NASCAR Community Mourns the Loss of Michael Annett, Accomplished Racer, at 39

The motorsports world is in mourning following the tragic passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett, who died at the age of 39. Annett, a well-respected competitor throughout his career, competed at all three of NASCAR’s national levels, leaving behind a legacy marked by a significant victory in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The cause of Annett’s death has not been publicly disclosed at this time.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Annett’s journey in professional stock car racing spanned over a decade, showcasing his dedication and skill on the track. His most prominent success came in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (formerly the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series), where he accumulated a notable record. Between 2008 and 2021, Annett participated in 321 Xfinity Series races, achieving consistent performances that placed him among the series’ top contenders.

A significant milestone in Annett’s career was his lone NASCAR national series victory, which occurred in the 2019 Xfinity Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Driving for JR Motorsports, a team co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., Annett secured a memorable win, with his teammate Justin Allgaier finishing a close second. This victory was a highlight of his Xfinity Series tenure, during which he also achieved multiple top-five and top-ten championship standings. In 2012, while competing for Richard Petty Motorsports, he achieved his highest championship finish, securing fifth place. Over his Xfinity Series career, he recorded six top-ten finishes in the championship standings.

Annett also made a significant impact in the NASCAR Cup Series, competing full-time from 2014 to 2016. During this period, he started 106 Cup Series races. His best finish in the prestigious Daytona 500 came in 2015, where he finished 13th. Throughout his Cup Series career, Annett drove for prominent teams including Tommy Baldwin Racing and later H Scott Motorsports. While he did not achieve a Cup Series victory, his participation in the sport’s premier division underscored his commitment and ambition. His highest Cup Series championship standing was 33rd.

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Beyond the Xfinity and Cup Series, Annett also demonstrated his racing prowess in other NASCAR divisions. He entered nine NASCAR Truck Series races, achieving a runner-up finish at Kentucky Speedway in 2008, finishing just half a second behind race winner Johnny Benson Jr. Prior to his national series career, Annett also achieved success in ARCA, winning twice: at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007 and at Daytona International Speedway in 2008.

JR Motorsports, the team where Annett spent a crucial part of his Xfinity Series career from 2017 until his retirement in 2021, released a statement acknowledging his contributions. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett," the statement read. "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."

Annett’s final NASCAR national series start occurred in 2021 at Phoenix Raceway, where he finished eleventh in the season finale. Earlier that year, he had missed a number of races due to a stress fracture in his right femur, a challenge he had to overcome to complete his final season.

NASCAR issued an official statement expressing its sorrow: "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-standing sponsor for Annett throughout a significant portion of his racing career, also shared its condolences. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Annett family, the JRM Motorsports team and the entire NASCAR community," the company stated. "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."

The broader NASCAR community has been active in remembering Annett, with many sharing their experiences and tributes to the late driver. His presence in the garage and on the track was characterized by a professional demeanor and a genuine passion for the sport. His career, while marked by a single national series victory, was a testament to his perseverance and dedication to racing at the highest levels.

Michael Annett’s contributions to NASCAR, particularly his impact at JR Motorsports and his consistent performances in the Xfinity Series, have cemented his place in the sport’s history. His passing at a relatively young age serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life, even for those who seemingly possess the strength and resilience of elite athletes. The outpouring of grief and remembrance from teams, fellow drivers, sponsors, and fans underscores the positive impression he made on the NASCAR world.