorcycles to stock cars has been done before but none were bigger stars on two wheels than RC

His endurance will help him as well as his desire to compete but this is completely different than what he is used to.

Only time will tell where this new career will lead.  Ultimately, RC's fan base will be growing every weekend, lets just hope that it is because he is doing well, rather than for a retired Motocross champion

Birthdate: Nov. 27, 1979

Hometown: Clearwater, Fla.

Resides: Tallahassee, Fla.

Ht: 5'6", Wt: 150 lbs.

Nickname: RC

Spouse: Ursula

Children: Expecting twins in April (boy & girl)

Hobbies: Hunting, Wakeboarding

Ricky Carmichael, considered the greatest motocross racer of all time, is moving to NASCAR. He announced last October that he agreed to a multiyear contract with Ginn Racing, beginning with the 2007 season.

Carmichael, 27, will start off in Ginn Racing's driver development program, which will include a combination of approximately 15 events in late model stock cars, ARCA and possibly the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His program will be accelerated in 2008, according Jay Frye, Ginn Racing's CEO and general manager.

Carmichael is a 15-time American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) national champion and holder of a record 144 career wins in Supercross and motocross. He has won 62% of the races he entered in his career (154/246) and has won 79.3% of the outdoor motocross national events (96/121).

"There were other teams showing interest in Ricky and we are thrilled that he decided to join Ginn Racing," said team owner Bobby Ginn. "He brings to our organization many intangible qualities which have made him one of the great champions in all of motorsports."

"What's even more remarkable is that Ricky has achieved a legendary record and is still in the prime of his racing career," Ginn added. "He has both the physical and mental skills to make a successful transition from two wheels to four wheels."

Carmichael is also planning to run an abbreviated Supercross and motocross schedule in 2007 with Team Makita Suzuki Racing.

"To race in NASCAR has always been a dream of mine," said Carmichael. "This is a new challenge and I have no illusions that the transition will be easy. I truly understand the difficulties that are ahead. But I am committed to do whatever it takes to eventually make it to the Cup series."

"I am excited about joining Ginn Racing," Carmichael added. "After talking to Bobby (Ginn) it was evident to me that this is an organization with a strong commitment to compete at an elite level. It's a good fit and I can't wait to get started."

Since joining the AMA Motocross circuit full time in 1997, Carmichael has never lost an outdoor championship. He won three straight 125cc championships followed by seven consecutive 250cc titles. His record also includes five indoor AMA Supercross championships.

The 2006 season was the fifth time that Carmichael captured the double -- winning both the AMA Supercross and Motocross championships in the same year.

Next closest to Carmichael's 144 career victories is Jeremy McGrath's 89 overall wins.