Ricky Carmichael Hard-Charger Award Announced

E365 -- In recognising the hard work and determination that became the trademark throughout Ricky Carmichael's record-breaking career, the AMA and NPG have created a new award in his honor for the 2008 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship, named the Ricky Carmichael Hard-Charger Award.

The RC Hard-Charger Award will be given to the rider who passes the most competitors at each round, as counted by the AMA officials' score sheets from one of the four motos on the day. Each winning rider will receive a $250 check from the NPG and a special award, an acrylic stand-up piece designed by Winner's Choice Awards that will be personalised each week with recipient's name, event and date.

It is this kind of never-surrender effort and die-hard characteristic that best symbolises Carmichael's standing as the most successful AMA Motocross Champion, during a prolific career that began in earnest in 1997 and ended last summer.

"When you think of AMA Motocross Champions the first person that comes to mind is Ricky Carmichael and his never-give-up attitude, said AMA Motocross/Supercross Series Manager Jeff Canfield. "Whatever challenges he faced on the racetrack, he always gave 100 percent. It's that kind of attitude that made him a 10-time AMA Motocross Champion."

The aptly-named Greatest of All Time (GOAT) retired last summer after winning all six rounds of the 2007 AMA Toyota Motocross Championships that he participated in: Hangtown, High Point, Southwick, Budds Creek, Red Bud, and Spring Creek. His career total of 102 AMA Motocross race wins and 150 total wins are records that may never be broken. He is now pursuing a second career in stock car racing, but has plans to attend several rounds of the 2008 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship Presented by FMF. 

"I am truly honored that an award like this will be handed out each week in my honor," said Carmichael, who won a remarkable 10 consecutive AMA Motocross Championships. "I have a lot of great fans and memories from all of the racetracks on the circuit, and I am thankful that this award will help me stay connected with both the fans and the series."

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