MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- The 2011 racing season may be coming to a close, but Turner Motorsports already has an eye on 2012. The organization has announced the addition of Nelson Piquet Jr. to its 2012 driver lineup. Piquet will run a full-time schedule and also is tabbed to run a limited Nationwide Series slate for the team. Before taking the wheel in 2012, he will make his debut with the team in this weekend's Nationwide finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the No. 30 Chevrolet.

Coming to Turner Motorsports for his second year of Truck Series competition, Piquet brings with him a rich racing heritage. The son of three-time Formula One World champion, Piquet began racing karts at 8 years old in his native Brazil. Making his way through the open-wheel racing ranks in South America and Europe, he made his Formula One debut in 2008 before making the transition to NASCAR in '10. Currently engaged in a fierce battle for the 2011 rookie of the year honor, Piquet has recorded four top-five finishes and 12 top-10s in 24 starts this season.

* Truck Series Rookie Standings

"I am excited to have the opportunity to come to Turner Motorsports in 2012," Piquet, 26, said. "They are one of the top organizations in our sport and are proven winners. I know we will be in the hunt for the Camping World Truck Series championship and I will gain invaluable experience behind the wheel of the Nationwide Series car. I want to thank Steve Turner and everyone at Turner Motorsports and I know 2012 will bring great things for me and my new team."

By adding another young driver to his roster, Turner reaffirmed his commitment to helping drivers solidly establish their careers with his organization.

"Turner Motorsports prides itself on cultivating young talent. One of our main objectives is to give drivers a platform to showcase their abilities to help propel them to NASCAR's highest level," Turner said. "Nelson brings a significant amount of experience and depth to our driver lineup. He also brings a strong international fan base to our program. I am confident he will compete for both race wins and the 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship."