Martinsville: Ricky Carmichael preview

CARMICHAEL HAPPY TO BE A ROOKIE OVER ROCKSTAR AT THIS POINT IN HIS CAREER

CARMICHAEL ON MARTINSVILLE: Saturday's running of the Kroger 250 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway will mark Carmichael's second start at the short track. The Florida native has one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start (2009) at Martinsville last season. Carmichael started 29th and finished 29th during the spring race event.

CARMICHAEL ON TRUCKS: Two weeks ago at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway Carmichael scored his career best Truck Series finish by crossing the finish line in sixth place. It was a much needed confidence booster for the team after a mid-race crash ended the race for the No. 4 Monster Energy Team at Daytona in February. Last season Carmichael competed in 18 Truck Series events and scored two top-10 finishes during his first season of NASCAR competition at the elite level. After just two races in 2010 Carmichael has scored one top-10 finish.

FAMILY NIGHT: Every Tuesday evening the Carmichael clan meets over at Ricky's parents (Jeannie and Big Rick) house for family night. Jeannie cooks dinner for the family and everyone spends time together. It also has proven a great time to work on the business side of racing. During this time RC does interviews and works on his upcoming schedule.

GRADUATING CLASS: The Monday after the Truck Series race at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway Carmichael hosted his first ever riding school, Ricky Carmichael University. It was the first time a school of its kind has been offered to the public. Over a 100 riders took part in the all-day school including SPEED Channel's Kyle Petty and Rutledge Wood. Riders had the opportunity to ride with Carmichael and received hands-on instruction from former Riders Jeff Emig, Jeff Stanton and Clark Stiles. Carmichael's mom, Jeannie, was on site as an instructor. After the school day was over each rider was presented with a diploma and gifts from Fox Racing and DC Shoes graduating them from the inaugural class.

BEHIND THE WHEEL: Carmichael will pilot chassis No. 8 on the paper-clip designed short track. A brand new short track chassis that was completed over the winter will make its race debut this Saturday.

MUSIC CITY: Last week Carmichael spent the day in Nashville, Tenn. promoting the Truck Series top in the country music capital of the world next weekend. Carmichael and Brad Keselowski fielded questions from the local media after lunch was served at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

CARMICHAEL ON GOING FROM ROCK STAR TO ROOKIE: "I get asked a lot how it feels to go from being a rock star in Supercross to being a rookie in NASCAR. I think some are shocked to find out I like it that way. I was able to achieve so much in Moto because I had to work for it. It had to be your passion and your only passion. It would not feel right to come in here and be some hot shot. I am just like every guy here trying to make it in this sport. I have to pay my dues here just like I did in Moto. I am sure I could have come in here and asked someone to put me in a Nationwide car, but I wanted to build a strong foundation and work my way to the top. That is the main reason I am in the Truck Series right now. Everything I achieved in Moto I earned and I want it to be that way here."

-source: tms