Andy Petree snaps up Nemechek

The 36-year-old, who won his first NASCAR Winston Cup race two weeks ago at New Hampshire, has been snapped up Andy Petree Racing.

Earlier his season Nemechek had been informed by team owner, Felix Sabates, that his contract would not be renewed with Team SABCO.

'We are pleased that Joe Nemechek will be joining our team next season,' Petree said.

'We know we have a team capable of winning and feel like Joe will take our program to the next level. He runs well on a variety of tracks and really has the desire to win.

'We needed someone who could work well for our team and for Oakwood as well.

'We've got that with Joe and we're excited to move forward.'

Nemechek has seven years of NASCAR Winston Cup Series experience, in which he has competed for his own family-run team as well as three other car owners.

In 181 starts he has the single victory and his best finish in the series standings is 26th in 1998.

'This is a great opportunity and I am really looking forward to working with everyone at Andy Petree Racing and Oakwood Homes,' Nemechek said.

'Andy has put together a solid team, and after talking to him and discussing future plans, we feel like we will be a top five contender.

'This team runs well everywhere they go and they have an exceptional speedway program. That is a key component to running competitively.'