GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Nextel Cup Series driver Joe Nemechek will visit Van Andel Arena on Jan. 21 when the Grand Rapids Griffins host The NASCAR Nation, presented by Lighthouse Group Insurance.

Nemechek, a 13-year veteran of NASCARs top series, will meet fans and sign autographs in the arena banquet room from 6-6:50 p.m., before dropping the ceremonial puck prior to the Griffins 7 p.m. faceoff against the Toronto Marlies.

Known as Front Row Joe thanks to his penchant for putting up strong qualifying efforts, Nemechek enjoyed one of his best seasons on the Nextel Cup circuit in 2005. He twice finished in the top-five, tied his personal-high with nine top-10 finishes, and ranked 16th in the final points standings, one position off his career-best performance in 2000.

The 42-year-old Nemechek began his racing career in the motocross ranks at the age of 13, taking home more than 300 trophies in six years. He made the switch to stock cars in 1986, and along the way has posted victories in every series in which he has raced. Nemechek won championships and rookie of the year honors in three different series in three straight years - the Southeastern Mini Stock Series in 1987, the U.S.A.R. series in 1988, and the All Pro series in 1989. He followed that with Busch Series Rookie of the Year honors in 1990.

He led his family-owned team to the Busch Series championship in 1992, and earned back-to-back most popular driver awards in 1992 and 1993. Since making a permanent jump to the Cup Series in 1994, Nemechek has posted four wins and 18 top-five finishes.

Nemechek will appear in place of the originally scheduled Jeremy Mayfield, who encountered professional circumstances that forced his cancellation.

As part of the NASCAR Nation festivities on Jan. 21, Griffins fans will also be able to play racing games on the concourse and win racing-related prizes throughout the night.