The NASCAR community is in mourning following the sudden and tragic passing of former competitor Michael Annett, who died at the age of 39. Annett, a familiar face across all three national series of the sport, achieved a significant victory in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts (formerly Xfinity) Series during his career. Details surrounding the cause of his death have not yet been released.
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Annett’s racing journey spanned over a decade, leaving a notable imprint on the sport. He first entered the national spotlight in the ARCA Racing Series, securing two wins at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007 and Daytona International Speedway in 2008. These early successes foreshadowed his potential and paved the way for his transition into NASCAR’s national divisions.
Annett’s presence in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series was brief but impactful. He competed in nine Truck Series races, achieving a runner-up finish at Kentucky Speedway in 2008, finishing a mere half-second behind race winner Johnny Benson Jr. This performance demonstrated his capability to contend at the highest levels.
The majority of Annett’s career achievements were realized in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (now Xfinity Series). Between 2008 and 2021, he participated in 321 races, showcasing remarkable consistency and a dedication to the sport. His performances in this series often saw him ranked highly, with a notable fifth-place finish in the championship standings in 2012 while driving for Richard Petty Motorsports. Over the course of his NOAPS career, Annett secured six top-ten finishes in the championship standings, a testament to his enduring competitiveness.
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His most celebrated moment in NASCAR came in 2019 when he captured his lone national series victory at Daytona International Speedway, winning the season-opener. This triumph was achieved while driving for JR Motorsports, a team co-owned by NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. His teammate, Justin Allgaier, finished immediately behind him, underscoring the strength of the JR Motorsports program that day.
Annett also made a significant mark in the NASCAR Cup Series, competing full-time from 2014 to 2016. During this period, he started 106 Cup Series races, with his best finish being 13th in the iconic 2015 Daytona 500. He drove for notable teams such as Tommy Baldwin Racing and later Harry Scott Motorsports. While his Cup Series finishes in the championship standings did not reach the heights of his Xfinity Series campaigns, often placing outside the top 30, his participation in the premier series showcased his ambition and commitment to challenging himself against the sport’s elite.
JR Motorsports issued a heartfelt statement following the news of Annett’s passing: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett," the team stated. "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 tenure at JR Motorsports was instrumental in the team’s growth and success, solidifying his legacy not just as a driver, but as a valuable contributor to a prominent racing organization.
Annett’s final NASCAR national series start occurred in 2021 at Phoenix Raceway, where he finished eleventh in the season finale. That same year, he was sidelined for a portion of the season due to a stress fracture in his right femur, a challenge he overcame to return to the track.
NASCAR released an official statement expressing its deep 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 career, also shared their 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." This significant sponsorship underscores the loyalty and respect Annett garnered from his commercial partners.
The NASCAR world has been quick to remember Annett, with many drivers, team owners, and fans sharing their tributes and fond memories on social media and in statements. His impact extended beyond his on-track performances, with many highlighting his character, sportsmanship, and positive demeanor. The loss is felt deeply across the racing community, a testament to the genuine connections forged within the tight-knit world of professional motorsport.
Michael Annett’s career, though cut short, was marked by dedication, resilience, and a genuine passion for racing. From his early days in ARCA to his victories and competitive runs in the Xfinity Series and his participation in the Cup Series, Annett consistently demonstrated the spirit of a racer. His contributions to teams like JR Motorsports further solidified his place in the sport’s history. The racing world will undoubtedly remember Michael Annett for his contributions, his character, and the indelible mark he left on NASCAR.
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