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ROCKINGHAM, NC (4-11-09) - Ricky Carmichael will join his boss and team owner Kevin Harvick at Rockingham Speedway for next week's ARCA RE/MAX Carolina 200.

Harvick will be waving the green flag to start the race while Carmichael will be steering off toward turn one in search of victory.

To get prepared for his first race at Rockingham, Carmichael brought his Charter Communications car and tested all day Friday. The track made quite an impression in him after driving on it for the first time.

"It's a beast; that's for sure," said Carmichael. "It's pretty neat, lots of history here - just trying to learn it as much as I can and do the best I can. I'm really having a good time today."

Carmichael, driving for Kevin Harvick Inc., has already made a splash in stock car racing having earned an eighth place finish in only his third NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start. The 15-time AMA Motocross champion, dubbed ‘GOAT' (Greatest Of All Time) by his peers, has also made two previous ARCA RE/MAX Series starts at Talladega and Daytona.

In search of more experience, the team thought that Rockingham would be the perfect teacher, and decided to add this race to Carmichael's schedule.

"Just trying to get as much seat time for me; that's it man; that's what it's all about. The more the better; that's the position I'm in." 

Carmichael is expecting a very exciting race at Rockingham when the Carolina 200 rolls off on the historic one-mile, high-banked oval Sunday afternoon, April 19.

"It's a very tough track. A lot happens with the tire wear. It's very rough, so a lot of moving parts no doubt; but that's what gives this place character. I think it's going to be a long race for sure and I think just patience, patience will prevail."

Carolina 200 race weekend kicks off on Friday April 17th with Thunderfest in downtown Rockingham from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM featuring a hauler parade at noon, live bands, a driver autograph session from 6:00 to 7:00 and live streaming audio all day at ARCAracing.com via the ARCA Racing Network.  

On track activities begin Friday as well with UARA Late Model practice and qualifying. Saturday April 18th will feature the UARA race and practice and qualifying for the ARCA RE/MAX Series cars. The Carolina 200 is live on SPEED at 1:00 PM Sunday. Coverage also includes live streaming audio at ARCAracing.com of all on-track activity.

Reserved seat tickets for the Carolina 200 start at $20 with kids 12 and under admitted for only $15 in any section with paid adult.

Tickets for the UARA race and ARCA practice and qualifying are only $15 in advance or $20 the day of the race with kids 12 and under free with a paid adult for general admission seating. Friday is free grandstand admission for everyone.

For more information about the Carolina 200 or to order tickets, please contact the speedway at (910) 205-8800 or visit our website at http://www.rockinghamspeedway.com/.