Timmy Hill is counting the days until February 25th, the day he will turn 18 and be eligible under NASCAR rules to compete in the Nationwide Series. Hill plans to spend his birthday behind the wheel of the Rick Ware Racing No. 15 preparing for the Bashas Supermarkets 200 at Phoenix International Raceway on February 27th.

Rick Ware Racing announced Wednesday Hill will drive full-time for the team with an emphasis on winning the 2011 Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year title.

“My Dad, Jerry, raced for Rick back in the day, and I ran a few ARCA and K&N races with RWR last season," said Hill. "Of course, Rick and my Dad have been friends for a while, but I love working with him and the entire RWR crew.  Rick has given me the opportunity to pilot his NASCAR Nationwide entry for the 2011 season, and I don’t think my 18th birthday can come soon enough.”

With Hill on the sidelines until after Speedweeks, veteran Todd Bodine is slated to wheel the No. 15 RWR Ford in the season opening DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway.

“Missing the first race of the season by a week really stinks; I’m not going to lie," Hill said. "Rules are rules though, and I know Todd Bodine will get the job done. On the bright side, Phoenix will be a good place to make my debut. I ran a K&N race there in November, so I’m familiar with the track.”

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