Former NASCAR driver Michael Annett has died at the age of 39, four years after retiring from professional racing. The news was confirmed by his former team, JR Motorsports, which announced his passing in a social media post shared last week on December 5th. No cause of death was disclosed.
In a statement, the organization remembered Annett for both his impact on the track and his role during a formative era for the team. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett,” the statement read. “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.”
NASCAR also paid tribute to Annett, who made 430 starts across the sport’s top three national series, calling him a respected competitor whose presence was felt throughout the garage.“Michael was a respected competitor whose determination, professionalism, and positive spirit were felt by everyone in the garage,” officials said in a statement.
“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.”
Several fellow drivers shared their own memories and condolences following the news of his death. Driver Sammy Smith wrote 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.”
© Jared C. TiltonBrad Keselowski also reflected on Annett’s career, writing, “Michael was an up-and-comer at the same time I was. All of us who knew him and the talent he had are sad to see him go, but glad he is no longer suffering.”
Rising Star Management Group, which represented Annett, shared a message honoring him as well, noting that his retirement from racing came after he suffered a stress fracture in his right femur. “Michael Annett will always be in our hearts,” the statement read. “Rest in peace, MA.”
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 23, 1986, Annett began his athletic career far from the racetrack. He played hockey in the United States Hockey League, skating for the Waterloo Black Hawks from 2003 to 2005 and appearing in 100 regular-season games.
© Sean GardnerHe made the transition to racing in 2007, influenced in part by his late father, Harrold Annett, a team owner for sprint car legend Sammy Swindell. Harrold Annett also served as the CEO of TMC Transportation, which continues to sponsor JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series through Sammy Smith.
According to NASCAR.com, Annett competed full time in the NASCAR Cup Series from 2014 through 2016. He later found his greatest success in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports. During his five years with the team, Annett earned 61 top-10 finishes, 12 top-five finishes, one pole position, and a career-defining victory at Daytona International Speedway in the season-opening race of 2019.
© Sean GardnerHe retired from professional racing in 2021, leaving behind a legacy defined not only by results but by the respect he earned across the sport.
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