Former NASCAR Driver Michael Annett Dies at 39; Cause of Death Remains Undisclosed

Key Points

• Former NASCAR driver Michael Annett died on December 5 at age 39, JR Motorsports confirmed.
• The cause of death has not been released as of December 6.
• Annett competed across all three national NASCAR series, including 321 Xfinity and 106 Cup Series starts.
• He earned his lone Xfinity win at the 2019 Daytona season opener.
• Tributes continue to pour in from fans, teams, and fellow drivers.

Racing Community Mourns the Loss of Michael Annett

The NASCAR world is grieving the sudden passing of former driver Michael Annett, who died at age 39 on December 5. JR Motorsports, the team he raced for from 2017 to 2021, confirmed the news but stated that the cause of death remains undisclosed.

Annett, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, was widely respected for his perseverance, professionalism, and contributions to the sport over a 16-year career.

A Career Spanning All Three NASCAR National Series

Annett’s NASCAR journey began in 2008 with Bill Davis Racing. Over the years, he competed for several major teams, including Germain Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports, before joining JR Motorsports.

His career highlights include:

• 321 Xfinity Series starts
• 106 Cup Series races
• Truck Series appearances
• 1 Xfinity Series win — the 2019 Daytona season opener

That Daytona victory remains one of the most memorable moments of his career, marking his breakthrough at one of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks.

Retirement After Injury

Annett retired after the 2021 season following a stress fracture in his right femur, an injury that forced him to miss multiple races. After re-injuring the leg, he made the difficult decision to step away from full-time competition, expressing gratitude for the relationships and experiences he gained throughout his career.

A stress fracture is a small bone crack caused by repetitive strain and often requires months of recovery.

Tributes From Teams, Fans, and Former Competitors

JR Motorsports released a heartfelt statement honoring Annett’s impact on the organization:

“Michael was a key member and an important part in turning us into the four-car organization we remain today.”

While Annett’s family has not issued a public statement, tributes have flooded social media from fans, drivers, and industry figures. NASCAR Xfinity Racing also expressed its condolences, calling the news “heartbreaking.”

As of now, no further details regarding the cause of death have been shared.

What Happens Next?

Investigations into Annett’s passing are ongoing. NASCAR officials and JR Motorsports are expected to release updates when available. In the meantime, fans continue to honor his legacy by sharing memories, race highlights, and messages of support for his family.