Following his injuries after the scary crash at Daytona a few weeks ago, Nationwide driver Michael Annett will be replaced by Reed Sorenson until he recovers from surgery for a fractured and dislocated sternum.
According to ESPN.com, Annett had surgery following a crash at the Feb. 23 opener at Daytona International Speedway and is expected to be out of action six to eight weeks. The report says that Sorenson will be in the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports car for the race at Las Vegas and will take over until Annett can return.
"It's an unfortunate situation for the team and Michael," Sorenson said in a team release. "I have been to the hospital to see him, and he will be fine, but it's going to take some time to heal. As a friend for a long time, my initial reaction was concern. I'm glad that he's recovering now.''
Annett originally was injured on lap 116 at the Daytona Nationwide opener in an 11-car crash and was later treated at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach. After being re-evaluated in North Carolina by doctors, his sternum fracture was discovered and he underwent surgery.
The crash that Annett was involved in was not the highly-publicized accident that sent debris into the grandstand that injured 28 fans. The crash with Annett included 11 cars and came with three laps left in the race. As Annett turned to the right, he slammed head first into the SAFER barrier and was later taken to a Daytona hospital. After being kept overnight, Annett was released the following morning.
Aric Almirola replaced Annett last week at Phoenix on short notice and finished 15th after starting in the 18thspot. Annett was released from the hospital and is recovering from his injuries at home.
"I talked to him about it, and he really wants to see me do well,'' Sorenson said. "This is a big deal for me, and I am going to make the most of it."
