A source close to the Kalitta operation confirmed with CompetitionPlus.com that Jeff Arend will return in 2009 as the driver of the Team Kalitta Funny Car. Originally Arend had been hired as a temporary job but we are told the team chemistry sealed the deal for the 2009 return. Amidst speculation, the team will only field the car Arend will drive and no second, at least at this time.