Michael Annett and Pilot Flying J to Join JR Motorsports in 2017
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| Michael Annett |
JR Motorsports will expand its NASCAR Xfinity Series program to four full-time teams in 2017, as the Dale Earnhardt Jr.-owned company has signed a multi-year agreement with driver Michael Annett and Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America. Annett will compete full-time for an NXS championship with JRM’s No. 5 Pilot Flying J entry next year.
A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Annett will join a 2017 JRM roster that already includes full-season drivers Elliott Sadler, Justin Allgaier, and rookie William Byron. JR Motorsports will run a fifth car, the No. 88 entry, in select races with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kasey Kahne.
“What a great opportunity it is to bring Michael and Pilot Flying J on board with JR Motorsports," said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, general manager of JR Motorsports. “To expand our presence in the NASCAR Xfinity Series truly shows the commitment JRM and our sponsors have made to the series. By partnering with Pilot Flying J, all the pieces are in place to run four competitive, full-time cars for a championship next year. We’re confident this will make our organization even stronger."
A partnership with Pilot Flying J is familiar territory for Annett, who has been aligned with the Knoxville, Tenn.-based company and its more than 650 retail locations since he first entered the NASCAR scene in 2008. In that time, Pilot Flying J has supported Annett in each of NASCAR’s top three series.
“Pilot Flying J is excited to continue our long-standing relationship with Michael," said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Flying J. “We look forward to working with JRM and wish Michael the best of luck and success in the 2017 season."
The 30-year-old Annett will make his return to NXS competition after a three-year stint in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. He previously competed as an NXS regular from 2009 through 2012, finishing a career-best fifth in the championship standings in 2012 and totaling 34 top-10 finishes.
“I’m excited for this opportunity with JR Motorsports," said Annett. “Dale Jr. and Kelley have done a great job building this organization. They have put the right people in place and have a championship to their name. I look forward to joining them and competing for wins and a championship next season in the Xfinity Series."
Additional details surrounding crew duties on the No. 5 Pilot Flying J team will be announced at a later date.
ABOUT PILOT FLYING J:
Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers in North America, is committed to connecting people and places with comfort, care and a smile at every stop. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot Flying J has more than 650 retail locations, 44 Goodyear Commercial Tire and Service Centers and 43 Boss Shops all of which accept MyRewards loyalty cards, Pilot Flying J’s loyalty rewards program. The Pilot Flying J network provides drivers with access to more than 70,000 parking spaces for trucks, 4,900 showers and more than 5,000 diesel lanes offering Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) at the pump. Pilot Flying J is currently ranked No. 8 on Forbes' list of America's Largest Private Companies. Visit www.pilotflyingj.com for more information.