TEAM REPORTS (DAYTONA, FLA.) - Bill Davis/Michael Annett - Pilot Travel Centers Toyota

Michael Annett and his No. 28 Pilot Travel Centers Toyota went to the ARCA RE/MAX Series’ first race of the season at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway with high hopes. Annett had never raced on the track before, but he was confident that his Bill Davis Racing crew would have his Camry up to speed. His Camry was the same machine that captured both Annett and Toyota’s first ARCA victory at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway last October.

Annett ran near the top of the speed charts during the practice session earlier in the week and wound up with the sixth-fastest car. The No. 28 Pilot Camry team was ready for its Friday morning qualifying session.

After posting an incredible lap time of 49.702 seconds (181.070 mph), Annett would start the 80-lap race in the third position.

The ARCA race was the first race during Speedweeks at Daytona, so Annett and the rest of the ARCA RE/MAX Series drivers were ready to get things underway for the 2008 season. As the green flag waved over the field, Annett began to show his tremendous talent to the world.

Annett rode along for the first 20 laps, though he knew his Toyota Camry was faster than the cars in front of him. He just patiently waited for the right moment. The caution flag waved on lap 22, and Annett joined the rest of the frontrunners on pit road.

Several teams opted not to pit, so Annett restarted 13th after his four-tire stop. He knew he needed to make up ground fast. However, “The Big One” happened on lap 30, and the race was placed under red flag conditions for 14 minutes while track crews attempted to clear the wreckage.

The race restarted with Annett in the third position. He reported to his crew chief, Joe Lax, that his car was neutral and it was driving well. By lap 49, Annett took the lead and showed Toyota’s and Bill Davis’s strength on the track.

Annett battled many close competitors and maintained his lead throughout the remainder of the race. He captured his second career ARCA victory in just his fifth start.