Bowling Green, KY (AHN) - Former ARCA RE/MAX Series driver Deborah Renshaw will return to ARCA competition this Saturday as she competes in the Toyota ARCA 150 at Nashville Superspeedway.

Renshaw, who has made 38 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts, has raced on the 1.333-mile superspeedway numerous times but it will be her first time back there since she drove in the NCTS for Bobby Hamilton Racing in 2005.

"Friday night a great deal came together," said Renshaw. "Bob Schacht called and offered a deal I couldn't refuse to get back to the ARCA Series. I am driving his car for the Nashville race. It's the No. 75 Ford and will be carrying The Kelly Autism Program decal on the hood to help raise awareness about Autism."

Renshaw has been honing her skills in the late model ranks around the Southeast for the last year, but prior to that she locked down significant experience in NASCAR, running 14 NCTS races in 2004 and a full NCTS season in 2005.

It will be the tenth career ARCA start for Renshaw, who will be carrying a cause that is close to her heart on the quarter-panels of her ride.

"My two nephews (Danny and Rush Renshaw) are autistic and I am proud to say that they are both a blessing to our family. To see how they both have progressed with early intervention is amazing. As they grow into adulthood, the challenge will be in how to create transition programs that support the needs for them, and how to be a part of the community as well,'' said Renshaw. "The Kelly Autism Program (KAP) is committing the people, resources, and infrastructures to develop the programs that will help my nephews and others affected by Autism meet their potential and I am so happy to help spread the word."

KAP, Renshaw's sponsor, provides services to adolescents and young adults diagnosed along the Autism Spectrum Continuum. KAP has programs for middle school, high school and post-secondary participants, including higher education, vocational training, and job support

"We are very excited about the partnership with Deborah and the No. 75 Kelly Autism Program Ford Taurus," said Dr. Marty Boman, Director of The Kelly Autism Program and Assistant Professor at Western Kentucky University. "Community involvement is essential for the development at any age, from young children to adults, faced with Autism. We are very fortunate to have support from Western Kentucky University, the community, the families affected by Autism, and business support. Being as Deborah's two nephews are faced with Autism everyday, she knows the importance of creating awareness for these special children."

Renshaw had initially planned to race in Saturday's United Auto Racing Association (UARA) race at Bristol Motor Speedway, but opted out for the ARCA start.

Renshaw ran a career-best seventh at Nashville in an ARCA start in 2002.

"Obviously we will not be running the UARA Bristol race now that we had planned on," Renshaw said. "I hated to give up that opportunity, but we had to make a choice and when it came down to helping raise awareness for Autism during the ARCA race, it was something that we couldn't refuse."