The NASCAR community is mourning the sudden death of former driver Michael Annett, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 39.
JR Motorsports confirmed the news on Saturday, describing him as a friend and a key part of their rise.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family on the passing of our friend Michael Annett,” the team wrote. “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 organisation we remain today.”
Cause of death not yet known
No official cause has been released. Fellow driver Brad Keselowski said he was “glad Annett is no longer suffering,” which sparked concern about his condition in recent months.
Annett’s management team also confirmed his passing. Further details are expected in the coming days.
A standout career across NASCAR
Annett competed at every major level of NASCAR and earned respect throughout the garage. His greatest success came in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, where he made 321 starts between 2008 and 2021.
He finished inside the top ten in the championship six times. His standout moment came in 2019 when he won the Daytona season-opener for JR Motorsports, with teammate Justin Allgaier right behind him.
He reached fifth in the championship in 2012 while driving for Richard Petty Motorsports. Before that, he scored ARCA victories at Talladega in 2007 and Daytona in 2008.
Annett raced full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series from 2014 to 2016. He made 106 starts and finished 13th in the 2015 Daytona 500, a result that remains one of his most memorable achievements.
He spent time with both Tommy Baldwin Racing and HScott Motorsports. Although he never cracked the top tier of the standings, he earned a reputation as a committed and steady competitor.
His final national-level start came in 2021 at Phoenix, where he finished 11th. That season included time out of the car due to a stress fracture in his right femur.
Tributes from across Motorsport
NASCAR called him a racer who carried “determination, professionalism, and positive spirit.” The organisation said his presence was felt by everyone in the garage.
Pilot Flying J, his longtime sponsor, also paid tribute. They said it was a privilege to support him for 14 seasons and announced a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his honour.
Annett, a Des Moines native, leaves behind a legacy shaped by loyalty, resilience, and years of dedication to the sport he loved.
