An encouraged phone call was enough for Matt Kenseth to return to where it all started at Roush Fenway Racing.
MORE: Kenseth ready for challenge
The 2003 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion was welcomed back with open arms and lots of applause at his old stomping grounds after making a speech to the team, thanking all those who have supported him.
“You know I’m not big on speeches”
It’s great to have @mattkenseth back in the shop pic.twitter.com/TWqDzuJGAY
– Roush Fenway Racing (@roushfenway) May 2, 2018
Jack Roush announced on April 25 that Kenseth would reunite with Roush Fenway Racing as a part-time driver of the No. 6, splitting time with current driver Trevor Bayne.
MORE: Full circle: Kenseth’s career through the years
“Just because you walk away from the race car for a while doesn’t mean you’re done forever,” Mark Martin, a longtime friend and mentor of Kenseth, said during the announcement.
Kenseth’s first crack at finding Victory Lane in 2018 will be at Kansas on May 12, quickly followed up by a highly anticipated All-Star run at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 19.