NASCAR mourns death of former driver Michael Annett at 39

Former NASCAR driver Michael Annett has died at age 39, JR Motorsports (JRM) announced Friday in a social media post and confirmed to NASCAR.com. No cause of death was announced.

Annett, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, made 436 combined starts across NASCAR’s three national touring series during his racing career. He retired from racing in 2021 after a stress fracture in his leg sidelined him for parts of that season.

Who Was Michael Annett?

Annett was a respected NASCAR competitor who made his mark primarily in the Xfinity Series where he recorded 321 starts over his career. His greatest achievement came in 2019 when he won the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway driving the No. 1 JRM Chevrolet, his only win at NASCAR’s national level.

The victory held special significance for JRM co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., who compared it to Michael Waltrip’s 2001 Daytona 500 win after being hired by Dale Earnhardt to drive for Dale Earnhardt, Inc.

Before pursuing stock-car racing, Annett played ice hockey as a defenseman for the United States Hockey League’s Waterloo Black Hawks. His 2004 season earned him a “Most Improved Player” award as his team won the Clark Cup alongside future NHL player Joe Pavelski, who went on to play 18 seasons with the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars, per NASCAR.com.

What To Know

Annett made 158 of his Xfinity Series starts with JRM from 2017 through 2021, helping transform the organization into the four-car team it remains today. He also earned two victories in the ARCA Menards Series, winning at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007 and the series opener at Daytona in 2008.

Annett ascended to the Xfinity Series in 2008 before going full-time in 2009, racing with teams including Germain Racing, Rusty Wallace Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports, according to NASCAR.com. He spent three years at NASCAR’s top level in the Cup Series, driving for Turner Scott Motorsports from 2014 through 2016 and making 106 starts.

Annett’s late father, Harrold, previously served as CEO of TMC Transportation, which sponsored much of Annett’s racing efforts. Harrold also co-owned a sprint-car team which fielded cars for famed dirt-tracker Sammy Swindell, collecting 35 wins in their four years together. TMC Transportation and Pilot Flying J remain sponsors of JRM’s Xfinity endeavors through driver Sammy Smith, who pilots the team’s No. 8 Chevrolet.

What People Are Saying

NASCAR’s statement: “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 multi-media storyteller Steven Taranto said on X: “Michael Annett led a modest 13 laps in 106 NASCAR Cup Series starts. The most came at Talladega in the fall of 2016, where he led six on an off-strategy during a cycle of green flag stops. Broadcast was in a break for this. Watched the raw feed back. Found it poignant.”

NASCAR driver Jeremy Clements said on X: “RIP Michael Annett. Was a pleasure to go to door to door with you for so many years. You’ll be missed.”

JR Motorsports said on X: “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.”

Sammy Smith, JR Motorsports driver, said on X: “Very sad to lose someone who meant so much to me and my family. Michael was a great person to so many, and we’ll miss him a lot.”

Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing co-owner, said in a statement: “Michael was an up-and-comer at the same time I was and he was looking really good. In the end, life took us different paths and all of us who knew him and the talent he had are sad to see him go.”

Team RSMG on X: “We are sad to have lost a family member. Michael Annett will always be in our hearts. Our thoughts are with the Annett family at this time. Rest in peace MA.”

Motorsport on X: “We’re saddened to learn NASCAR driver Michael Annett has died at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

What Happens Next?

The NASCAR and racing community continues to mourn Annett’s passing, with tributes pouring in from former teammates and competitors across the sport.

Details regarding memorial services have not yet been announced.

Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.