Catchfence

Newton, Iowa (August 3, 2009) – In front of a sold-out crowd, Iowa
Speedway’s Nationwide Series debut on Saturday led Iowa native, Michael
Annett, to an 11th place finish in the U.S. Cellular 250 presented by
Northland Oil and TMC Transportation.

Fighting a tight handling condition throughout the weekend, Annett started
the 250 lap race in 36th, but with willpower and determination, drove his
No. 15 Northland Oil Camry to the front of the 43 car pack. Breaking into
the top-20 on lap 173, Annett continued to work his way to the front
through the rest of the 250 lap race, running in the top-15 from lap 216
through the drop of the checkered flag.

“It was great to pull off the finish we did after starting so far back
in the field,” said Annett. “I know a lot of family and friends were
in the stands supporting me, so I was excited to bring home the finish we
did for my hardworking No. 15 team, all the fans, and Northland Oil at my
home track.”

The U.S. Cellular 250 was a caution filled race with 12 yellow flags for a
total of 56 laps under caution. Continuously making adjustments throughout
the race, the No. 15 Germain Racing pit crew worked hard on pit road to
improve the car’s tight handling condition and keep Annett on the lead
lap throughout the entire race.

To support Annett’s family friend, Will Krueger, who has Leukemia, the
No. 15 team all wore blue “Will Power” bracelets on Saturday. “Will
Power” is Will’s motto to help him through his battle with Leukemia.

Engineer Ryan Fugle reminded the team, “Remember these Will Power
bracelets we’re all wearing. We’ve got the strength to move on up to
the front.”

And they did. Sporting the logo of the race’s presenting sponsor,
Northland Oil, as the primary sponsor on the car, the No. 15 drove from
the back of the pack, securing Annett’s second 11th place finish of the
season.

Next up for the No. 15 will be the first road course race of the 2009
Nationwide Series season and Annett’s first ever road course start, as
the team ventures to Watkins Glen International. Practice starts on Friday
with qualifying and the 200 mile race following on Saturday. The Zippo 200
at the Glen starts at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday with live coverage on ESPN 2
and MRN Radio.

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

- Rising Star Management Group Press Release