Jarit Johnson will be making his first-ever start with the ARCA RE/MAX Series at Michigan Speedway on August 19. Johnson will pilot the No. 5 (currently un-sponsored) Chevrolet Monte Carlo for Bobby Gerhart Racing.

Johnson's only prior experience in an ARCA Series car was an August 2004 test session with Gerhart Racing at Chicago Land Speedway. He will be making his first start at Michigan International Speedway as well, which is the largest track Johnson has raced on to-date.

A one-race deal between Johnson and Gerhart was struck just five days before the event. The two came to an agreement in support of Johnson's upcoming efforts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

"I was really impressed with Jarit when he tested for us last year at Chicago Land," said Gerhart, just after the agreement was made. "He is a great young talent."

Johnson hopes this race will provide added experience heading into the Craftsman Truck Series. "I look forward to the challenge. And most of all, thank Bobby Gerhart for giving me this opportunity and my team owner, Ken Smith at SS Racing for supporting me with this event," said Johnson.

His current race team, SS Racing, is planning to enter at least two Craftsman Truck events before the end of the 2005 season.

Johnson packed up his racing seat and drove from his home in Mooresville, NC to the BGR Facility in Lebanon, Pa., just a matter of hours after making the deal. "I'm a hand's on guy. I want to get up there and help prepare the car, get to know the crew and understand the cars," said Johnson.

His No. 5 Chevrolet is currently un-sponsored for the event, but he believes that they will find a sponsor for both the ARCA race and the upcoming Craftsman Truck races. "There is a lot of value in our sponsorship programs and I believe a sponsor will recognize that we provide high returning programs that are custom tailored to their company," said Johnson.