CALLING ALL ROAD WARRIORS – PILOT FLYING J LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO CELEBRATE PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS

Pilot Flying J teams with NASCAR stock car racer Michael Annett to reward hard work and perseverance 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (June 29, 2015) – Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers in North America, announced today a July launch for the 2015 Road Warrior program. The celebratory contest honors professional drivers who demonstrate hard work, generosity and bravery. And this year, it’s kicking the action up a notch by rewarding more drivers and beginning the campaign with an unforgettable event.

To kick off the 2015 Road Warrior Program, NASCAR stock car racer Michael Annett and his Pilot Flying J race team will turn the Flying J Travel Plaza in St. Augustine, Florida into a pit stop for all customers. The team will treat attendees to a memorable experience, pumping gas for cars, diesel for trucks and participating in a meet and greet. Annett’s 46 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet will also be onsite, and in honor of Annett’s race car number, Philmor coffee mug refills, a coffee mug program that is part of the Pilot Flying J MyRewards loyalty program, will be sold for just $0.46 at the St. Augustine store.

“We couldn’t be more excited – and humbled – to serve so many great drivers,” said Michael Annett. “To say that my race team and I are inspired by these unsung heroes of the road would be an understatement.”

“We are thrilled to bring back the Road Warrior Program,” said Ken Parent, chief operating officer, 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.”

This summer, anyone can nominate a professional driver to be a Road Warrior. Simply visit www.roadwarrior.pilotflyingj.com and tell your story for a chance to win the $1,000 regional prize and the $10,000 grand prize. From September 14 through September 30, you can vote on one grand prize winner from the pool of five regional winners on www.roadwarrior.pilotflyingj.com.

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, Florida with special access to the day’s events. Cones, a U.S. Army veteran and professional driver, was injured during his time in Afghanistan. Once transitioning to civilian life, Cones’ job choices were limited – until he realized that driving a truck was the perfect lifestyle and career opportunity for him. Cones has been recognized for his commitment to safety, and his loyalty to his fellow drivers, family and country.

In addition to hosting Cones and his family at the Coke Zero 400, Pilot Flying J will also debut its military race car. The car will feature the Road Warrior logo as well as Fisher House Foundation logo in honor of veterans everywhere. The company is recognizing veterans throughout July by donating 50 cents for every PhilMor coffee mug sold, up to $25,000, to Fisher House Foundation. Pilot Flying J is excited to continue its ongoing partnership with Fisher House Foundation, best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment.

For more information on Road Warrior, visit www.roadwarrior.pilotflyingj.com.

For more information on Fisher House Foundation, visit www.fisherhouse.org.

For more information on Pilot Flying J, visit www.pilotflyingj.com.

About Pilot Flying J
Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America, is committed to making life better for professional drivers. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Pilot Flying J has more than 650 retail locations. The Pilot Flying J network provides drivers with access to more than 65,000 parking spaces for trucks, 4,400 showers and more than 4,000 diesel lanes offering Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) at the pump. Pilot Flying J is currently ranked No. 7 on Forbes' list of America's Largest Private Companies. Visit www.pilotflyingj.com for more information.

About Fisher House

Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment.  These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, and in Europe, close to the medical center or hospital it serves. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths.  Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room.  Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee.  Since inception, the program has saved military and veterans’ families an estimated $282 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation.

Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members as well as the Hotels for Heroes program using donated hotel points to allow family members to stay at hotels near medical centers without charge.  The Foundation also manages a grant program that supports other military charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses and children of fallen and disabled veterans.

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