NASCAR Camping World Truck Series newcomer Ricky Carmichael may wind up running more races this season than originally scheduled. Carmichael, a 15-time American Motorcyclist Association champion, could run the entire 25-race schedule after being originally slated to make just 14 starts, Kevin Harvick Inc. co-owner Kevin Harvick said Friday. The team is looking to find additional sponsorship for Carmichael to run all of the remaining races. “He’s kind of sent us in a tailspin to be honest with you, because he’s done so well,” Harvick said during a stop at Lowe’s Motor Speedway to promote the Sprint All-Star Race. “We’re kind of backpedaling. We’ve got [the next race at] Martinsville situated for him to race. “We’ll race three [KHI] trucks there at Martinsville. We’re struggling to keep up with him from a sponsorship side because we didn’t really expect him to do everything that he’s done.” Carmichael’s former motocross sponsor, Monster Energy drink, is backing the Clearwater, Fla., native in the majority of the races. “Right now I mean we’re looking to fill the gaps,” Harvick said. “He had 14 scheduled, and then we ran Atlanta, and everything looks good for Martinsville so we’re up to 16 already, so we’ve got nine to fill, and if we can find that funding we’ll fill it.”(SceneDaily.com)(3-13-2009)
