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Matt Kenseth thanks Roush Fenway shop in welcome party

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

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. 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.