Tough Day in Daytona

Race Release posted on 03/02/2009

NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Michael Annett and his Germain Racing team are determined to bringing home a strong finish at the Auto Club Speedway following a tough day at Daytona International Speedway. The fastest qualifying Raybestos Rookie of the Year candidate, Annett started 18th in Saturday’s Camping World 300, but was faced with misfortune during the 120 lap race with tire and electrical problems.
 
Starting in the ninth row, Annett moved up three spots to the 15th position by lap three, but was forced to pit under green on lap 17 when the right rear tire went flat after running over debris.  The unscheduled, green flag stop caused the No. 15 Pilot Travel Centers/HYPE Energy Drinks Toyota Camry to go down a lap after rejoining the field in the 41st position. A strong and determined effort was displayed by Annett and the Germain Racing team as they focused on regaining the lap.
 
By the second of six cautions on lap 55, Annett had raced his way into position to earn the Aaron's Lucky Dog Free Pass. With the Free Pass, Annett restarted the race in the 35th position at the tail end of the lead lap when racing resumed at the half way mark of the race.
 
Annett quickly gained several positions moving the Germain Racing Toyota into the 16th position by the fourth caution, at lap 80. 

After a short green flag run, a fifth caution slowed the field for four laps when the No. 15 Pilot Travel Centers/HYPE Energy Drinks Toyota Camry stopped for its final set of sticker tires, fuel and minor adjustments.  The restart at lap 93 found the No. 15 Toyota Camry losing power.  Able to bring the car to pit road, Annett was forced again to pit under green. He returned to the race eight laps down with only 19 laps left in the race.
 
“We were optimistic after receiving the Aaron’s Lucky Dog, and I really thought our No. 15 team could pull off a good finish in Daytona. We had a great car, but just had some hard luck today.” Although disappointed with the outcome, Annett commented, “Our Germain Racing team has a lot of good things ahead of us and we’re looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Annett finished 35th in the Camping World 300 at Daytona International Speedway following tire and electrical issues, but a great effort from both the driver and crew of the Germain Racing No. 15. Full time Cup Series drivers Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Busch and Greg Biffle finished in the top five, respectively.

Pondering the day’s race, crew chief Bruce Cook commented, “We’ll all just have to learn from today, and move onto California with great expectations.” That’s exactly what the Germain Racing Pilot Travel Centers/HYPE Energy Drink team will do.

The Stater Bros. 300 at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. starts at 7 p.m. EST on Saturday, Feb. 21. Live broadcast of the race can be seen on ESPN2.

Additional news and information on Michael Annett can be found on www.michaelannett.com and www.myspace.com/michaelannett.

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