The racing community is grieving the death of Michael Annett, a former NASCAR driver, who has passed away at 39. His longtime team, JR Motorsports, announced it on Friday, December 5, 2025. Neither the team nor NASCAR officials disclosed a cause of death.
Annett, originally from Des Moines, Iowa, amassed 436 combined starts across NASCAR’s three national touring series in a career that spanned from 2008 to 2021. His experience includes 321 Xfinity Series starts, 106 Cup Series starts, and participation in other NASCAR divisions, making him a notable figure in the sport.
The highlight of Annett’s racing career was in 2019 when he secured his only NASCAR national series victory at Daytona International Speedway. Competing for JRM Chevrolet in the season-opening Xfinity Series race, his win was significant in the racing world. Daytona, known as one of NASCAR’s premier tracks, marked a milestone in his career, showcasing his persistence in a challenging sport.
JR Motorsports, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., was pivotal in Annett’s career. He joined the team in 2017 and raced with them until 2021, participating in 158 events during that period. The team acknowledged Annett’s role in their development into a four-car team, emphasizing his impact on and off the track.
Throughout his time with JR Motorsports, Annett achieved 61 top-10 finishes, highlighting his steady performance in NASCAR’s competitive Xfinity Series. This series functions as a breeding ground for drivers aiming for the Cup Series, with many seasoned racers regularly competing. Annett’s consistent competitiveness contributed to the team’s success during a period of growth.
Before his stint with JR Motorsports, Annett competed in the Cup Series from 2014 to 2016 for Turner Scott Motorsports. These three seasons offered valuable experience against top-tier drivers, despite tough results. He debuted in the Xfinity Series in 2008 and went full-time in 2009.
Annett also achieved success in the ARCA Menards Series, winning twice in this developmental series. He claimed victory at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007 and secured the series opener at Daytona in 2008, showcasing his skill on some of NASCAR’s most challenging superspeedways early in his career.
His racing career concluded in 2021 due to a stress fracture in his leg, which sidelined him for parts of the season and eventually led to his retirement after over a decade of competing at NASCAR’s national level.
Before venturing into 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 the Most Improved Player award, and his team won the Clark Cup, featuring future NHL player Joe Pavelski. This transition from hockey to racing demonstrated his athletic versatility.
Annett’s father, Harrold Annett, was CEO of TMC Transportation, which sponsored much of his son’s racing career.
NASCAR issued a statement offering condolences: “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.”
Fellow NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski mentioned that Annett was no longer suffering, hinting at potential health issues, though specifics were not publicly shared.
Tributes from the racing community highlighted Annett’s influence on colleagues and competitors during his career.
The motorsports world continues to remember Annett as details regarding memorial services are pending. His career, characterized by determination and professionalism, left a lasting impression on teammates, competitors, and NASCAR officials, who acknowledged his contributions to the sport.