Friday, January 20, 2012

Carmichael: "Rug Pulled Out From Under" In KBM/Monster Energy Deal

Multi-time AMA motocross and supercross champion-turned NASCAR driver Ricky Carmichael says he is uncertain of his plans for 2012, after sponsor Monster Energy elected to back brothers Kyle and Kurt Busch in a new NASCAR Nationwide Series effort.

In an exclusive interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s SiriusXM Speedway with Dave Moody, Carmichael said he initially was assured the Monster Energy sponsorship would remain with him in 2012, and that the 20 NASCAR Nationwide Series races announced yesterday for Kurt Busch would be his.

“I had a handshake with the CEO of Monster Energy,” revealed Carmichael. “But the weekend of Texas (Motor Speedway), it went away. We were good to go, but when Kyle had his issue (at Texas), it all went sideways.” Carmichael said he believes his shot at retaining the Monster Energy sponsorship disappeared for good when Kurt Busch parted company with Penske Racing after the conclusion of the 2011 campaign.

“Kyle sent (Monster) a letter asking if they were interested (in joining KBM),” he said. “When they got that letter, it put a bug in their ear.” He said he was initially supposed to be a part of those plans, but eventually learned he was just one of many drivers under consideration. “I think Kyle talked to eight different drivers, counting me,” he said. “Unfortunately, I didn’t know that. I let Turner Motorsports know we probably wouldn’t be coming back (in 2012), but once Texas happened, things changed. I think I stayed in the mix (with KBM) only because of Monster. I don’t think I ever had Kyle’s approval. He was looking at seven or eight other guys. It’s not like he was texting me every day saying, `I really want you to race for me.'”

Gradually, Carmichael said he realized KBM was not the right place for him.

“It wasn’t right,” he said. “It felt forced, but I felt it was disrespectful to Monster (to turn the deal down). I just go about racing a different way (than they do). KBM doesn’t represent what I represent; the Ricky Carmichael brand.”

Carmichael said he feared his image would suffer from signing with Busch, adding, “I had a feeling that if I went there, I would lose fans. I was afraid people would say, `I used to like Ricky Carmichael, but now I don’t because he races for Kyle.’ I felt it wasn’t right for me. I need everything to be positive, and nothing negative.

“I have no disrespect for Kyle Busch,” insisted Carmichael. “He’s a heck of a driver and he’s going to win a lot of races. I haven’t really come close to winning in NASCAR, so I’ve got no leg to stand on. I can’t complain about the decision. (Kyle and I) just have a different way of racing.”

Carmichael said he maintains a friendly relationship with Monster Energy, and could continue with them in some capacity this season. “I have no issues with Monster whatsoever,” he said. “I’ll be a part of their family forever. I feel like I played a huge (role) in bringing Monster to NASCAR in the first place. They gave me the money and said, `Go find your best NASCAR deal.’ We won two or three Supercross titles together, and two or three outdoor championships. They gave me some awesome opportunities over the years. I have nothing bad to say about them, they’ve been behind me 100% and always will be.”

The former supercross champion said that while he is trying to assemble a limited schedule of NASCAR racing for this season, his involvement will be “somewhat limited. It’s tough when you get the rug pulled out from under you in late December,” he said. “There’s not much to fall back on. It’s going to take some time to get things nailed down again, but hopefully, we can come back in 2013 and do it right.

“Things happen for a reason,” said Carmichael. “Hopefully, this will open up some other avenues for me.”

63 comments:

  1. Well I won't buy another Monster product , I hope this sponsorship goes south , boycott might be in order

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    1. Anonymous7:11 PM

      Boycott, now that will really help out the sport.RC only problem is his performance on four wheels,he did not produce and we all know that is an issue that is first and Formost in a sponsors viewpoint.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous4:50 PM

    A true gentleman. Good luck Ricky. I hope you find peace and people with your ethics in NASCAR.


    Doug from NJ

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  3. Dang, I was feeling kinda good about the KBM announcement yesterday, now, this changes things. I have become a fan of Ricky Carmichael over the last few years and I really want to see him succeed. This definitely hurts his short-term chances to do so. Last night, when someone mentioned on Facebook that he wouldn't be buying Monster drinks anymore, I chimed in that I would pick up his slack. Now, I am not so sure of that.

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  4. Anonymous4:54 PM

    stop your crying maybe if u win a dam rac e in a truck monster would saty

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  5. How can you not respect this guy for what he has said and the way he has gone about things? He's worried about his image by going to KBM, who can blame him at this point? It's an unfortunate turn of events, but Ricky knows more than any of us sitting in the stands, this sport is about money and winning, if you don't have one, you don't have the other... I hope for nothing but the best for Ricky!

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  6. Steve Smith5:11 PM

    Two things, (1) Monster moved their sponsorship to a team that should be a winner, and give them more exposure. (2) Listening to the interview, Carmichael was given the opportunity to drive the car for 20 races for the upcoming season, and he made the decision not to drive for Busch program.

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    1. Anonymous2:11 PM

      To both you & the guy below: Ricky made a wise choice! He doesn't want to be considered guilty by association with the Bisch Bros, neither of which has anything close to 'steller' reputations. Thankfully, the Busch Bros are sticking together instead of messing up more teams, giving all involved bad reputions and decreasing their respectibility - example - JOE GIBBS & JGR!

      Delete
  7. Anonymous5:18 PM

    That's what I gathered from it too, Steve. We'll probably be the only two replying that see it that way, though.

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  8. Anonymous5:20 PM

    I will never buy monster again and I will tell all my friends to do the same

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    1. Anonymous8:54 PM

      Ya don't buy the product and destroy the sports sponsorships is what people do! At least their here unlike some others!

      Delete
  9. Anonymous5:56 PM

    According to Marty Smith-reliable sportswriter:Monster contacted Busch, not the other way around. I'd believe Marty quicker than Carmichael. If he was really a racer, he'd have jumped in that KBM ride. Gonna get more wins now with the Busch Bros anyway.

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    1. Anonymous2:15 PM

      As we all know, Marty is still a reporter! And has been really wrong more than once! Since he wasn't aparty to the meetings - out's just his best GUESS!

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  10. I feel monster is like every other sponsor in NASCAR they're looking for the most bang for their buck. That means the most possible exposure which means winner circle appearances. Ricky is a good and upcoming driver but as of yet no wins. I feel Ricky will land on his feet. However Monster is making a good marketing move by going with KBM

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    1. Anonymous2:18 PM

      The least you can say is that their image is not their main concern. They know full well what they are getting with the Busch Bros - bad press and bad reputations to go around!

      Delete
  11. I feel monster is like every other sponsor in NASCAR they're looking for the most bang for their buck. That means the most possible exposure which means winner circle appearances. Ricky is a good and upcoming driver but as of yet no wins. I feel Ricky will land on his feet. However Monster is making a good marketing move by going with KBM

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  12. Anonymous6:12 PM

    From what I read in the same interview, Kyle Busch aproached Monster and then went looking for a driver for those 20 races. Then Kyle signed his brother to driver those races leaving Carmichael and the other 6-7 drivers out of the game. Carmichael was about the only guy I followed in Nationwide after his adventures in the XGames. I wish him well and hope he can find enough sponsorship to come back in 2012

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  13. Anonymous6:17 PM

    So MONSTER backed out of their "handshake" deal with the G.O.A.T. and then signed the other Busch brother in his place. Yep...looks like I've purchased my last MONSTER ENERGY drink.

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  14. Anonymous7:25 PM

    He said it himself Monster wants winners!!!

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    1. Anonymous3:52 PM

      Yes, very true and if Ricky gets things going, finds a sponsor and wins a few races watch how fast they jump back on board. Sorry but thats just the way it works in all sports sponsorships. Im sure monster figures they will take the good with the bad either way it will bring them more exposure. Because this happened so late in the year he will not be able to secure a full time ride but i am sure he will be in a truck some in 2012. If it is true about him turning KBM down on a truck for 2012 it just go to show what type a guy he is and it makes you wonder how many other drivers would have done that. All in all i think i will be a good thing for him and i am sure he will be full time again in 2013.

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  15. Anonymous7:48 PM

    "Kyle Busch Led all 2011 NASCAR Drivers in Securing TV Exposure for Sponsors, Series Champion Tony Stewart Second" - Enough Said.

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    1. Anonymous2:28 PM

      Too bad for those sponsers & teams that it was 95% all BAD exposure!

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  16. Anonymous7:58 PM

    (sigh) those of you who think boycotting a sponsor is good for NASCAR, we have fewer and fewer sponsors as it is, and because you're unhappy with a sponsor's decision to move their sponsorship to a "WINNING" team, you choose to hurt NASCAR and stomp your feet and hold your breath and tell that sponsor you're done.

    You've probably bought ZERO cans of their product so you won't be missed. But what happens when say Lowe's decides to move to someone you don't like, hurt them too?

    This move will bring NEW blood into the sport. Monster will do a killer job of promoting the Busch Boys black cars to the younger audience NASCAR is trying to reach, not the stogies who boycott everything they disagree with. And I hope Monster sponsor's Moody's show too, being the class act he and Angie are. I am so pleased that they had the honor of telling the world about this new team and campaign.

    Drink more Monster

    Nut Up

    Doug from NJ

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  17. Anonymous8:22 PM

    It sounds to me like RC may have missed his chance. Why would you pass up a ride in what is probably the best equipment because 'I didn't feel it was the right fit' that may not be an exact quote but close enough, I personally think that Ricky was foolish in not doing whatever was necessary to drive for KBM. It could only help his career.
    People may not like Kyle but they sure do notice what he's doing. The same can be said for the late Dale Earnhardt and look at what he accomplished.

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  18. Jay L8:39 PM

    It sucks for RC to lose sponsorship like that, but, unfortunately, companies don't see an ethics standpoint anymore, it's just money for them, and well, they went to the team that can bring in the most cash. I hope RC is able to put something together for 2012!

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  19. This is strictly a business decision by Monster. Go with two proven winners or a guy, who is a nice guy, but has never won. This is a results based business. Even though I feel bad for Ricky, I understand Monster's decision.

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    1. Anonymous2:36 PM

      Ricky may have not "made" them any money in NASCAR, but he made them aboat load before he came to NASCAR. So much for loyalty!

      Delete
  20. Anonymous11:39 PM

    Having met Ricky while covering his short track racing stuff here in Florida as a writer and photographer, I have to say that he's absolutely right that KBM is the wrong fit for him. He's much more laid-back and personable than both of the Busch brothers combined, and he will do better to regroup and race for a team that he is most comfortable with. Comfortable drivers are winning drivers. He's got a ton of talent and is a sponsor's dream because he goes above and beyond to relate to the fans, often as one of the last guys at a track to sign autographs. Mark my words, he will find another ride soon. Good luck Ricky!

    Steve "Ducky" Neely

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  21. Anonymous12:15 AM

    At Annon right above me, and Gene606...I'll be countering your boycotts by switching to Monster products...not that I like Kyle, I just like making the actions of people like you pointless. ;)

    Ricky made his choice...it could be the right move, it could bite him in the butt...we'll see.

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  22. Anonymous2:04 AM

    I find it disingenuous to say that you have no disrespect for someone, but then also say that you didn't want to go to their organization for fear that you'd lose fans. Dude, if your fans decide they don't like you because you're with a team that has competitive equipment and has a real opportunity to get to victory lane every week... maybe they're not really fans of yours.

    For every fairweather fan you would've lost, Ricky, you would've gained instant fans because of your connection with KBM.

    And for your piss-poor attitude about the chance of being associated with Kyle and KBM, well, let's just say it won't hurt my feelings if you never see victory lane in a NASCAR series.

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  23. Money, money, money.....

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  24. Anonymous11:20 AM

    Monster went with a driver combination that could produce a mark in the W column. It's called business and teams have to do whatever they can in order to attract the sponsor and keep them. It's unfortunate for Ricky that it went to Kyle and Kurt but as they say.."That's the way the cookie crumbles" It doesn't do Ricky any good to go around with sour grapes.

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    1. Anonymous2:47 PM

      Didn't sound like sour grapes from Rickey. More like surprise. He should have seen it coming though. He shouldn't habe expected amything less from Busch! Ricky is very wise to stay away from either Kyle or Kurt!

      Delete
  25. Anonymous12:12 PM

    well i hope for the best for him hes a great guy

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  26. Anonymous12:13 PM

    well i hope the best for him hes a great guy

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  27. Anonymous12:51 PM

    I know that someone from Monster will be reading these comments. I have been a loyal customer for years do to your support of supercross and then Ricky in NASCAR. Count me out as ever buying Monster again. My hope is that the Bush Brothers cause a nose dive in your sales.

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  28. Anonymous1:55 PM

    Sounds like Ricky blew a chance and is now using the media as a tool to keep his name out there

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  29. Anonymous6:05 PM

    Dave ,
    Did you purposely frame this headline to bring out the haters and the so called boycotts?

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  30. Anonymous7:27 PM

    Now the "Best" Brothers take over and WIN for Monster !

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    1. Anonymous11:07 AM

      The best at what?????????? Crying ???? Getting fired???? Divorce???? Most boo's

      Delete
  31. Just a reminder; comments that include name-calling or profanity will not be published!

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  32. Anonymous9:09 PM

    I've already switched from NOS to Monster! Go Kurt and Kyle! I never knew who Ricky was before he came to Nascar, and he really hasn't done Anything in Nascar even though he was in good KHI equipment

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    1. Anonymous11:01 AM

      Wasn't good.. Not was in good.. THANK YOU!! THE GOAT

      Delete
  33. Anonymous12:27 AM

    Seriously for the life of me I don't even know who Ricky raced for. And I definitely don't remember him in any NW race. And there lies the problem- RC wasn't giving MONSTER the exposure they wanted & payed for.

    Bottom line is -and I know this kills the "haters" MONSTER jumped at the chance to go with Kyle/KBM. And has the owner of KBM-Kyle is ALLOWED like EVERY other owner-to hire WHO EVER he wants to drive his cars/trucks. And since RC according to himself-told MONSTER he wasn't comfortable with KBM. That opened the door.

    And all of you Kyle bashers tell me how is THIS ANY DIFFERENT from what Michael Waltrip & AARONS did to Dave Rueterman???? So they could get Mark Martin???? And if I am not mistaken Dave had signed a contract with MWR a couple of months earlier.

    And Moody- I don't recall you writing a "blog" saying Rueti had "the rug pulled out from under him by MWR/AARONS" Again anything to try and make Kyle/KBM look bad-and bring out the haters.

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    1. I never said Carmichael had the rug pulled out from under him. That was a direct quote from Ricky. Hence the quotation marks in the headline.

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  34. Anonymous12:34 AM

    Correction in my comment- I meant to say I don't remember RC in truck races-not NW
    Thanks

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  35. Well Ricky if you had of joined KBM I would have become a fan of yours......For now you are just another driver in good equipment who can't win a race. I was a huge fan of your motocross days, but you have yet to prove yourself in NASCAR. I do hope you do get a good ride and start winning. I know you know how to win, but if you can't win in trucks then the Nationwide deal is gonna be even tougher because there are more cars with enough backing to win!

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  36. Anonymous6:34 PM

    Good move on Ricky's part, he shows class with this decision and will come out better for it. Monster, well you reap what you sow.

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  37. Robby Gordon brought Monster Energy to NASCAR back in 2007/8. Wonder if he felt that Carmichael pulled the rug out from underneath him?

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  38. Anonymous10:03 AM

    Monster has gross sales in the hundreds of millions each month. Spend a few million on RC, as well as what is going to the brothers. It won't even show up on their balance sheet.

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  39. Brandon in TN4:57 PM

    Do I like the Busch brothers? No. Do I appreciate what KBM is trying to do by forming a new NASCAR team? Absolutely. This deal is not gonna hurt Monster in any way. They will market the Bad Boy persona to the hilt and will go to the bank with the wads of cash they bring in because of this deal. I feel bad for RC but NASCAR is a performance based business.

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  40. Anonymous11:19 AM

    Man, Your good....but to tell you the truth it was a BIG mistake not to take the offer from Kyle.... Its a proven team already even when he did not drive the truck, it was still good... Wish you the best of luck in 2012... like you said its going to be tough to find something now....

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  41. Anonymous3:26 PM

    the easiest thing in the world to do is bash a busch. there would have been no mention of 'tarnishing the brand' if kyle was willing to sign ricky.

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  42. Anonymous5:51 PM

    Ricky couldn't win when he was with KHI so then he went to turner and did same . Do u really think KBM is going hire him. Nice guy but need to just do motorcross

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  43. I'm wishing RC the best and good luck. I have watched him since motocross days.

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  44. Brian Weitz9:58 AM

    Ricky is in the same class as David Ragan, Colin Braun, Steve Wallace, Brian Vickers, Jeff Burton, Dale Jr, Martin Truex, Joey Logano, David Reutimann, Travis Kvapil, JJ Yeley....and I could go on and on.....all of these guys have more car than they do talent!

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  45. Anonymous10:15 AM

    Ricky is a good guy, but sponsors are not looking for good guys. They look for winners.

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  46. Anonymous12:59 PM

    NASCAR fans are about brand loyalty, and then disloyalty if their fav driver goes elsewhere or their least fav has specific sponsors...i'm a Busch "hater" so i don't touch any of the products they endorce, good drivers or not, plain and simple, i don't respect them. By boycotting, the brand, i am just doing my part to tell the brand, put your money with another team. Best of luck to you Ricky in 2012, you're a stand up guy!

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  47. Anonymous5:58 PM

    The economy isn't great so Monster did the right thing by going to KBM. Kurt and Kyle are going to win tons of races in that car and it makes Monster become popular with the Nascar fans

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  48. Anonymous5:41 PM

    If I understand this correctly it was a "Monster/KBM/Carmichael" negotiation? If this is the case was the Carper pulled? Or did Ricky walk out at the eleventh hour? Like both Ricky Carmichael and Kyle Busch. Just find it humorous how things are automatically a Busch brothers fault, No one even questions the other party no matter what happens.

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  49. Anonymous2:21 PM

    Kyle Busch is a great driver and Monster made the right decision backing KBM Ricky should have considered it an honor to drive for KBM and probably would have learned a lot, bad decision for Ricky in my opinion.

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  50. Anonymous10:36 AM

    Everybody hates the bush brothers. I guess Monster doesn't hear all the boo's at the races. I can't think of one fan that would buy a monster energy - busch shirt or hat. RICKY CARMICHAEL sells product..... I will take off my monster graphics on my bike and my sons bike. And all new Red Bull gear is on the way. MONSTER U SUCK!!!

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  51. Anonymous10:56 AM

    Ricky is a lot like Dale Jr. They don't win races. But are a fan favorite and sell tons of product. No more monster for me. I live in Winston Salem NC. I have been to KBM it is always empty!! Everything in the gift shop is 75% off and sill won't sell because everybody hates the bushwackers.. GO RED BULL!!!!

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