NASCAR Nationwide Series Press Releases

Firecracker Finish at Daytona for Michael Annett, Oakley and Infinite Hero Foundation
Sixth Place Finish Qualifies RWR Driver for Next Nationwide Insurance Dash 4 Cash Race

July 2, Daytona Beach, FL--- Leading the field to the finish line on the last lap of Saturday night's Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway, Michael Annett's chance for his first career victory in the NASCAR Nationwide Series was cut short when his teammate and drafting partner, Steve Wallace, suffered from a blown motor pushing Annett's No. 62 Oakley/Infinite Hero Foundation Toyota to the checkers. Settling for a sixth place finish in what looked to be a one-two finish for the Rusty Wallace Racing organization, Annett earned his third top-10 finish in the last four Nationwide Series events.

"I would've been happier if we were in victory lane. That's definitely the closest I've been in my Nationwide Series career to actually seeing it. We did everything right and unfortunately my teammate, Steve, blew up off of turn two on the last lap and I lost my pusher. I tried my hardest to tag on to one of the other groups going by us, and sixth was all we could do," said Annett, "We're really excited for another top-10 finish for the No. 62 team, but knowing we could've been the top-two finishers in the pack and just couldn't make it is tough to swallow."

Annett's sixth place finish in Nationwide Insurance's first of four Dash 4 Cash races of the 2011 season qualified him for the second Dash 4 Cash event which takes place at his home track, Iowa Speedway, on August 6. Jason Leffler (second), Daytona Dash 4 Cash winner Reed Sorenson (third) and Justin Allgaier (fifth) are also eligible for the $100,00 Dash 4 Cash bonus at Iowa Speedway next month.

"I'm really excited about being one of the four drivers to qualify for the second Dash 4 Cash payout, and what makes it even better is that I'll be competing for the $100,000 bonus on my home track, Iowa Speedway. Nationwide Insurance does a great job making this series and series regulars like me stand out, and being able to be a part of their Dash 4 Cash program at my favorite track on the circuit is something I'm really looking forward to," said Annett.

Heading into the series' next event at Kentucky Speedway, Annett is seated 10^th in the championship point standings and has the momentum of two consecutive top-10 finishes leading him into the second half of the 34 race Nationwide Series schedule. Watch Kentucky Speedway's Feed the Children 300 live on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, July 8.

The NASCAR Foundation Celebrates Five Years as “Heart of NASCAR”
$11.5 Million Have Helped Children Live, Learn and Play

February 14, Daytona Beach, FL--- Since 2006, The NASCAR Foundation and its supporters have been the heart of the NASCAR community, encouraging, facilitating and guiding philanthropic efforts. In five years, The NASCAR Foundation has awarded $11.5 million in charitable donations.

The effort of The NASCAR Foundation has served more than 600 charities, assisted in providing 20,000 children with medical treatment each year at Speediatrics’ hospital units in Daytona Beach and Miami, Fla., given more than 1,000 children the Victory Junction camping experience, and fulfilled 500 NASCAR Dreams by bringing youth to a race track for a once-in-a-lifetime NASCAR race experience.

The NASCAR Foundation is dedicated to raising funds and increasing volunteerism to support charities and charitable causes throughout the nation with an emphasis placed on initiatives that help children to live happier, healthier lives.

“Since the beginning, The NASCAR Foundation has been devoted to serving others and positively impacting the lives of those it reaches,” said Mike Helton, president of NASCAR and The NASCAR Foundation board member. “The number of people and organizations we have been able to support in only five years proves our dedication to the vision of Betty Jane France in establishing The NASCAR Foundation to improve the lives of others. As we look to the future, we are more committed than ever to uniting the sport in efforts to improve the lives of children in need.”

The support of NASCAR fans across the country has played a major role in the accomplishments of The Foundation. Fans can continue to engage with The NASCAR Foundation initiatives by making a contribution or by joining The NASCAR Foundation Volunteer Network. In 2011, the Volunteer Network will provide more opportunities than ever before to serve children in need in local communities across the United States.

NASCAR Day, to be celebrated on Friday, May 20, is an annual charitable celebration of the NASCAR spirit that enables the entire NASCAR community to join together to make a difference in the lives of children. On this day, fans, corporate partners, drivers, teams and tracks are encouraged to donate time through volunteer service.

Feel your heart race™ beginning Monday, February 14, by making a $10 donation to receive a limited-edition NASCAR Day pin at WWW.NASCAR.COM/foundation, or at the Sprint Experience display at-track, beginning on Thursday, February 17. Proceeds will benefit Victory Junction, a camp for children with chronic medical conditions.

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Inc., (NASCAR) launched The NASCAR Foundation in January 2006. The Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit entity that embodies the compassion of the NASCAR family and its commitment to serving communities. The NASCAR Foundation seeks to raise funds and increase volunteerism to support nonprofit charities and charitable causes throughout the nation with an emphasis placed on initiatives that affect the ability of children to live, learn and play. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, please visit the website: WWW.NASCAR.COM/foundation.

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