Ken Schrader Racing Iowa Preview: NASCAR Camping World Series East

Ricky Carmichael - #4 Monster Energy Drink Chevrolet

This will be Ricky Carmichael’s 2nd start in the NASCAR Camping World Series East. His first start yielded a 5th place finish.

Before his retirement, Ricky had won every AMA Motocross overall championship he contested since 1997. He has a record-holding 150 wins and 15 championships.

Ricky’s nickname, the G.O.A.T., stands for Greatest of all Time. The crew honored that nickname by having a goat painted on the pit board.

New England native and former Oxford Plains Speedway two-time Champion Jerry Babb is interim crew chief while he brings Super Late Model racer Mike Fritts into the role of crew chief for Carmichael. Fritts called the shots from the pits in Carmichael’s Super Late Model effort in Florida. Both Fritts and Babb have a wealth of driving experience themselves. Fritts was known as one of the best in the FASCAR Sunbelt Super Late Model Series, and Babb holds seven career wins at Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine. Babb also served as crew chief for Mike Stefanik under the GRIZCO Racing/ASM Motorsports banner.

 

Jamie Hayes - #52 J.L. Hendrick Management Chevrolet

This will be Jamie’s 15th NASCAR Camping World Series East start. His last start was on 4/19/2008 at Greenville-Pickens Speedway where he finished seventh.

Jamie has one previous start at Iowa Speedway. At this event last year, Jamie started 10th and finished 28th.

Jamie finished 8th in the 2007 NASCAR Camping World Series East point standings with one top-five and 5 top-10 finishes.

Hayes’ racing background includes go-karts, Legends cars, and Late Models.

Former Cup Series crew chief Donnie Richeson serves as the crew chief for Hayes’ effort.

 

Driver Quotes

Ricky Carmichael

On beginning his NASCAR career in a development series

“I love putting in my time and don’t want anything given to me. It’s pretty cool to be in the position I’m in. I’m proud of it and I’m really happy in my new role. I want to do the best I can and make it happen.”

On his fifth place finish at Greenville

“We were thrilled with fifth, but the competitive side of me wants more. I want to win! The guys on this crew were a big part of that finish, and I’m proud to be associated with every one of them. I’ve got a bunch of dedicated guys helping me, and the best teacher you can ask for in Ken Schrader. Our run at Greenville was a good momentum builder, and we’re looking forward to backing that up at Iowa.”

Jamie Hayes

On returning to Iowa

“I love Iowa. It’s a very unique racetrack and you can carry a lot of speed through it. We didn’t have the best of luck here last year, but I’m confident we can pull off a top-10. We’re aiming to win it first and foremost, but consistency is really important in this series.”

On what kind of expectations he has for the US Cellular 200

“We tested here at Iowa and I have to say it went very well. I have a lot of confidence in myself and in the equipment I’m driving. I’m with a really good team and I want to give them a good finish to be proud of. The track is one of my favorites. I love everything about it, but the progressive banking allows you to pass just about anywhere, and that makes the racing fun.”