IN
THE
WIND
P36
Daytona 500: Carmichael Named
Honorary Race Official
F
ive-time Daytona Supercross win-
ner Ricky Carmichael will serve as an
Honorary Race Official for the 62nd annual
Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 16, the
prestigious opening race of the NASCAR
Cup Series season.
As part of his Honorary Race Official
duties, Carmichael will be introduced at
the drivers' meeting, participate in pre-race
ceremonies, ride in one of the parade cars
and take part in question-and-answer ses-
sions in fan hospitality areas and the UNOH
Fanzone.
Carmichael, a native Floridian who
resides in Tallahassee, retired from AMA
Supercross/Motocross competition in 2007
as one of the most decorated riders in his-
tory with 15 championships and 150 victo-
ries. He's a five-time Daytona Supercross
winner, most in event history. Carmichael
is an inductee of the Motorsports Hall of
Fame of America, which makes its home at
Daytona International Speedway, and the
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Following his
motorcycle career, Carmichael transitioned
to NASCAR competing in both the NASCAR
Xfinity Series and NASCAR Gander RV & Out-
door Truck Series.
"I'm really excited to be part of NASCAR's most
prestigious event," Carmichael said. "Daytona In-
ternational Speedway is very special me and I'm
honored to have a place in its history. I'm looking
forward to returning in March to celebrate the
50th running of the Daytona Supercross."
"Ricky Carmichael is a true legend in motor-
cycle racing and it's an honor to host him for 'The
Great American Race,'" Daytona International
Speedway President Chip Wile said. "Ricky
has enjoyed many successes and triumphs in
his decorated career, including
an unprecedented five Daytona
Supercross victories. He continues
to make an impact on motorcycle
racing today, including his role as
course designer for the Daytona
Supercross."
Past Honorary Race Officials for the Day-
tona 500 include Baseball Hall of Famer Chip-
per Jones, racing icon and 1967 Daytona 500
Champion Mario Andretti, three-time Indianapolis
500 Champion Johnny Rutherford and three-time
Daytona 500 Champion Bobby Allison. CN
Ricky Carmichael
has been named
honorary race
official for next
month's Daytona
500 NASCAR race.
