The Ricky Carmichael Hard Charger Award is given to the rider who exemplifies the same grit and determination as the most successful racer in motocross history. The award is given to the rider who passes the most riders in a single moto at each round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. At the season opening Rockstar Energy Hangtown Classic last weekend, a pair of Rockstar Energy Suzuki teammates showcased their never-give-up attitude, as both Jake Moss and Ryan Morais passed 14 riders on Saturday afternoon.

With 40 of the world's best riders in both the 450 and 250 classes, competition in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship is tougher than ever, an even greater testament to the difficulty of moving through the field and the efforts both of these riders displayed.

After a tough start left him in dead last at the start of the second 450 Class moto, Moss pushed his way through the field, letting it all hang out and pushing his Suzuki to the limit. In the end, he moved from 40th to 26th to salvage a respectable effort.

The situation was similar for Morais, who found himself in 28th at the start of the opening 250 Class moto. The veteran rider used his experience to his advantage and methodically worked his way into the top 20, moving all the way up to 14th as the checkered flag flew.

While the first race of the season didn't go how each rider would have hoped, they both showed the speed and tenacity necessary to run at the front of the field and will attack the next round in Texas with more determination than ever.

The 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship continues next weekend with the Flagstar Bank Freestone National from Freestone Raceway in Wortham, Texas. Gates drop on Saturday, June 5 beginning at 1 p.m. CST. Live coverage of the first motos of the 450, 250 and WMX classes can all be seen on live-stream at www.allisports.com. 450 Class coverage can be seen on SPEED that evening at 9 p.m. EST, followed by 250 Class coverage just a few hours later at 12 midnight EST.