A NASCAR driver development team is launching that has roots in Eastern Kentucky.

MDM-Hillman Racing has partnered with Lorin Ranier to form Ranier Racing with MDM.

"This is a great opportunity to bring the Ranier Racing legacy into the modern era," said Lorin Ranier. "Over the last several months, we've worked hard to assemble some of the freshest driving talent and accomplished competition personnel in stock car racing. It's exciting to see it all come together and we're eager to get the season started."

, the team found immediate success. His son Harry, Lorin Ranier's father would then carry the torch through the 1970s and 1980s. Harry Ranier's teams excelled at Daytona and Talladega Speedways during his tenure. Through the years Ranier Racing won 24 NASCAR competition races including three Daytona 500s.

During those early years the team fielded cars for legendary drivers Lennie Pond, Buddy Baker, Bennie Parsons, Cale Yarborough, Bobby Allison, Davey Allison and Tony Stewart.

"From the eastern Kentucky area I appreciate all the support that I've been given over the years," said Ranier. "It means the world to me to know that people still care and people still have a positive feeling about what all Ranier Racing accomplished in the past."

After Harry Ranier's passing in 1999, Lorin Ranier continued the family business and remained in the sport as a Consultant, Spotter and Driver Development expert in the industry.

Ranier Racing with MDM will operate their teams from MDM-Hillman's existing 22,000-square foot shop in Mooresville.

Ranier Racing with MDM will have multiple entries in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and ARCA Racing Series events during the 2016 season.

"We've got a selected number of races in each series, so obviously we're picking the bigger races to go to in each series," said Ranier. "Really, at this point, we're just looking to win races and help develop some really quality, young drivers. That's our goal this year is to be successful, be competitive, and hopefully people will realize that this team is a team that you want to come to if you want to further your career in NASCAR."

The teams group of drivers will be announced soon.