Nelson Piquet Jr. to race full-time for Kevin Harvick Inc. in Truck Series in 2011

Nelson Piquet Jr. (Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Kernersville, N.C. (Dec. 13, 2010) – Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) announced today the addition of Formula One driver Nelson Piquet Jr. to the organization’s 2011 line-up. The 25-year-old native of Brazil will compete full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and for the series’ Rookie of the Year honors next season. Further details regarding the program will be released at a later date.

“This is a very unique opportunity to have a driver like Nelson be a part of KHI,” said KHI co-owner Kevin Harvick. “In five starts in the Truck Series this season he not only gained valuable seat time but proved himself by getting some solid finishes. We are excited to have Nelson as a part of our Truck Series program as he takes another step forward in his career.”

“I am very excited to join KHI and to drive in the Truck Series,” Piquet said. “I look forward to combining what I have learned this year from running five races in the series with the professionalism and experience of the KHI organization. I want to thank Kevin, DeLana and everyone at KHI for this opportunity. I am looking forward to our partnership and I can’t wait to get out on the track in a KHI Chevrolet Silverado and start winning races.”

The young driver made his NASCAR debut in the Truck Series season opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in February 2010. Piquet finished sixth in the event and competed in four additional races in the series. He also made his Nationwide Series debut at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International in August 2010, where he qualified 10th and finished seventh.

Release courtesy of Kevin Harvick Inc.