Catchfence

Bristol, Tenn. (March 23, 2009) – In his first NASCAR Nationwide Series
start at Bristol Motor Speedway Michael Annett was able to avoid major
mishap in Thunder Valley on Saturday. Holding steady in the top 15 for
the majority of the Scotts Turf Builder 300 the young driver maneuvered
his Toyota Camry around the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway staying
near the front and avoiding any major damage. After cutting a tire in the
final laps, the rookie finished the race in 20th position.

Annett’s finish in the Scotts Turf Builder 300 moved the NASCAR
Nationwide Series rookie driver eight spots in the Nationwide Series
points standings to 22nd, only 75 points out of tenth place.

Not only was a great effort put forth by Annett, driver of the No. 15
Pilot Travel Centers/HYPE Energy Drinks Toyota Camry, but the caution
filled race also allowed the Germain Racing pit crew led by crew chief
Bruce Cook to show their skills. The yellow flag was thrown ten times
during the 300 lap race for a total of 62 laps under caution totaling four
pit stops for the team.

Commenting on the performance of his No. 15 Pilot Travel Centers/HYPE
Energy Drinks crew, Annett said, “I can’t ask for more from my guys on
pit road. They do a great job every week and Bristol was no different.
They did an awesome job.”

Annett was able to steer clear of the incidents that caused the ten
cautions on Saturday. Starting 21st, Annett moved up quickly and stayed
in the top 15 for most of the race. During the 9th caution with only 45
laps remaining the team elected to stay on track to lead a lap, as a
result earning five bonus points toward the championship points chase.

“I was fortunate to avoid all the incidents that this type of track can
breed and bring the car home in one piece,” noted Annett. “Having
Slugger (Labbe) as my spotter is a huge benefit and having on the roof is
priceless. He kept me out of trouble all day.

Annett was running 13th on lap 295 when he cut the right front tire
forcing the driver to pit under green. The rookie managed to re-enter the
field before the checkered flag, finishing the race in the 20th position.

Annett remarked, “We’ve had a rough start to the season, and
unfortunately our standing doesn’t match the hard work and determination
the crew and Bruce (Cook) have put into the season. It’s disappointing
to have the luck we’ve had at the end of the last two races. We’re
going to keep working hard and look forward to moving on to Texas, we’re
hopeful that the next race will reverse our luck and we’ll come home
with a top-ten finish that reflects all the extra effort this team puts
forth.”

The No. 15 Pilot Travel Centers/HYPE Energy Drinks Toyota Camry will have
a week off prior to returning to action at Texas Motor Speedway for the
O’Reilly 300 on April 2-4. On track activities for the O’Reilly 300
begin April 2 with two practice sessions and qualifying. The O’Reilly
300 starts at 2 p.m. CDT on Saturday, April 4.

For more information on Michael Annett, please visit www.michaelannett.com.

- Rising Star Management Group Press Release