Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- HAMPTON< GA -- Michael Annett had a renewed drive entering 2019, long before winning last Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway. Now driving the No. 1 Chevy—a tribute to his hero Sammy Swindell—the 32-year-old Des Moines native finally parked it in Victory Lane in his 230th career series start.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- Yes, it happened. For the first time in perhaps five years, fringe NASCAR fans wanted to discuss the Daytona 500. That’s not just a good thing. It’s a great thing.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—The racing in Speedweeks 2019 was not an unqualified success, but the despite the sellout Daytona 500 made up for the perceived lack of excitement in the Clash, the Duels and the Xfinity Series race.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—Denny Hamlin won it for J.D. Just weeks after the J.D. Gibbs, the co-founder of Joe Gibbs Racing and long-time supporter of the driver, died from a degenerative neurological disease, Hamlin broke a 47-race winless streak and returned to Victory Lane at Daytona International Speedway.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.— Daytona 500 practice has ended and Daniel Suarez is picking Joey Logano’s brain outside of the No. 22 Team Penske garage stall at Daytona International Speedway. A crowd has gathered. FOXSports is waiting to do a live shot. But the conversation continues.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—Michael Annett changed his number after last season and changed his luck. After eight years and 230 starts, the 32-year-old Des Moines, Iowa, native finally won in the Xfinity Series.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—After 52 starts in the Gander Outdoors Truck Series, Austin Hill finally scored his first-career win in a wild race at Daytona International Speedway on Friday night.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—Tony Stewart was impressed with the latest track test of the Ford Performance 410 sprint car engine.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE- DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—Hendrick Chevrolets dominated qualifying last Sunday, but it was a Ford Performance show in the Gander RV Duels. Kevin Harvick and Joey Logano secured the second row for the Daytona 500.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—There was a different buzz surrounding Daytona 500 Media Day on Wednesday—and it resonated from the top on down. Once again, there’s change coming to NASCAR. New rules, new schedules, new cars and potentially new manufacturers are on the horizon.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—Kurt Busch has already expressed his concern to the Chevrolet camp. After all, as a former driver at Stewart-Haas Racing, the 2017 Daytona 500 winner understands the importance of being part of the Ford armada when it comes to drafting on restrictor-plate tracks.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.--After a miserable 2018 season, Denny Hamlin has returned to the traditional white paint scheme on the No. 11 Fed Ex Toyota.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—Brennan Poole wasn't willing to walk away from a NASCAR career without a fight. Thanks to On Point Motorsports, he won’t have to.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE-- DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.— Jimmie Johnson’s winless streak ended on Sunday. But the driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet moved race leader Paul Menard and eliminated three-quarters of the field before collecting the Advance Auto Parts Clash trophy.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—Hendrick Motorsports made a statement in qualifying for the Daytona 500 with all four drivers sweeping the top-four speeds.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—Menards has expanded its support of the ARCA Series as the entitlement sponsor. The 65-year-old tour will now be called the ARCA Menards Series.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—Johnny Sauter hopes to prove you can go home again—and win. Sources tell RacinBoys.com that Sauter will return to ThorSport Racing for the 2019 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series season. An announcement is expected early next week.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- DELEON SPRINGS, Fla. —If Justin Haley isn’t answering his phone, don’t be surprised. He’s gone dirt racing.

Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- Which new driver/crew chief combinations have the best opportunity for success in 2019? Following lackluster and winless seasons for some key pairings, a number of prominent teams will have a different look this season as owners hope to breathe life into struggling squads.

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