Submitted by Jean-Pierre Jacques, J-P Jacques Photo: Fort Dodge native Justin Brayton moved into ninth place on the career points list, passing Hall of Fame icon Ricky Carmichael.

Few names resonate in the world of Supercross like Ricky Carmichael.

That’s why, even for Justin Brayton, hearing he passed the legendary racer gave him chills.

Brayton, a Fort Dodge native who is currently in his final season of being an active driver in the AMA Supercross Series, recently passed Carmichael on the career points list for ninth.

“Anytime you can be in the same sentence as someone like Ricky, that is amazing,” said Brayton, a 2002 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate. “To pass him for ninth all-time on anything with the G.O.A.T., and to be in the Top-10 in the history books of anything in your sport at a professional level, that is really special.

“I honestly didn’t even know about it until I read it. It really makes you think about all the past hard work and dedication and reflect.”

For Brayton, that word — reflect — has been on his mind a lot.

After spending nearly two decades competing at the highest level, he is in the final stages of his last season. Brayton is currently 12th in the season-long points race.

“I’m in a little bit of a tough position because I’ve announced my retirement, but I still want good results,” Brayton said. “I don’t just want to go out there and drive defensive, because when you do that, crashes happen.

“I’m trying to get the best results I can while also taking in all the moments with my family and friends at the races. I’m trying to enjoy each city knowing it will be the last time I’m going and racing in America under the lights.”

Last weekend in St. Louis, Brayton placed sixth on his Smartop Bullfrog Spas MotoConcepts Honda CRF450R. He was also fifth during the 10th event before missing two races.

“I had a big crash at the beginning of December and didn’t ride much coming into the season,” he said. “I’ve been able to string together some Top-10s before a crash in Indy a few weeks ago.

“For my age, I’d say I’ve raced fairly solid. I could be doing better, but I’m enjoying the most out of every weekend.”

Brayton admits that he no longer “lives and dies by results.”

“I just how I did on how I feel on the bike,” he said. “This year is the most competitive year in our sport I’ve ever seen, so to get Top-10 and be in the Top-10 several weeks has been pretty fun.”

Next stop for the series is Saturday in Atlanta. Three rounds remain with races in Foxborough, Mass., Denver and the finale in Salt Lake City on May 7.