For the second time this season, JD Motorsports has called upon Thomas Annunziata to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, this time in Saturday’s The Loop 110 at the Chicago Street Course.
Annunziata, a standout in the TransAm TA2 division and the ARCA Menards Series, will return to the driver’s seat of the No. 6 Chevrolet Camaro to compete in the series’ second event on the 2.140-mile street course in Chicago, Illinois.
In his latest start in the ARCA Menards Series at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Annunziata recorded a fourth-place run, after competing for the victory, which included momentarily taking the race lead before getting punted out of the way.
The 19-year-old racer made his Xfinity Series debut earlier this season at Sonoma Raceway, qualifying 26th before getting involved in a multi-car wreck during the event, and eventually retiring due to transmission issues.
“We’ve heard the buzz around Thomas and we’ve seen it up close for ourselves,” said team owner Johnny Davis. “He’s got a very unconventional story, and I’m excited to help him write this chapter.”
Sponsorship for the effort will come in the form of Opti-Coat Ceramic Coating, The Daily Downforce on YouTube, Chicago Food Guide, America’s Vet Dogs, and BOOSTane.
“Opti-Coat and the other partners really have delivered me a slick-looking car,” said Annunziata. “I love the Daily Downforce YouTube videos, and they’re even bringing along some of their friends to join me. So Chicago is going to be a blast.”
The Chicago Food Guide, one of the area’s most popular food content creators, is excited to put its mark on a race car driving around the streets of Chicago, Illinois.
“Thomas and Johnny are bringing this incredible NASCAR show to Chicago,” said Amin Tomalieh of the Chicago Food Guide, “and I’ll be with them to make sure Chicago delivers them some incredible food.”
Annunziata will be teammates with long-time NASCAR Cup Series driver and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series regular Ty Dillon in Saturday’s event, who will be driving the No. 4 Chevrolet Camaro.