Pilot Flying J Expands Road Warrior Program for 2015

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Pilot Flying J is kicking off its 2015 Road Warrior program with a special event hosted by NASCAR stock car racer Michael Annett and his team. The travel center chain is also rewarding more professional drivers who demonstrate hard work, generosity and bravery during this year's celebratory contest.

To launch the program, Annett and his Pilot Flying J race team will turn the Flying J Travel Plaza in St. Augustine, Fla., into a pit stop for all customers. As part of the memorable experience, the team will pump gas for cars, diesel for trucks and participate in a meet-and-greet. Annett's No. 46 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet will also be onsite. To honor the car's number, PhilMor coffee mug refills will be sold for just 46 cents at the St. Augustine store.

"We couldn't be more excited — and humbled — to serve so many great drivers," stated Annett. "To say that my race team and I are inspired by these unsung heroes of the road would be an understatement."

This summer, anyone can nominate a professional driver to be a Road Warrior by visiting www.roadwarrior.pilotflyingj.com and telling their story for a chance to win the $1,000 regional prizes and the $10,000 grand prize. From Sept. 14 through Sept. 30, people can vote for one grand-prize winner from a pool of five regional winners.

"We are thrilled to bring back the Road Warrior Program," said Ken Parent, chief operating officer of Pilot Flying J. "We had an overwhelming response last year and received thousands of stories about a number of amazing men and women. We are honored to celebrate the hard work professional drivers do every day to keep our economy running smoothly."

On Sunday, July 5, Pilot Flying J will celebrate last year's Road Warrior winner, Kyle Cones, at the Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., with special access to the day's events. Cones, a U.S. Army veteran and professional driver, has been recognized for his commitment to safety and his loyalty to his fellow drivers, family and country, according to the retailer.

Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America, has more than 680 retail locations. Its network provides more than 65,000 parking spaces for trucks, 4,400 showers and 4,000 diesel lanes, with more than 4,100 offering diesel exhaust fluid at the pump.