KNOXVILLE, Tenn. --Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers in North America, has announced 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, Fla., 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 46 cents 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 at 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. Visit www.roadwarrior.pilotflyingj.com and tell the driver’s story for a chance to win the $1,000 regional prize and the $10,000 grand prize. From September 14 through September 30, customers can vote on one grand prize winner from the pool of five regional winners.
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, 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, 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.
Based 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 4,000 diesel lanes, with more than 4,100 offering diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) at the pump.
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