SALEM, Ind. - From Juan Pablo Montoya to Dario Franchitti, several international drivers have used the ARCA RE/MAX Series as a transitional series into stock car auto racing.
This weekend, French racecar driver Michel Disdier is hoping to add his name to the growing list. Disdier has joined forces with Jack Bowsher & Associates Motorsports for the April 13 Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts at Salem Speedway. He will make his ARCA RE/MAX Series debut driving the famed No. 21 Jack Bowsher & Associates Motorsports Ford.
Disdier's objective is clear: to compete in as many races on oval tracks as possible in 2008 prior to making his move to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
"For me, this is a dream come true," said Disdier. "It's been a long time now that I have wanted to race in NASCAR and the ARCA RE/MAX Series is the first step in making that dream a reality. I've given myself entirely to this project and am surrounded by supportive people who have helped me all the way. Now that I've joined forces with a team that can jump start my stock car career, this year will allow me to discover a lot of new things. I am ready more than ever to live my American dream!"
Disdier, who began racing at 14 years old, has had a varied driving career, including moto-cross and endurance racing. In 1991, the Nice, France native switched all of his focus on formula racing and is now looking forward to switching gears and making the transition into stock car auto racing. First up; The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts at Salem Speedway.
Disdier tested a stock car for the first time in May of 2007 and competed in a NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit in Montreal the following August. Since then, French and American media have picked up on his story. His fans in France are multiplying rapidly, and his race in Salem will be closely followed in France where interest in NASCAR is becoming very popular.
"We are extremely excited about Michel joining Jack Bowsher & Associates Motorsports team," stated team manager Todd Bowsher. "We are looking forward to helping Michel gain experience in these 3,400 pound stock cars and preparing him for his ultimate goal to race in the elite NASCAR Series. I am excited about working with him as his racing career continues to grow. I am quite confident that the experience the Jack Bowsher & Associates Motorsports team brings along with the rich history, we will be able to make Michel's learning curve a fast one. The ARCA RE/MAX Series and Jack Bowsher & Associates Motorsports are both what Michel needs to get off to a good start in his stock car career."
