Former NASCAR Driver Michael Annett Dies at 39, Racing Community Pays Tribute

Key Points

• Former NASCAR driver Michael Annett has died at 39, JR Motorsports confirmed on December 5.
• Annett raced for JR Motorsports from 2017 to 2021, helping the team expand to a four‑car operation.
• His career highlight was winning the 2019 Xfinity Series season opener at Daytona, his only victory in 321 starts.
• Annett competed across all three national NASCAR series, including 106 Cup Series races.
• The cause of death has not been disclosed as of December 6.

Racing World Mourns the Loss of Michael Annett

The NASCAR community is grieving the death of former driver Michael Annett, who passed away at the age of 39. JR Motorsports, the team he represented for five seasons, confirmed the news on December 5 and shared condolences with his family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett,” the team wrote in a statement.

A Career Marked by Determination

Annett, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, joined JR Motorsports in 2017 and played a key role in the organization’s expansion to a four‑car team. His most memorable career moment came in 2019, when he captured the Xfinity Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway—his lone win in 321 Xfinity starts.

Beyond the Xfinity Series, Annett competed in 106 Cup Series races between 2014 and 2016 and made appearances across all three national NASCAR divisions. His management team, Rising Star Management Group, honored him in a statement, saying he would “always be in their hearts.”

Retirement After Injury

Annett stepped away from racing after the 2021 season due to a stress fracture in his right femur, an injury that forced him to miss seven races. After re‑injuring the leg, he chose to retire, expressing gratitude for his career and the relationships he formed in the sport.

A stress fracture is a small bone crack caused by repetitive strain and typically requires extended recovery time.

Tributes From Across NASCAR

Messages of sympathy have poured in from fans, teams, and fellow drivers, many praising Annett’s perseverance and professionalism. NASCAR Xfinity Racing also released a statement expressing heartbreak over his passing.

As of December 6, no details regarding the cause of death have been made public.

What Happens Next?

The racing community is expected to continue honoring Annett’s legacy in the coming days, with tributes likely at upcoming NASCAR events. Further information from the family or JR Motorsports may follow as arrangements are finalized.