Roush Fenway Racing announced today that they have signed Olive Branch, Miss. native Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. to a multi-year contract.  Stenhouse will race full-time in the ARCA RE/MAX Series for Roush Fenway beginning in 2008.  Stenhouse is currently racing in USAC's National Sprint Car and National Midget Car Series'.

"I've been waiting for this for a while," said Stenhouse.  "I'm really excited about this opportunity.  Since I was six years old and starting to race this is what I've wanted to do.  To be racing for Jack Roush, John Henry and a team like Roush Fenway Racing, it's a dream come true."

Stenhouse has looked brilliant in both a Sprint and Midget car in 2007 racing for Tony Stewart Racing.  In 22 Sprint car starts, Stenhouse has chalked up two wins, seven top-five and 14 top-10 finishes and currently sits fifth in the overall point standings.  In the USAC National Midget Series, Stenhouse has looked just as strong claiming five wins in 23 starts along with 10 top-five and 15 top-10 finishes while occupying third in the overall point standings.

"We're very excited to have Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. as part of our Roush Fenway Racing stable of drivers and as part of the Ford family," said team owner Jack Roush.  "Ricky has shown tremendous talent in the USAC series this year with six wins and we feel he'll do a great job for us in the ARCA series in 2008."

Stenhouse will fulfill his obligations in the USAC Series' through 2007 but will begin testing with Roush Fenway in the coming weeks.

"I never thought I'd sign with Roush Fenway, the largest team out there, especially coming from Mississippi.  I'm looking forward to getting into a stock car and learning as much as I can from all my new teammates at Roush Fenway.  I can't thank Jack and Ford enough for this opportunity, I'm anxious to get on track in 2008."

SOURCE: RFR Communications