Darlington: Michael Annett race report

Michael Annett's Top-12 Finish at "Too Tough to Tame" Darlington Boosts Momentum for No. 15 Pilot Travel Centers Team

Darlington, S.C. (May 9, 2010) -- On his second date with the "Lady in Black," 23 year old Michael Annett and the No. 15 Pilot Travel Centers team made a consistent performance on Darlington Raceway's challenging 1.366 mile egg-shaped oval resulting an 11th place finish.

Annett started the 147 lap NASCAR Nationwide Series Royal Purple 200 presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts in the 29th spot and was able to gain valuable track position throughout the night by passing cars from the time the green flag dropped for the start of the race. By lap 85, he had driven the No. 15 Pilot Travel Centers Toyota Camry into the top-15.

In close racing quarters all night, the chemistry built between Annett and his spotter Jason Jarrett proved to work as the young driver avoided mishap on the track with a total of nine caution flags for 42 laps under caution.

"We were consistent all night," said crew chief Ryan "Rudy" Fugle, "Bringing home this top-12 finish is exactly what we needed. Once again we showed our team's strength and that we are capable of competing in the top-10. Even though it wasn't a win, it was a small victory for our entire team. We'll take this momentum and head on to Dover next week."

"The No. 15 Pilot Travel Centers team worked hard all day and it paid off with a very respectable finish. We proved ourselves finishing 11th tonight. Darlington is one of the toughest and most challenging tracks on the circuit. "Too Tough to Tame" fits it well. To come out of here with the car in one piece and with a really good finish is awesome. We're ready to continue this success and head into the summer stretch of races," noted Annett.

"Tonight was fun. Michael did a great job behind the wheel, Rudy had some really good pit strategy and the guys did some great pit stops. I think choosing to take only two right side tires in the last pit stop really made it work. That was a good call on Rudy's part," said spotter Jason Jarrett, son of former driver Dale Jarrett and grandson of racing legend Ned Jarrett.

Annett was one of only three NASCAR Nationwide Series regulars to finish in the top-12 at the track "Too Tough to Tame" amongst a field made up of several double-duty drivers. His 11th place finish boosted his position in the point standings two places from 17th to 15th, just 72 points outside of the top-10.

The No. 15 Pilot Travel Centers team will now venture to Dover International Speedway for the NASCAR Nationwide Series Heluva Good! 200. At a track where he received Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors in his last race there, Annett and his team will take the energy from their top-12 finish at Darlington and look for another respectable run at Dover.

-source: germain racing