CORNELIUS, N.C. -- Josh Richards will make his NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) debut at Talladega Superspeedway in the No. 39 Joy Ford Mustang fielded by Go Green Racing on Saturday.

Richards will compete in the 2012 NNS with partner Joy Global. The US based mining manufacture returns to NASCAR following their support in 2011 when the Shinnston, W. Va. native entered the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS).

Richards' Ford Mustang will also show support for the Naval Special Warfare Kids (NSW Kids), showcasing their logo on his car to bring attention to a charity started by a Mooresville, N.C. family. Richards and NSW Kids partnered for the first time in 2011 at Martinsville Speedway.

"I'm excited to have Joy behind me again this year. Having a great partner that represents the coal industry, something that is so close to my family and where I grew up, is important to me," said Richards. "I am really ready to get back on track. I'm glad I get to start my NNS career at Talladega. I had a good run in the truck last year and am looking forward to getting out there in the Joy Mustang this week."

"We are excited to be teaming up with Josh again this year," said Chuck Fickter, Marketing Information Manager, Joy Global. "Josh did tremendous job last year in the truck series representing Joy and creating a lot of excitement with employees and customers alike. With the step up to the NASCAR Nationwide Series we feel this will only increase the excitement."

This will not be Richards first time at the 2.66-mile tri-oval; he competed in eight NCWTS races in 2011 including the event at Talladega. Richards started that event 22nd and finished 13th, running as high as third during the 94 lap contest.

The two-time World of Outlaw Late Model Series (WoO LMS) champion was notably absent from the series' two events last weekend. It was the first time, in 287 consecutive races, going back to 2004, that the 24 year-old was not in a WoO LMS event and only the second time since 2004 he was not in the driver's seat of the No. 1 Rocket. Richards instead with at Richmond International Raceway with his new team, preparing for Saturdays NNS race at Talladega.