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Category: XFINITY Series

NASCAR XFINITY Series news and information

  • JD Motorsports signs G&K Services for Daytona, Phoenix and other races

    JD Motorsports signs G&K Services for Daytona, Phoenix and other races

    Daytona car will also have country artist Chris Cagle on decklid

    GAFFNEY, S.C. (February 14, 2012) – JD Motorsports will have a familiar look on their car for the season opener at Daytona with G&K Services returning to the fold for the 2012 season.

    Mike Wallace will open the NASCAR Nationwide Series driving the No. 01 G&K Services Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway. The following week, G&K Services will return as the primary sponsor and will do so for other races throughout the year. For races they are not a primary partner, they will be an associate throughout the season.

    Also on board for Daytona will be country gold recording artist Chris Cagle. The singer has earned two No. 1 hits, seven top-10 and 12 charted songs. His sixth album is titled “Got My Country On” produced and released by Bigger Picture Group.

    G&K Services is returning to JD Motorsports for the third season. What started out as a being involved for a handful of races in 2010 turned into a tripled effort in 2011.

    “The people at G&K Services have really been great to work with and I’m glad they are on board with us again this year,” Wallace said. “The work they do with uniform services and their other initiatives is high quality all the way around. We look forward to giving them the results they deserve on the track, and off, this season.

    “They know what a big deal Daytona is for me and we almost got them to Victory Lane last year at Talladega. We’re just going to do our best for them at Daytona and start the season off on a good note.

    “It’s also going to be fun to have my friend Chris Cagle on our car. He’s an excellent country artist with songs everyone can relate to in life. Maybe we can inspire him to write a song about racing for us.”

    About G&K Services

    Founded in 1902 by Alexander and Morris Gross in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, G&K Services today has approximately 7,500 employees throughout North America and Europe and has approximately 165,000 customers with more than 160 facilities in North America and Europe. G&K Services is a North American market leader in branded identity apparel programs and facility services.

    G&K Services enhances a company’s image and safety by consistently providing superior customer service and high quality work apparel and facility products and services. The company has been committed to enhancing image and safety in the workplace for more than 100 years. More than rental work uniforms, G&K’s technical expertise extends to food safety, facility services, high visibility and flame resistant solutions, as well.

  • DIS launches most wide-ranging social media initiative ever for Speedweeks 2012

    DIS launches most wide-ranging social media initiative ever for Speedweeks 2012

    [media-credit name=”daytonainternationalspeedway.com” align=”alignright” width=”300″][/media-credit]#DAYTONA500

    DIS launches most wide-ranging social media initiative ever for Speedweeks 2012

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –Daytona International Speedway plans to make Speedweeks and the 54th Daytona 500 a memorable event in many ways, starting with the largest and most expansive social media effort in NASCAR to further engage fans at the “World Center of Racing” and at home.

    “There’s a reason why Daytona International Speedway boasts the largest social media following of any racetrack in NASCAR,” said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III. “During Speedweeks, we’ll continue our efforts to make it easy and enjoyable for fans to get closer to the sport, while also reaching out to our younger, more technologically savvy race fans.”

    Special Twitter Hashtags and Handles

    ·         Join the conversation the DIS, media, teams and drivers on Twitter with @DISupdates, #DAYTONA500, #BudweiserShootout, #GatoradeDuel, @NextEra_Energy Resources 250, #DRIVE4COPD300, #Speedweeks

    ·         Contact @DIS_help and #DIShelp for customer service questions on race days

    ·         Don’t forget to also follow @NASCAR, #NASCAR

    Download the free DIS Mobile App

    The DIS mobile app gives race fans FREE access to daily schedules, gate policies, directions, basic event information, news articles and interactive GPS facility and parking maps with search capabilities. Fans can also stay up-to-date with Daytona’s Facebook, Twitter and RSS News feeds, as well as connect with and locate friends at the race via the “Friend Finder.” Download the mobile app to your Sprint® smart phone via Android Marketplace or the iTunes Store.

    QR Codes and Special NASCAR.COM Sweepstakes

    QR codes will be located throughout the track, linking race fans to the DIS mobile app, as well as event schedules and the Speedway’s Facebook and Twitter profiles.  Also, special QR codes will allow fans to enter a sweepstakes with NASCAR.COM to win tickets to the 2013 DAYTONA 500 and on-site discounts during their visit to Daytona International Speedway.

    The Ultimate DAYTONA Experience Facebook Sweepstakes from Jostens

    A celebration of the 54th DAYTONA 500 launching February 16 on Facebook, the sweepstakes invites fans of Daytona International Speedway and Jostens Racing to pick their favorite NASCAR driver for a chance to win 10 daily prizes and be entered to win the Ultimate DAYTONA Experience Grand Prize which includes 2013 DAYTONA 500® tickets, VIP passes, an autographed helmet, a piece of the DAYTONA Start/Finish Line, a DAYTONA 500 ring, a $500 NASCAR shopping spree and more!

    Be on the lookout for the DIS Social Squad

    Comprised of local college volunteers, the Social Squad will encourage race fans to share their race-day experience on Twitter and Facebook, and demo the DIS mobile app. Social Squad hubs will be located in the Sprint FANZONE from the Budweiser Shootout through the Gatorade Duel, and in the Sprint FANZONE, Midway and at the Pedestrian Bridge from the NextEra Energy Resources 250 through the Daytona 500.

    Want updates or have a question? Send us a Text!

    Fans can text DISINFO to 69050 to receive automatic updates during events with information relating to gate opening times, parking and more.

    Fans with more specific questions can text DISFAN to 69050 and a live attendant will be on hand to respond.

    Standard data messaging rates may apply

    The Speedway had a very successful year in 2011, acquiring nearly 300,000 Facebook likes and 10,000 Twitter followers.  Currently, DIS has 385,000 Facebook likes, 23,000 Twitter followers, 350,000 YouTube video views and 9,000 mobile app downloads.

    Like always, fans can visit any of Daytona International Speedway’s social media platforms – Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google+ – to check-in, leave a comment, or view and share updates, news articles, pictures and videos.

    For more information on tickets for the 54th annual Daytona 500 and Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access, race fans can go online or call 1-800-PITSHOP.  If you are unable to attend in person, be sure to tune in to the Daytona 500 on FOX on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. ET.

  • Larry McReynolds and Slick 50 Partner for Brand Expansion Efforts

    Larry McReynolds and Slick 50 Partner for Brand Expansion Efforts

    [media-credit name=”www.slick50.com” align=”alignright” width=”134″][/media-credit]SLICK 50® TO PARTNER WITH FORMER NASCAR CREW CHIEF AND FOX SPORTS ANALYST, LARRY MCREYNOLDS

    McReynolds to be an Integral Part of Slick 50® Brand Expansion Efforts

    Houston, TX (Feb. 13, 2012) – The Slick 50® brand has been protecting engines for over 34 years, just as long as legendary NASCAR crew chief and FOX Sports broadcaster Larry McReynolds has been tuning and caring for performance and race cars. Today Slick 50® is proud to announce a multi-year partnership with McReynolds to serve as consultant, official spokesperson and representative for Slick 50® and their products as they embark on a new brand expansion and communication program targeted at today’s all around performance-minded drivers.

    McReynolds, one of NASCAR’S most successful and influential crew chiefs has made a name for himself on and off the race track. Over the course of McReynold’s career, he has accumulated 23 NASCAR Sprint Cup series wins, highlighted by leading two of NASCAR’s most iconic drivers, Davey Allison and Dale Earnhardt, to Daytona 500 victories. For the past eleven years he has been a part of the Emmy Award-winning NASCAR on FOX broadcast team with Mike Joy and three-time Sprint Cup series champion Darrell Waltrip. Offering keen insight into the complicated inner-workings of race teams’, including pit crew details, car descriptions and particulars of the driver/crew chief relationship, McReynolds has been a key asset in the success of the FOX broadcast team.

    “I have been around performance engines all of my life. I am familiar with Slick 50® and the great reputation their products have. I have studied the most recent testing and performance data, and I am really looking forward to our relationship and being a big part of their marketing strategy moving forward,” Larry stated.

    Like McReynolds, Slick 50® is a leader in their industry providing engine treatment products, which are chemically formulated to protect against heat and friction and further the life of the consumer’s engine, transmission and fuel system.

    “I am really excited to have Larry join the Slick 50® team”, said Rusty Waples, Group Brand Manager, ITW Global Brands. “His in-depth knowledge of racing engines and influence in racing circles will really help us in our product development program. Plus, he is a trusted source of information for enthusiasts and we are going to leverage this in our advertising, social media and grass roots marketing. Look for great things to come from Larry and the Slick 50® brand.”

    James Stone, General Manager, ITW Global Brands, adds, “We are honored Larry McReynolds, a legend in racing and expert in performance tuning, has elected to partner with Slick 50® to help share real performance benefits with enthusiasts who want to maximize performance and longevity of their vehicles.”

    McReynolds will return to the broadcast booth this weekend including Saturday night, February 18th for the “Budweiser Shootout” at Daytona.

    Since 1978, motorists have relied on Slick 50’s® superior technology to protect their vehicle’s vital parts from friction & wear, so they can achieve the performance they crave today and down the road. From Engine Treatments to Fuel System Cleaners to Transmission Treatments, Slick 50® products are formulated with superior chemistry to ensure they clean, protect and optimize performance of critical systems.  For more information on our products, please visit www.slick50.com.

  • Kellogg Company, Pop-Tarts and Rice Krispies Treats to Sponsor Roush Fenway No. 6 Ford Mustang at Daytona

    Kellogg Company, Pop-Tarts and Rice Krispies Treats to Sponsor Roush Fenway No. 6 Ford Mustang at Daytona

    Kellogg Company, Pop-Tarts® and Rice Krispies Treats® to Sponsor Roush Fenway No. 6 Ford Mustang at Daytona

    CONCORD, N.C. (Feb. 10, 2012) – Ricky StenhouseJr., 2011 NASCAR Nationwide champion, will be sponsored by Kellogg Company and its Pop-Tarts and Rice Krispies Treats brands for the Nationwide season opener at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 25, 2012. The Rice Krispies Treats logo will be featured on the hood of the No. 6 Ford Mustang with the Pop-Tarts logo accenting the quarter and TV panels, as Stenhouse begins defense of his 2011 NNS title

    “I am excited about having Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts and Rice Krispies Treats on our car for the season opener at Daytona,” said Stenhouse. “Kellogg Company has been a great partner of our Roush Fenway organization. I look forward to eating my favorite breakfast food, blueberry Pop-Tarts, during SpeedWeeks.”

    “Ricky is a fantastic driver and we are thrilled that he is a true fan of Kellogg’s products,” said Melissa Pawlowicz, senior director of Kellogg Integrated Promotions.   “Our partnership with Roush Fenway Racing has proven to be a great way for us to share the excitement of NASCAR with our consumers and we are excited to expand our involvement.”

    In his four career starts at Daytona International Speedway, Stenhouse has one top-five and two top-10 finishes.

    About Kellogg Company

    With 2011 sales of more than $13 billion, Kellogg Company (NYSE: K) is the world’s leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of snacks and frozen foods. Our well-loved brands – produced in 18 countries and marketed in more than 180 countries – include Cheez-It®, Coco Pops®, Corn Flakes®, Eggo®,  Frosted Flakes®, Kashi®, Keebler®, Kellogg’s®, Mini-Wheats®, Pop-Tarts®, Rice Krispies®, Special K®, and many more. To learn more about Kellogg Company, including our corporate responsibility initiatives and rich heritage, please visit www.kelloggcompany.com.

    About Roush Fenway Racing

    Roush Fenway Racing is the winningest team in NASCAR history, fielding multiple teams in the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series with championship drivers Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Trevor Bayne. Celebrating 25 winning years in 2012, Roush Fenway is the leader in NASCAR marketing solutions, pioneering its exclusive Roush Fenway OnTrack sponsorship measurement services, motorsport’s first team-focused TV show and its award-winning social marketing channel RickyvsTrevor.com. Visit www.RoushFenway.com, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roushfenway and follow on Twitter at @roushfenway. For sponsorship inquiries call John Bauersfeld at 704.720.4621.

  • HENDRICKCARS.COM TO SPONSOR PHOENIX RACING, JR MOTORSPORTS & RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING IN SELECT 2012 NASCAR EVENTS

    ‘2012 Indy Dream Weekend’ Sweepstakes to Coincide with HendrickCars.com Re-Launch

    CHARLOTTE, N.C., February 13, 2012 – HendrickCars.com will sponsor three NASCAR teams in select races in early 2012. The sponsorships will promote the new-look retail automotive website, which re-launched Feb. 1, and coincide with the HendrickCars.com “2012 Indy Dream Weekend” sweepstakes.

    The program will kick off during Speedweeks in Daytona Beach, Fla., with primary sponsorship of Phoenix Racing and 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Kurt Busch in the Feb. 25 Nationwide Series race and Feb. 26 Daytona 500. It will continue with primary sponsorship of JR Motorsports and driver Cole Whitt in the March 17 Nationwide event at Bristol, Tenn.

    In addition, HendrickCars.com will be a major associate sponsor of the Richard Childress Racing No. 33 Chevrolet with driver Elliott Sadler in NASCAR’s biggest race, the Daytona 500.

    “Last year’s Daytona 500 broadcast alone averaged more than 15 million viewers, and we expect 2012 will be even stronger,” said Rick Hendrick, Chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group, which owns HendrickCars.com. “Combined with our sponsorship in the Nationwide Series, that’s tens of millions of people seeing our brand, hearing our message and then visiting HendrickCars.com. We wanted to showcase the new site, and there’s no more effective marketing tool than NASCAR.”

    In conjunction with the sponsorship, HendrickCars.com is launching the “2012 Indy Dream Weekend” sweepstakes. From Feb. 13 through March 19, visitors can log onto HendrickCars.com to register for a chance to win a weekend for two at the July 29 Sprint Cup race in Indianapolis. The winner and a guest will receive behind-the-scenes access, a tour of the historic racing venue, VIP seats in a trackside suite and more. The winner will be announced March 23 at www.HendrickCars.com.

    “We’re proud to have HendrickCars.com as our primary sponsor for both races in Daytona,” said James Finch, Owner of Phoenix Racing. “The Hendrick people know how well sponsorships like this work when they’re done the right way. Daytona is a big opportunity for our team to build some positive momentum to start the season. Having a sponsor for Speedweeks means a lot to us, and we’re going to do everything we can to put HendrickCars.com up front.”

    The sponsorship of Whitt pairs HendrickCars.com with an up-and-coming young driver and Nationwide Series rookie-of-the-year contender. In his first season at JR Motorsports, Whitt, 20, is joining a No. 88 team that finished fourth in the championship standings in 2011.

    “We feel fortunate to be a part of the initiative to drive awareness of HendrickCars.com and the new inventory of cars,” said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, Vice President of JR Motorsports. “We pride ourselves on having assets both on and off the track to support

    our sponsors’ marketing goals. HendrickCars.com has such an incredible inventory of new and used cars — literally something for everybody — and we look forward to doing our part to help with its continued success.”

    Features of the new HendrickCars.com include streamlined navigation, an expanded offering of used cars and the addition of thousands of new vehicles. The site also has added performance and classic cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles to its inventory. Customers can view detailed information for nearly 20,000 vehicles, including up to 60 images per listing.

    “The HendrickCars.com, ‘fleet’ is going to get some very valuable exposure over the next month,” said Richard Childress, President and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “That’ll end up delivering traffic and showing NASCAR fans what the new website has to offer. It’s a unique deal, and someone’s going to get a once-in-a-lifetime trip out of the promotion. We’re glad to be involved.”

    In 2009, HendrickCars.com sponsored driver Tony Stewart in the season-opening Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway. Stewart led 23 laps on his way to winning the event, which drove record traffic to HendrickCars.com.

    “Last time HendrickCars.com was a major sponsor of a car at Daytona, the response was overwhelming,” said Hendrick, who also is the owner of championship-winning NASCAR team Hendrick Motorsports. “It was a big success and ultimately helped drive sales. If we do our part by building a great program, these sponsorships will be another business win for us.”

    In 2011, HendrickCars.com was a sponsor of Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott, who competes full-time in the NASCAR K&N Series East. HendrickCars.com will continue to support Elliott in 2012, along with having associate sponsor placement on the No. 5 Chevrolet of Hendrick Motorsports driver Kasey Kahne throughout the entire Sprint Cup Series season.

    HendrickCars.com Primary Sponsorship Schedule:

    Feb. 25, Daytona Beach, Fla., Kurt Busch, No. 1 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet (1:15 p.m. ET, ESPN)

    Feb. 26, Daytona Beach, Fla., Kurt Busch, No. 51 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet (1 p.m. ET, FOX)

    March 17, Bristol, Tenn., Cole Whitt, No. 88 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet (2 p.m. ET, ESPN)

    About HendrickCars.com:

    The newly redesigned HendrickCars.com is the fastest way to research and purchase nearly 20,000 new and used cars, classic cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles from the inventory of Hendrick Automotive Group’s more than 100 franchises. For more information, please visit www.HendrickCars.com. Find HendrickCars.com on Facebook.

    About Hendrick Automotive Group:

    Encompassing more than 100 franchises from the Carolinas to California, Hendrick Automotive Group is one of the largest automotive retail organizations in the United States. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., the company employs more than 7,000 people across 12 states. For more information, please visit www.HendrickAuto.com.

  • Kasey Kahne to be ready for Daytona after knee surgery

    KASEY KAHNE TO BE READY FOR DAYTONA FOLLOWING OUTPATIENT KNEE SURGERY

    CONCORD, N.C. (Feb. 10, 2012) – Hendrick Motorsports driver Kasey Kahne will be ready for the Feb. 18 Budweiser Shootout, the Feb. 26 Daytona 500 and all of Daytona Speedweeks after undergoing successful outpatient knee surgery this morning.

    Kahne, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolets, had an MRI Thursday after experiencing swelling in his left knee. The MRI revealed a torn meniscus, which was treated this morning with a partial medial meniscus removal. Following the common arthroscopic procedure, he was released from an outpatient facility in Charlotte, N.C.

    Kahne will practice, qualify and race throughout NASCAR’s season-opening Speedweeks, and Hendrick Motorsports has no plans to have a backup driver on standby in Daytona Beach, Fla.

    In April 2011, Kahne had a procedure on his right meniscus and earned a third-place finish the following race at Richmond, Va.

  • JD Motorsports to field second Nationwide team in 2012

    JD Motorsports to field second Nationwide team in 2012

    GAFFNEY, S.C. (February 8, 2012) – To better strengthen its overall program, JD Motorsports will field a second car for the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series season.

    Johnny Davis, owner of JD Motorsports, will race a No. 4 Chevrolet to double their efforts on the track this season.

    Mike Wallace will continue to drive the No. 01 Chevrolet for JD Motorsports on a full-time basis with Newt Moore as the crew chief. The second car will have several drivers in the seat including Danny Efland and Darryl Harr; with the possibility of Mike’s daughter, Chrissy Wallace, driving if marketing partners can be found.

    Efland will drive the No. 4 Chevrolet for JD Motorsports in the upcoming NNS race at Daytona International Speedway. Both cars are locked into the first five races via their Owner’s Points from the 2011 season.

    “We needed to do this because a two-car operation is better than one,” Davis said. “Any time you can get twice as much information from two drivers and teams, the better understanding you have of what’s going on out there on the track.

    “Pairing this new venture with a veteran like Mike (Wallace) adds an even bigger dynamic and improves the feedback we’ll be getting this year. All information is good and we’re looking forward to this being a big part of our success this year.

    “This is just another step to making JD Motorsports a stronger team, and more improved all around. We’re feeling pretty good about our outlook this year. We just need to get the marketing partnerships to make it even better.”

  • Tommy Baldwin Racing Names Brad Parrott Crew Chief of Nationwide Program

    Tommy Baldwin Racing Names Brad Parrott Crew Chief of Nationwide Program

    Tommy Baldwin Racing Names Brad Parrott Crew Chief of Nationwide Program Parrott will work with Ryan Blaney, Ryan Truex and Bobby Santos

    MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 7, 2012) – During the off-season, Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) announced an expansion into the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS). NNS veteran crew chief Brad Parrott will head the team of young drivers, Ryan Blaney, Ryan Truex and Bobby Santos, in an eight-race schedule for the No. 36 Chevrolet.

    Parrott brings more than 20 years of knowledge to the rookie NNS program. The Charlotte, N.C., native has a plethora of experience in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) and NNS. He has worked as crew chief and car chief for many successful teams in both series, including Yates Racing, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and Roush Fenway Racing. Parrott complied 18 wins as a NNS crew chief. He won the 1999 NSCS Championship as the car chief at Yates Racing, where he compiled 23 victories in his five-year tenure as Car Chief of the team.

    “I’m glad to be a part of TBR,” Parrott said. “Tommy has a long history in the sport, as do I. We’ve both been to the top ranks of the NASCAR, as well as smaller teams. Now as a young team owner, I can relate to where his race team is going and look forward to many years ahead. I have been a crew chief in the Nationwide Series since 2002 and won 18 races. With the experience that I have, I look forward to bringing a young team with young drivers to the winner’s circle. I’m thrilled to work with Ryan Blaney, Ryan Truex and Bobby Santos, as well as our partners. 2012 will be very exciting for all involved.”

    This season will mark TBR’s fourth season of competition. TBR began as a part-time, one-car NSCS team in 2009 and developed into a top-35 team by 2011. In 2012, TBR plans to compete with two NSCS teams and a part-time NASCAR Nationwide Series team. The team would like to increase the number of races in both the NSCS and NNS schedules, provided more sponsorship can be found.

    “Brad has been in the sport for many years in many different positions,” explained Tommy Baldwin. “His variety of experiences will help us build the Nationwide team from the ground up, in addition to assisting with some of the Cup program. His strengths will complement a lot of areas we need help with. I look forward to working with him and growing our program.”

    About Tommy Baldwin Racing:

    NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Crew Chief Tommy Baldwin formed Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) in 2009. Baldwin utilized a declining economy to open a NSCS team with a stringent budget. The team worked to build to full-time competition, and by the 2011 season, the team’s third season, TBR competed in every race and locked the No. 36 Chevrolet in the top-35 in NSCS Owner Points. Dave Blaney drove the No. 36 Chevrolet to TBR’s highest finish of third in the October 2011 event at Talladega Superspeedway. TBR also fielded a second car for select races in the past two seasons with multiple drivers.

    Based in Mooresville, N.C., TBR will compete in the NSCS in 2012 with NASCAR veterans David Reutimann and Dave Blaney. The team will also compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with Ryan Blaney, Bobby Santos and Ryan Truex.

    For more information on Tommy Baldwin Racing, visit tommybaldwinracing.comor follow us on Facebook, facebook.com/TBR.HBR, and Twitter, twitter.com/TBR_Racing.

  • Michael Annett to drive for a newly formed Richard Petty Motorsports team

    Michael Annett to drive for a newly formed Richard Petty Motorsports team

    It was recently announced that Richard Petty Motorsports has formed a new Nationwide Series team that will be run out of RPM’s Concord, N.C. race shop and contend for the Nationwide Series championship in 2012. The No. 43 Pilot Flying J Ford will be driven by Michael Annett, a rising star in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

    [media-credit name=”LAT Photographic ” align=”alignright” width=”250″][/media-credit]However, Annett may be more well-known for his drunk driving arrest than for his driving ability. He was arrested early in 2011 after rear ending a vehicle at a stop light. His blood-alcohol content proved to be 0.32 % which is four times North Carolina’s legal limit of 0.08 %. He ended up being charged with drunk driving, texting while driving, failure to reduce speed and resisting arrest. Annett has since then been under unsupervised probation, completed 48 hours of community service and has issued a sincere formal apology. He was also placed on probation with the now dis-assembled team of Rusty Wallace Inc. and did not end up missing any races for the team.

    Annett replaced Brendan Gaughan in RWI’s No. 62 car last season. He ended up 9th in Nationwide Series points which is a personal best for the driver who has driven full time in the series for the last 3 seasons. He has also driven for Germain Racing, finishing 10th in points in 2009 and 13th in 2010 (with RWI).

    The Des Moines Iowa native had this to say of the new opportunity:

    “They say that when one door closes, another door opens, and that is most definitely true.  We were left scrambling a bit because of the situation with RWI and were unsure what the future held, but I couldn’t be happier with the way things have turned out. To have the chance to race for Richard Petty and to be under the RPM umbrella is amazing. It has all come together really quickly, but together with Pilot Flying J and Ford, this is the best opportunity I have ever had to race a Nationwide Series car. There is a lot to be done before we get to Daytona in a few weeks and I can’t wait to dive in and get started.”

    Pilot Flying J, headquartered in Knoxville Tennessee, is a chain of truck stops and one of the nation’s largest wholesale fuel providers. The company is also a long-time partner of Annett’s. He reached Victory Lane with the Pilot Travel Centers machine in his 4th career ARCA Series start in 2007.

    Richard Petty says that it sure has been an exciting couple of months for the team. “We are looking forward to getting back into the Nationwide Series full time and seeing what Michael Annett can do in an RPM Ford Mustang. Michael has improved every season he has raced in the Nationwide Series and has the dedication and drive to be a success.”

  • Martin Truex Jr. Foundation Announces 3rd Annual Catwalk for a Cause

    Martin Truex Jr. Foundation Announces 3rd Annual Catwalk for a Cause

    [media-credit name=”martintruexjrfoundation.org” align=”alignright” width=”150″][/media-credit]The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation is proud to announce its 3rd Annual Catwalk for a Cause event to benefit the Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC.  We invite you to join us for an evening of fashion, fun and philanthropy on May 16th, 2012 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at MTJ Motorsports in Mooresville, NC.

    Proceeds from the event benefit the “Martin Truex Jr. Special Needs Fund” created at Levine Children’s Hospital in 2011. The fund provides patients and families of children being treated at Levine who need assistance, to pay for medically necessary services, supplies and special programs.

    The night’s pinnacle event is a New York-style runway show presented by Lavendar, Avalilly’s and Fresh Boutiques, featuring the hottest designer labels for Spring.  For many, the highlight of the show is watching the children that directly benefit from the fund, walk the Catwalk to raise money for their own cause!

    “When we first started this event in 2010, I never would have dreamed it could become this big!  Every year more and more people come out to support our cause and see the kids, it’s amazing to see the impact one community can have when we all come together for a cause that’s so close to our hearts,” said Lavendar owner Sherry Pollex, longtime girlfriend of Truex.

    The silent auction and raffle will feature over 40 items, including designer apparel and accessories, entertainment/dining packages and several pieces of custom-made diamond jewelry. The highlight of this year’s silent auction is sure to be the hand-painted pottery created by the children at Levine Children’s Hospital!

    Tickets are available in two categories, the “Trendsetter” ticket is $125 and includes a reserved VIP seat for the fashion show, along with a VIP swag bag.  The “Fashionista” tickets are $75 and come with a general seating ticket and swag bag. All tickets include complimentary valet parking, gourmet food and select beverages.

    Tickets are available online at martintruexjrfoundation.org or by phone at 704.664.1113. For sponsorship opportunities please contact Michelle Hunt at 704.664.1113 or michelle@martintruexjrfoundation.org.

    For more event information, visit martintruexjrfoundation.org or lavendarboutique.com.

    More about the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation

    Created in 2007 by NASCAR Sprint Cup winner Martin Truex Jr., the foundation is dedicated to positively impacting the lives of children in need. By partnering with organizations that are limited in funding and visibility, the foundation helps touch the lives of children stricken by illness, poverty and neglect. We work to improve lives, inspire smiles and encourage dreams…one child at a time.