The NASCAR community has been thrown into mourning following the death of former professional driver Michael Annett, who passed away at the age of 39. His death was announced late Friday by JR Motorsports, the team with which Annett spent his final and most stable years in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The news has sparked an emotional wave across the motorsports world, as fans, colleagues and competitors reflect on the journey of a man who built a respected career through sheer grit, humility and resilience.

An Iowa native from Des Moines, Annett carved out a notable presence in American stock-car racing, participating in 436 combined races across NASCAR’s top three national touring series. Although he competed in all categories, his strongest performances came in the Xfinity Series, where he made 321 starts and established himself as a consistent and dependable contender.

Annett’s landmark moment arrived in 2019, when he produced the biggest victory of his career — winning the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway. Driving the No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, he delivered a performance that not only earned him his first national-series win but also symbolized the peak of his professional growth. The win was a milestone he had chased for years, and it solidified his reputation as a disciplined racer capable of rising to the moment.

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. https://t.co/oZdMymjBz6 pic.twitter.com/PUsCZHkXEg

— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) December 6, 2025

Before joining JR Motorsports in 2017, Annett spent years navigating NASCAR’s competitive landscape. He debuted in the Xfinity Series in 2008 and went full-time the following year. His journey took him through several established teams, including Richard Petty Motorsports, Rusty Wallace Racing and Germain Racing. One of the most impressive seasons of his early career came in 2012, when he finished fifth in the series standings, recorded six top-five finishes and closed out the year with 17 top-10 placements — one of the strongest statistical runs of his career.

Annett also tested his skill in the NASCAR Cup Series, competing in 106 races between 2014 and 2016. Driving primarily for underfunded teams such as Tommy Baldwin Racing and HScott Motorsports, Annett faced steep competition and limited resources. Despite these challenges, he managed several respectable performances, including a notable 13th-place finish in the 2015 Daytona 500.

His career, however, was not without adversity. Injuries interrupted multiple seasons, including a fractured sternum in 2013 following a violent crash at Daytona. Later, in 2021, a stress fracture in his right leg forced him to miss several races and ultimately influenced his decision to retire from full-time racing.

Beyond NASCAR, Annett’s early athletic life showed promise in another sport: ice hockey. As a defenseman for the Waterloo Black Hawks in the United States Hockey League, he earned the team’s “Most Improved Player” award in 2004 while helping his squad win the Clark Cup alongside future NHL star Joe Pavelski.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across the motorsports community. JR Motorsports, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., described Annett as a pivotal part of the team’s growth into a four-car operation. NASCAR also issued a statement celebrating his determination, professionalism and spirit.

Former teammates, including Noah Gragson and Sammy Smith, expressed heartbreak over the loss, recalling Annett not just as a competitor but as a warm, supportive figure in the garage. Cup champion Brad Keselowski remembered him as a talented racer whose path reflected both the challenges and unpredictability of professional motorsport.

Michael Annett leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance, loyalty and a deeply respected presence both on and off the track.

FAQ

1. Who was Michael Annett?
Michael Annett was an American professional stock-car driver best known for competing in NASCAR’s Xfinity and Cup Series.

2. How did Michael Annett become famous in NASCAR?
He gained national recognition after winning the 2019 Xfinity Series season opener at Daytona.

3. What teams did Annett drive for?
He raced for JR Motorsports, Richard Petty Motorsports, Rusty Wallace Racing, Germain Racing and several Cup Series teams including Tommy Baldwin Racing and HScott Motorsports.

4. Why did Annett retire from racing?
He retired in 2021 after suffering a stress fracture in his right leg that sidelined him for several races.

5. What other sport did Michael Annett play?
Annett played competitive ice hockey before pursuing a motorsports career.