Rockingham Speedway officials have announced Kevin Harvick as the honorary starter for the upcoming ARCA RE/MAX Series Carolina 200 set for Sunday April 19, 2009. Harvick is scheduled to fly back to North Carolina after competing in the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday April 18.

“Throwing the green flag at Rockingham will definitely be a new experience for me,” said the 2007 Daytona 500 winner.  “In all my years of racing, I’ve never been asked to be the honorary starter.”

Harvick will also be serving in the role of car owner when be returns to Rockingham, site of his 2001 Nationwide Series championship celebration. Ricky Carmichael will drive a KHI prepared Chevrolet in the Carolina 200.

“I'm also looking forward to the ARCA race,” Harvick said. “It will be Ricky’s (Carmichael) first time at Rockingham so he should be exciting to watch.”

Andy Hillenburg, President of Rockingham Speedway, was all smiles upon hearing the news. 

“Here at Rockingham, it’s all about our fans and racing, and to have a driver that has won races in the sports biggest three series this year, backs that up,” Hillenburg said. “We are very honored that Kevin accepted and with him making an all night trip to get back from Phoenix really shows how much he cares about the fans.”

Activities at the speedway will begin Friday April 17 with the Carolina 200 slated to begin at 1 p.m. on April 19.

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