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The motorsports world is in mourning following the tragic and sudden passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett, who died at the age of 39. Annett, a decorated competitor who raced across all three of NASCAR’s national series, achieved significant success, most notably as a race winner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Details surrounding the cause of his death have not yet been released.
Annett’s career in the premier NASCAR Cup Series spanned from 2014 to 2016. During this period, he entered 106 Cup races, with his strongest performance coming in the 2015 Daytona 500 where he secured a 13th-place finish. He drove for two different teams in the Cup ranks: Tommy Baldwin Racing and later H Scott Motorsports. While he never finished higher than 33rd in the overall Cup Series standings, his most impactful contributions and victories were found in the Xfinity Series, formerly known as the NASCAR Busch Series and then the Nationwide Series.
Between 2008 and 2021, Annett accumulated 321 starts in the Xfinity Series. He was a consistent presence and a strong contender, including several seasons as a driver for JR Motorsports, the team co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. It was with JR Motorsports that Annett achieved his most celebrated victory. In 2019, he captured the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway, with his teammate Justin Allgaier finishing a close second. This win marked a significant moment in his career and a highlight for the JR Motorsports organization.
A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Annett’s racing journey began at an earlier level. Before his national series success, he was a two-time winner in the ARCA Menards Series. His ARCA victories came at iconic tracks: Talladega Superspeedway in 2007 and Daytona International Speedway in 2008, foreshadowing his future triumphs on these superspeedways. He also made nine starts in the NASCAR Truck Series, earning a runner-up finish at Kentucky Speedway in 2008, finishing just half a second behind race winner Johnny Benson Jr.
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In the Xfinity Series championship standings, Annett demonstrated considerable talent and consistency. He achieved a career-best fifth-place finish in 2012 while driving for Richard Petty Motorsports. Over the course of his Xfinity career, he secured six top-ten finishes in the championship standings, underscoring his reputation as a formidable competitor.
Annett’s final race at the national level of NASCAR took place in 2021, where he concluded his season with an eleventh-place finish in the Phoenix Raceway finale. That same year, his racing activities were impacted by a stress fracture in his right femur, forcing him to miss a portion of the season.
The outpouring of tributes from the NASCAR community highlights Annett’s positive impact both on and off the track. JR Motorsports issued a heartfelt statement: "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." This sentiment reflects his significant role in the team’s development and success during his tenure.
NASCAR itself released 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 a substantial portion of Annett’s career, also shared a message of remembrance and support. "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." This commitment to a charitable cause in his memory further illustrates the respect and affection Annett garnered within the sport and among its partners.
Michael Annett’s legacy is one of a dedicated racer who competed at the highest levels of stock car racing. His victory at Daytona, his consistent performances in the Xfinity Series, and his professional demeanor made him a well-regarded figure within the NASCAR garage. His passing at such a young age leaves a void in the racing community, and his contributions will be remembered by drivers, team members, sponsors, and fans alike.
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