NASCAR Community Mourns Loss of Former Series Winner Michael Annett at 39

The motorsports world is in mourning following the tragic and unexpected death of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett, who passed away at the age of 39. Annett, a respected competitor across all three national series of NASCAR, achieved a significant victory in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity Series) during his career. Details surrounding the cause of his passing have not yet been publicly disclosed.

Annett’s career in the premier NASCAR Cup Series spanned from 2014 to 2016, during which he entered 106 races. His most notable performance in the Cup Series came in the 2015 Daytona 500, where he secured a 13th-place finish. Throughout his Cup Series tenure, he drove for notable teams such as Tommy Baldwin Racing and later Harry Scott Motorsports. While he did not achieve a top-tier championship standing in the Cup Series, often finishing outside the top 30, his most substantial career achievements were found at the secondary level of the sport.

Between 2008 and 2021, Annett accumulated 321 starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. A significant portion of this time was spent as a driver for JR Motorsports, a team co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. It was with JR Motorsports that Annett achieved his sole NASCAR national series victory. In a memorable moment on February 16, 2019, he captured the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway, with his JR Motorsports teammate Justin Allgaier finishing a close second. This win marked a career highlight for the Des Moines, Iowa native.

Annett’s performance in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series was consistently strong, demonstrating his talent and dedication. He achieved a career-best fifth-place finish in the championship standings in 2012, while competing for Richard Petty Motorsports. Over the course of his extensive career in the series, he recorded six top-ten finishes in the championship standings, underscoring his competitive presence.

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Beyond his Xfinity Series success, Annett also made brief forays into the NASCAR Truck Series. He participated in nine Truck Series races, earning a runner-up finish at Kentucky Speedway in 2008, where he finished just half a second behind race winner Johnny Benson Jr. His early career also included success in the ARCA Menards Series, where he secured two victories: one at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007 and another at Daytona International Speedway in 2008.

Annett’s final appearance at the national level of NASCAR competition was in 2021. He concluded his career with an eleventh-place finish in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway. That same year, he was sidelined for several races due to a stress fracture in his right femur, a challenge he overcame to return to competition.

The racing community has responded with widespread tributes to Annett’s character and contributions to the sport. JR Motorsports issued a statement expressing their condolences: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett. 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."

NASCAR itself released a formal statement acknowledging Annett’s passing: "NASCAR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett. Michael was a respected competitor whose determination, professionalism, and positive spirit were felt by everyone in the garage. Throughout his career, he represented our sport with integrity and the passion of a true racer. NASCAR extends its condolences to Michael’s family and many friends."

Pilot Flying J, a long-time sponsor of Annett throughout a significant portion of his career, also shared their sentiments: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Annett family, the JRM Motorsports team and the entire NASCAR community. It was our privilege to sponsor Michael for 14 seasons and fuel his love for racing. Pilot will be making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his memory and extends our deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends and fans."

Annett’s presence in the NASCAR garage was often noted for his professionalism and sportsmanship. He was a familiar face for many seasons, building relationships with fellow drivers, team members, and fans. His career, though marked by a significant win in the Xfinity Series and consistent performances, also represented the journey of many drivers who strive for success in the highly competitive world of stock car racing. The news of his premature death has sent shockwaves through the sport, prompting reflections on his career and the impact he had on those around him. The full scope of his legacy will undoubtedly continue to be shared and remembered by the NASCAR community in the days and weeks to come.

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