RPM forms '12 Nationwide Series team for Annett - Jan 26, 2012

CONCORD, N.C -- Richard Petty Motorsports announced on Thursday the formation of a Nationwide Series team with driver Michael Annett and his long-time partner Pilot Flying J. The team will be run out of RPM's Concord, N.C. race shop and will vie for the Nationwide Series championship.

Annett, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, comes to Richard Petty Motorsports after spending last season at Rusty Wallace, Inc. He has posted 13 top-10 finishes in 105 Nationwide starts and drove to a ninth-place finish in the championship points standings last season.

"They say that when one door closes, another door opens, and that is most definitely true," Annett said. "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's 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."

"It's exciting to have the opportunity to partner with a brand as prestigious as Pilot Flying J," said team owner Richard Petty. "We are happy to welcome them to the Richard Petty Motorsports family and to our partner family as well.

"This has been an exciting couple of months for Richard Petty Motorsports. 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."

"Pilot Flying J is excited for Michael and our new partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports," said Mark Hazelwood, executive vice president, Pilot Flying J. "PFJ has had a longstanding relationship with both Michael and the Petty family. Richard Petty is a NASCAR legend and this opportunity further extends our commitment to Michael and the sport. We look forward to a great partnership."

Born into a family with a rich racing heritage, Annett began his own racing career in 2007 competing in the ARCA Series. In only his fourth start, Annett drove his Pilot Travel Centers machine to victory lane at Talladega Superspeedway. He drove to victory once again in the ARCA Series the next season at Daytona International Speedway and also drove an entry in the Camping World Truck Series in eight events that season. In 2009, he moved to the Nationwide Series with Germain Racing and posted four top-10 finishes on his way to a 10th-place effort in the points standings. He remained at Germain through 2010 and in 2011 competed for RWI.