NASCAR has placed NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Michael Annett, driver of the No. 62 Rusty Wallace Racing entry, on probation until Dec. 31 following the driver recently being charged with driving while impaired following a two-car accident.
Annett violated the section of the NASCAR rulebook dealing with actions detrimental to stock car racing in the Feb. 6 incident.
In addition to the steps already under way by Rusty Wallace Racing, Annett will be evaluated by a certified substance-abuse professional at NASCAR’s discretion and will be subject to random alcohol and drug testing, according to a NASCAR release.
According to an AP report, Annett also was charged with resisting arrest, failure to reduce speed and unlawful use of a mobile phone to text or send e-mail. All counts are misdemeanors. He has a March 18 court date. Annett was charged after police say he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.32 percent — well above the 0.08 legal limit in North Carolina — after he rear-ended another car at a red light at 1:32 a.m. Sunday.
Annett is entering his third year in the Nationwide Series. He spent his first two years at Germain Racing and was 13th in the standings last season.
Rusty Wallace Racing has also said it will impose sanctions on Annett, including completion of an alcohol awareness program and a yearlong community service program. He also faces additional ''internal sanctions.''
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
