The bikes are being tested and the tracks are being groomed as the anticipation builds for what is sure to be one of the most memorable seasons in the history of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. With the season-opening Rockstar Energy Hangtown Classic just around the corner, MX Sports Pro Racing and Ricky Carmichael announce the return of the Ricky Carmichael Hard Charger Award for 2010.
Named for the most successful rider in American Motocross history, the Hard Charger Award recognizes the one rider who emulated Carmichael's never-give-up attitude across both the 450 and 250 classes during each round of the 12-race season.
While the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) continues to develop his stock car racing résumé by competing in the NASCAR-sanctioned Camping World Truck Series, his legacy is forever enshrined in motocross history by giving the now prestigious award to the rider who passes the most competitors in a single moto each weekend. It's a nod to the man who won 102 AMA Motocross races, captured 10 straight AMA Motocross Championships, had three undefeated seasons, and two perfect ones where he won every single moto-all AMA Motocross records. He also added 48 wins in AMA Supercross and took five titles there, giving him career totals of 150 wins and 15 major titles, records that will likely never be broken.
"I think the 2010 series is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in a long time, and it's awesome to know that MX Sports Pro Racing has decided to continue the tradition of this award," said Carmichael, who drives for Turner Motorsports. "It was an honor that they created such an incredible award in my name and I'm always eager to find out what rider overcame the most adversity each round. It takes a true competitor to battle his way to the front during a 35-minute moto and I look forward to seeing which 12 names will hang it out most this season."
