The NASCAR community is mourning the loss of Michael Annett, a former driver who competed in the sport’s top three national series for over a decade. JR Motorsports announced his death on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. He was 39 years old.
No cause of death has been announced. However, fellow driver Brad Keselowski offered words of remembrance that suggested Annett had been facing health challenges. Keselowski noted that while those who knew Annett are sad to see him go, they are glad he is no longer suffering.
The Des Moines, Iowa, native made 436 combined starts across NASCAR’s three national touring series during his racing career, which spanned from 2008 until his retirement in 2021. His most significant success came in the Xfinity Series, where he recorded 321 starts over his career, making him a familiar face in NASCAR’s second-tier competition.
Annett’s greatest achievement in professional racing came in 2019 when he won the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway. Driving for JR Motorsports, Annett captured his first and only victory at NASCAR’s national level. The win held special significance for the team and represented the culmination of years of dedication to the sport.
Before finding success in stock car racing, Annett pursued a different athletic path. He played ice hockey and competed for the Waterloo Black Hawks in the United States Hockey League. His transition from the ice rink to the racetrack demonstrated his versatility as an athlete and his determination to succeed in motorsports.
Annett’s racing career began with promise in the ARCA Menards Series, where he earned two victories. He won at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007, followed by a triumph in the series opener at Daytona in 2008. These early successes set the stage for his eventual move to NASCAR’s national series.
He made his NASCAR debut in 2008 and transitioned to full-time racing in 2009. Throughout his career, Annett drove for several prominent teams, including Germain Racing, Rusty Wallace Racing, and Richard Petty Motorsports. He also competed at NASCAR’s top level in the Cup Series, making 106 starts from 2014 through 2016.
In 2017, Annett joined JR Motorsports, where he would spend the final five seasons of his racing career. The team, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., became Annett’s racing home through 2021. He made 158 starts with the organization and recorded 61 top 10 finishes during his tenure.
JR Motorsports expressed their condolences in a statement on social media, saying their thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family following the passing of their friend Michael Annett. Michael was a vital part of JRM from 2017 until his retirement in 2021. He played a significant role in helping JRM grow into the four-car organization it is today.
The organization’s tribute highlighted Annett’s role in helping the team expand its operations. His contributions went beyond his on-track performance, as he helped establish JR Motorsports as a competitive four-car organization in the Xfinity Series, a structure the team maintains today.
Annett’s final season in 2021 was cut short by injury. A stress fracture in his leg sidelined him for portions of the season, ultimately leading to his retirement from professional racing. The injury marked an unfortunate end to a career that had spanned over a decade at NASCAR’s highest levels.
NASCAR issued an official statement mourning Annett’s passing: “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.”
The racing organization’s statement emphasized Annett’s character both on and off the track. NASCAR noted that throughout his career, he represented the sport with integrity and the passion of a true racer, qualities that earned him respect among his peers and competitors.
Annett’s father, Harrold Annett, was CEO of TMC Transportation. The family’s involvement in both transportation and racing created a unique connection between business and sport.
Beyond his driving accomplishments, Annett’s presence in the garage area and his interactions with fellow competitors left a lasting impression on the NASCAR community. His professional approach and positive demeanor made him a well-liked figure in a highly competitive environment where personalities often clash under the pressure of race day.
The loss of a driver at age 39 serves as a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability. Annett’s career, while it included only one victory at the national level, demonstrated perseverance and dedication to a demanding sport. His journey from Des Moines hockey rinks to NASCAR’s premier racing venues represents the pursuit of athletic excellence across different disciplines.
As the racing community processes this loss, Annett’s contributions to NASCAR and his role in helping build JR Motorsports into a strong organization remain part of his legacy. His 2019 Daytona victory stands as a testament to his skill and determination in one of motorsports’ most challenging competitions.