Michael Annett, driver of the #43 Pilot Ford, walks on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Nationwide Series DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway on February 22, 2013
Photo – Jerry Markland/Getty Images

Everything in life carries risks. Every time we wake up and get ready for the day, everything we do has its own risks. Every time a NASCAR driver climbs behind the wheel and straps in, they know their risk of getting hurt or possibly even killed.

Since NASCAR’s inception, several drivers have lost their lives and countless others have suffered a variety of injuries. When a driver gets hurt, they will still try to climb behind the wheel the following weekend unless it’s prevented by the severity of their injury. They may also have a driver on stand-by for a week or two in case they can’t go the distance.

During this past weekend’s race at Daytona, Michael Annett was caught up in a wreck that sent him to the hospital with pain & bruising in his chest.  Further evaluation led to the diagnosis of a fractured and dislocated sternum, which was corrected with surgery Wednesday. Annett’s injury will keep him out of the car for an indefinite period of time while he heals.  RPM is hopeful that Annett will return to the car in 6-8 weeks, although nothing is definite at this time.

Aric Amirola is going to step in and take over driving duties of the no. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Nationwide entry while Annett heals.

Annett had been looking forward to the 2013 season with high hopes. He finished the 2012 season fifth in points, with six top-fives and 17 top-tens, while still hunting for his elusive first win in Nationwide. This injury will end any chance he has at being a contender in the end of the season and competing for the championship. However, with no championship fight to worry about this year, it is possible that Annett could finally break through and get his first win when he makes his return to the car later this season.