Michael Annett Secures First Top-10 Finish of 2011 Nationwide Series Season

In his 85th career Nationwide Series start, Rusty Wallace Racing’s Michael Annett earned his first top-10 finish of his 2011 Nationwide Series campaign on Saturday. Under the lights at Chicagoland Speedway, Annett drove his No. 62 Pilot Flying J Toyota Camry from an 11th place start to a ninth place finish despite running out of fuel on the final lap of the 200 lap STP 300. The 24-year-old racer’s top-10 finish moved him to 10th in the Nationwide Series championship point standings.


“I’m really proud of my guys this week. We finally got a finish we deserve, and this should be the perfect momentum builder for the season ahead,” said Annett, “We unloaded one of the best cars I’ve had all season, and we consistently got better throughout Friday’s practice sessions and the race. This season’s start hasn’t played out quite as expected, but our ninth place finish proves that we’ve taken a turn in the right direction. I definitely think we’re on the path to contending with the top-10 week-in and week-out, so I look forward to the rest of the season. Thanks to my team for all of their hard work, and thank you to my sponsor, Pilot Flying J, for their partnership and support.”


Annett’s crew chief commented, “Great job all around this weekend. Michael battled a loose handling racecar and was still able to keep it consistent and finish in the top-10. We knew we were cutting it extremely close on fuel, so conserving it was key. Michael did a good job doing that and we ran out just in time to be able to finish it. We’ll take this top-10 and head to our next race in Michigan looking for another strong run.”


Saturday’s ninth place finish gave Rusty Wallace Racing the organization’s fourth top-10 finish of the 2011 season.


The No. 62 Pilot Flying J team will enjoy a week free from competition before traveling to Michigan International Speedway the following week for the Nationwide Series Alliance Truck Parts 250. Watch and listen live to the 125 lap event on Saturday, June 18 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC and MRN Radio.

 

Rusty Wallace Racing PR