Michael Annett, NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion and Cup Competitor, Dies at 39

February 10, 2024 – Michael Annett, a respected figure in NASCAR who achieved victory in the Xfinity Series and competed at the sport’s highest Cup level, has tragically passed away. He was 39 years old. Annett’s career spanned nearly two decades, during which he participated in all three of NASCAR’s national touring series: the Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and the premier Cup Series.

Annett’s professional racing career began to take shape in the ARCA Racing Series, a developmental series for NASCAR. He secured two victories in ARCA competition, triumphing at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007 and at Daytona International Speedway in 2008. These early successes foreshadowed his ability to perform on prominent ovals.

Transitioning to the NASCAR Truck Series, Annett made a limited but impactful debut in 2008. He entered nine races, achieving a strong runner-up finish at Kentucky Speedway. In that event, he narrowly missed victory, finishing just half a second behind the winner, Johnny Benson Jr., showcasing his potential in national-level competition.

The bulk of Annett’s national series experience came in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (formerly the Busch Series and Nationwide Series). Between 2008 and 2021, he competed in 321 races. During this extensive tenure, Annett became a familiar face and a consistent contender. He achieved a notable career-high fifth-place finish in the championship standings in 2012 while driving for Richard Petty Motorsports. His time with Richard Petty Motorsports was a significant period, demonstrating his ability to contend for top positions within a storied NASCAR organization.

Related News :

Annett’s crowning achievement in NASCAR came in 2019 when he secured his lone national series victory in the Xfinity Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway. This significant win was achieved while driving for JR Motorsports, a team co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. The victory at Daytona, a track known for its unpredictability and challenging racing, cemented his place in the series’ history. His association with JR Motorsports was a substantial part of his career, and the team acknowledged his contribution to their growth.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett," JR Motorsports stated in a release. "Michael was a key member of JRM from 2017 until he retired in 2021 and was an important part in turning us into the four-car organization we remain today." This sentiment highlights Annett’s role not just as a driver but as a contributing force to the team’s development and success.

Beyond his Xfinity Series accomplishments, Annett also made a mark in the NASCAR Cup Series. He transitioned to full-time Cup competition from 2014 through 2016, starting a total of 106 races. During his Cup career, he drove for teams including Tommy Baldwin Racing and Harry Scott Motorsports. While wins eluded him in the Cup Series, he achieved respectable performances, with a best finish of 13th in the prestigious 2015 Daytona 500. This result at NASCAR’s biggest event demonstrated his capability to compete at the highest level of the sport.

Annett’s final NASCAR national series start occurred in 2021, where he finished eleventh in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway. This marked the end of his extensive career on the national stage. Notably, he missed a portion of the 2021 season due to a stress fracture in his right femur, an injury that temporarily sidelined him from competition.

The news of Annett’s passing has sent ripples of sadness throughout the NASCAR community. Tributes have begun to pour in from drivers, team owners, and fans, remembering his dedication, talent, and sportsmanship. Details regarding the cause of his death have not yet been publicly disclosed.

Michael Annett’s legacy in NASCAR is one of perseverance and dedication. From his early ARCA wins to his significant victory in the Xfinity Series and his time competing against the sport’s elite in the Cup Series, he left an indelible mark. His contributions to JR Motorsports and his competitive spirit will be remembered by many within the racing world. He is survived by his family, to whom the NASCAR community extends its deepest condolences during this difficult time.