Local Drivers at the Next Level

When flipping through the channels Saturday night, I came across the SPEED channel. The NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series were holding their annual awards ceremonies to culminate the 2009 race season. It was at that point that my uncle reminded me that a local driver, Michael Annett, ran in that series this year.

Michael Annett, a Des Moines native, had a solid rookie season in the NASCAR Nationwide series. Annett finished tenth in the final point standings. While Annett didn't make it to Victory Lane, he did finish with four top-10's in thirty-five starts. His best finish was sixth at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. Annett drove for Germain Racing, a team that also yields a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team with Todd Bodine behind the wheel. Annett is just 23 years old.

Another native Iowan, Brett Moffitt, also enjoyed a very successful season. Moffitt finished third in the NASCAR Camping World Series East while also taking home Most Improved Driver honors. In just thirteen starts, Moffitt finished in the top ten eleven times, including two wins and five top-5's. At the young age of 17 Moffitt broke many age-related records in the Camping World East Series, including youngest ever to lead the point standings, youngest pole sitter, and youngest to win a race. Moffitt drives the #44 Andy Santerre Motorsports Chevy Impala. Moffitt also had the opportunity to jump behind the wheel of Win-Tron Racing's ARCA car at Rockingham late in the season. Moffitt had never sat in a seat of an ARCA car and had never been at the Rockingham track, but that didn't phase the teenager as went home with a tenth place finish.

Another notable dirt track racer, Steve Arpin, also finished his rookie season in the ARCA series. He finished seventh in the final point standings on the strength of eleven top-10's. His best finish was a fourth-place at Pocono Raceway. Arpin is perhaps most noted as a driver of a dirt modified. Some of his accomplishments on dirt include winning the 2007 Florida Speedweeks UMP modifieds Nationals, winning the IMCA Dakota Tour championship in '07, Featherlite Fall Jamboree modified champion in '06, and winning the Wissota 100 at the Cedar Lake Speedway in 2002.

While many dirt track racing enthusiasts may not like asphalt racing much (I'm included in that group), it is neat to see many drivers from the local area and with dirt backgrounds make it to the next level. Obviously drivers like Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Ryan Newman have been extremely successful as well. But the success that Annett and Moffitt have attained so far, from the small state of Iowa, goes to show that the state does have talented drivers. They just need a little recognition to get to the next level.

- Racing may be a hobby, but it's DEFINITELY addictive!!