Iowa Speedway isn't only Michael Annett's home track it's one of the Iowa native's favorite speedways and a place he hopes to do well in Saturday night's NASCAR Nationwide Series U.S. Cellular 250.
Annett has been looking forward to the series' second ever appearance at the Newton, Iowa facility since the start of the 2010 season.
While most Nationwide Series drivers will only be making their second run around Iowa Speedway’s .875 mile track this weekend, Des Moines, Iowa native Annett already holds a prestigious track record at his home track as the driver with the most laps of competitive racing there.
"I've been looking forward to this race all season," said Annett. "I got an amazing feeling during last year’s Nationwide Series race at Iowa when I circled the track and the stands were packed with fans from my home state. Having the support of all those fans makes our sport what it is today, and I’m really excited to see how well NASCAR is being embraced by the fans at Iowa Speedway. I can’t wait to hit the track again on Saturday."
Growing up just miles from the track, Annett gained experience there competing in the ARCA Racing Series as well as the ASA Late Model Series Challenge Division events.
Annett made his debut in ARCA at Iowa Speedway in June 2007, where the young driver won the pole, led eight laps of the 250-lap race, and came home with a third-place finish as he made his first start in the series. The Germain Racing driver also scored an 11th-place finish in the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series debut at Iowa Speedway.
"I take a lot of pride in my home track. It’s one of the nicest facilities we visit, and a fun track to compete on as well," said Annett. "Heading into race week at Iowa, I spend the whole week making appearances in the area and catching up with those who have been there for me since the start of my racing career. My family, friends, fan base and many of my sponsors are here in the Midwest, so it's a fun week leading into race day at Iowa Speedway."
