Annett hot for Hu-Hot

Michael Annett didn't get to spend too much time, but what he did was enjoyable.

The NASCAR Nationwide Series driver from Des Moines experienced a warm welcome at his favorite restaurant before heading to Iowa Speedway for practice Friday, preparing for Saturday's DuPont Pioneer 250.

After flying into town at 9 a.m., Annett squeezed in lunch at Hu-Hot Mongolian Grill in Des Moines after about 20 radio interviews.

"This is awesome," Annett said during a news conference at the Iowa Speedway Media Center.

Annett said he has been eating at the restaurant almost twice a week for eight years. No one has ever recognized him until today when a manager approached him, identified him and offered Annett some t-shirts and hats.

"He brought  everybody over and bought our lunch," Annett said, "and gave me this little chef hat to wear when I make my stir fry at home, so I think I was finally welcomed by the Mongolians."