Thomas Annunziata, a full-time competitor in the TransAm TA2 division, is set to make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut next weekend at Sonoma Raceway, joining forces with JD Motorsports.
The Colts Neck, New Jersey native will pilot one of two Johnny Davis-owned Chevrolet Camaro entries in the second leg of the Xfinity Series’ road course swing on the West Coast.
Earlier this season, Annunziata debuted in the ARCA Menards Series in the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway, finishing second place in his first-ever high-speed stock car race.
A regular contender on the TransAm circuit and a part-timer in the ARCA Menards Series this year, the 18-year-old driver has the goal of moving through the ranks of NASCAR and eventually competing in the Cup Series.
“Our team has always been attuned to the idea of developing new talent,” said Johnny Davis, owner of JD Motorsports. “Ross Chastain and others have honed their skills with us. We’re looking for Thomas to be one of the next in line. I’ve been impressed with his talent even as a young driver.”
Last November at Circuit of The Americas, Annunziata secured his first victory in the TransAm TA2 Class, driving for Nitro Motorsports. After competing in 11 of 13 races last season, the driver finished ninth in points.
Annunziata has found some success on the ovals, as well, winning a pair of Carolina Pro Late Model events at Orange County Speedway and Tri-County Motor Speedway last season.
“I’ve been waiting on this forever,” Annunziata said. Watching ‘Days of Thunder’ and ‘Talladega Nights’ growing up, and watching Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson race NASCAR, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
“Being able to race with Johnny Davis’ team will give me a crazy amount of experience in a series right below Cup. I’ll be with some of the best drivers in the country. The cars are heavier than TransAm, and I’ll be learning all the ins and outs of NASCAR. It will be huge for me.”
Annunziata joins a multi-driver lineup at JD Motorsports this season, which so far has included Dawson Cram, Garrett Smithley, Patrick Gallagher, and Ty Dillon.
In an Instagram post, Annunziata confirmed Thursday afternoon that he will pilot the No. 4 Chevrolet Camaro at Sonoma.
