Drunk NASCAR driver Annett admits guilt

UPDATE NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Michael Annett admits he drank too much and got behind the wheel. Now he's apologizing for his "horrible" judgment and hopes to prove he can turn around his life.

Speaking to reporters at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Annett says he is "definitely owning up" to his mistake.

"I got behind the wheel. I had the keys in my hand. I turned the truck on," Annett said. "It was my choice, and it was a horrible one. It was a huge mistake. Just fortunate enough that nobody got hurt."

Annett was arrested last Sunday and charged with driving while impaired following a two-car accident in Mooresville, N.C. Police say Annett rear-ended another car at a red light and had a blood-alcohol level of 0.32 percent – four times the legal limit in North Carolina.

He also was charged with resisting arrest, failure to reduce speed and unlawful use of a mobile phone to text or send e-mail. He has a March 18 court date.

Asked if he disputes anything he's accused of, Annett said no.

"Not at all," Annett said. "I'm telling you, I'm owning up to everything I did. There's no excuse for it. There's nowhere to point a finger but right back at me. I'm taking full blame and just hoping everybody can learn from this. I know I have. Like I said, it honestly scared the hell out of me."

NASCAR placed Annett on probation for the remainder of the year but has not suspended him. Officials said Annett will be evaluated by a certified substance abuse professional and be subjected to random alcohol and drug testing.

Annett said he is adopting a "zero-tolerance policy" toward drinking and is seeking counseling, attending his first meeting Wednesday. SI.com

02/12/11 NASCAR has placed Nationwide Series driver Michael Annett on probation for the remainder of the year following his arrest on a charge of driving while impaired.

The sport's sanctioning body says Annett will be evaluated by a certified substance abuse professional and be subjected to random alcohol and drug testing. Annett is entering his first season for Rusty Wallace Racing.

He was arrested early Sunday following a two-car accident in Mooresville, N.C. He also was charged with resisting arrest, failure to reduce speed and unlawful use of a mobile phone to text or send e-mail. All counts are misdemeanors. He has a March 18 court date.

Mooresville Police say Annett had a blood-alcohol level of 0.32 percent – four times the 0.08 legal limit in North Carolina.