Michael Annett, a veteran NASCAR driver who competed in 436 races across the sport’s three national touring series, has died at the age of 39.
JR Motorsports, the team with which Annett spent the final years of his racing career, announced his passing on Friday. No cause of death was disclosed at the time of the announcement.
NASCAR released a statement acknowledging the loss of the Iowa native, describing him as “a respected competitor, whose determination, professionalism, and positive spirit were felt by everyone in the garage.” The organization expressed deep sadness at the news, reflecting the sentiment felt throughout the racing community.
Annett’s racing career spanned more than a decade in NASCAR’s competitive ranks. He made 321 starts in the Xfinity Series, the sport’s second-tier national division, with 158 of those races coming under the JR Motorsports banner. Dale Earnhardt Jr., the team’s co-owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer, signed Annett to the organization in 2017, beginning a partnership that would last until Annett’s retirement in 2021.
The pinnacle of Annett’s career came in February 2019 when he captured the Xfinity Series season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway. The victory at one of NASCAR’s most prestigious venues represented the culmination of years of dedication to the sport and established him as a winner at the highest levels of stock car racing.
JR Motorsports characterized Annett as “a key member” of their organization during his tenure with the team. His time with JRM represented the most stable and successful period of his NASCAR career, providing him with competitive equipment and a supportive environment in which to showcase his abilities.
Annett’s final season in 2021 was complicated by a stress fracture in his leg that forced him to miss portions of the schedule. Despite the injury, he completed the season before announcing his retirement from full-time competition.
A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Annett also achieved success in the ARCA Menards Series, a developmental series that serves as a stepping stone to NASCAR’s national divisions. He secured two victories in ARCA competition, first at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007, followed by a win in the series opener at Daytona International Speedway in 2008. These early victories helped establish his credentials as a rising talent in stock car racing.
Throughout his career, Annett represented the perseverance and dedication required to compete at NASCAR’s highest levels. His presence in the garage area and his professionalism on the track earned him the respect of fellow competitors and team members alike.
The racing community now mourns the loss of a driver who gave more than a decade of service to the sport and left an indelible mark on those who worked alongside him.
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