STATHAM, Ga. - Cunningham Motorsports has announced that Michael Phelps will compete for Rookie of the Year in the ARCA RE/MAX Series in 2008 as the team's newest Dodge Driver Development Program driver. Phelps, an engineering student at Auburn University and a veteran of the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series, will join rookie Tayler Malsam as a full time ARCA RE/MAX Series competitor with sponsorship from Bowen Family Homes. Phelps will test this weekend at Rockingham Speedway in preparation for the May 4th Carolina 500 and is scheduled to make his Cunningham Motorsports debut behind the wheel of the No. 45 Bowen Family Homes Dodge Charger at Salem Speedway on April 13th.
"Our organization is proud to have Michael Phelps and Bowen Family Homes as a part of our family," said team owner Kerry Scherer. "We are looking forward to a successful season of competition and proud to have such a highly visible and respectable partnership with Bowen Family Homes. The extraordinary driving skills that Michael has exhibited in competition should allow him to be in the top of his class."
Phelps has one previous ARCA RE/MAX Series start, finishing 20th at Toledo Speedway in October of 2007.
"I am really excited about making the step up to a professional and proven organization," said Phelps. "To be chosen to drive for the Dodge Driver Development program and Cunningham Motorsports is a real honor. I am looking forward to developing my skills and getting the chance to learn from this veteran and seasoned organization. I would like to thank Bowen Family Homes for providing this partnership for the 2008 season. My goal is to learn as much and be competitive through out the year. I know that I have the resources and team that will allow us to win."
Cunningham Motorsports General Manager Mark Gibson stated, "This completes our team with the addition of Michael and Bowen Family Homes joining our family. From a driver development standpoint we will be able to accelerate our program to the next level. The drivers will be able to feed off of each other and will benefit each of our teams. We are looking forward to working with both Michael and Bowen Family Homes for 2008 and beyond."
