Bill Davis Racing Signs Annett As Development Driver

High Point, NC (AHN) - Bill Davis Trucking may be going through a transition period, but Bill Davis Racing, owned by the same person, appears to be thriving.

While Bill Davis Trucking, Inc., founded in 1975 by Bill and Gail Davis, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to an injury accident and an ensuing lawsuit against the Batesville, Ark., company, Bill Davis Racing signed Michael Annett as a development driver.

"This has been a very unfortunate chain of events and Gail and I certainly hate that it ever had to happen," said Bill Davis of the bankruptcy. "Bill Davis Trucking and Bill Davis Racing are two completely separate entities and the race team will in no way be affected by today's announcement."

Annett will join the team in 2008 to drive a BDR entry in the 10 ARCA RE/MAX Series races while also participating in the testing program, which will be overseen by competition director Tommy Baldwin.

The 21-year-old Des Moines, Iowa native run in the ASA Late Model Series and has an impressive 60 percent top-10 completion rate. In 2007, Annett compiled one win, one pole, two top-five and four top-10 finishes in only four ARCA 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 Toyota 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.

"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."