Bill Davis Racing signs Michael Annett

Bill Davis Racing (BDR) announced today that Michael Annett will join the team in 2008 to drive a BDR entry in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. Annett will compete in 10 ARCA races during the 2008 campaign and will also participate in a very intensive testing program, which competition director Tommy Baldwin will oversee.

The 21-year-old Des Moines, Iowa native has already made his name known in the racing world. For the last several years, Annett has run in the ASA Late Model Series and has an impressive 60 percent top-10 completion rate. In 2007, Annett decided to take a stab at the next level of competition and set his sights on the ARCA RE/MAX Series. Annett showed the rest of the field he was a natural, compiling one win, one pole, two top-five and four top-10 finishes in only four starts.

“Michael is a natural," said Bill Davis. “He is a young, but very talented driver and he showcased that at Talladega earlier this month. I am thrilled to give him the opportunity to join our program. I think he is a talent we will hear a lot about in the future."

Annett made his first start for BDR at NASCAR’s largest track, Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. Annett dominated the 250-mile race and became the first driver in the 55-year history of the ARCA RE/MAX Series to take the Toyota nameplate to victory lane. Annett qualified in the second position and led all but 19 laps en route to not only his first, but BDR’s first ARCA win as well.

Bill Davis is no stranger to locating young talent. The 20-year NASCAR owner has an eye for talent and has given drivers such as Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte, and Ward Burton their first taste in NASCAR’s elite division. Davis knows what it takes to drive at the highest level of competition and enjoys giving young talent an opportunity to showcase their ability.

"I am really excited and fortunate to have this opportunity with Bill Davis Racing," said Annett. "The people at BDR are first class and the equipment is top notch and well prepared. I am really looking forward to working with Tommy Baldwin, Joe Lax, Mike Brown, and all the great people that support and work at Bill Davis Racing. I can't wait to get down to Daytona and start testing! Our win from Talladega will help us carry a lot of momentum into Daytona. I cannot thank Bill and Gail Davis enough for this chance and look forward to a long and prosperous future with Bill Davis Racing."