CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — Michael Annett, a longtime NASCAR competitor and former Xfinity Series winner, has died at 39, JR Motorsports and NASCAR announced Friday.
Details on Annett’s cause of death were not released.
According to NASCAR, Annett, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, competed in 436 races across NASCAR’s three national touring series, building much of his résumé in the Xfinity Series with 321 starts. His defining moment came in 2019 when he captured the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway, his lone national-series win.
NASCAR also said he entered the Xfinity Series in 2008 before moving to full-time competition the following year. Stops at Germain Racing, Rusty Wallace Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports preceded a three-year stretch in the NASCAR Cup Series, where he made 106 starts for Turner Scott Motorsports from 2014 to 2016. He joined JR Motorsports in 2017 and remained with the team until stepping away after a leg injury cut into his 2021 season.
In a statement posted to Instagram, JR Motorsports reflected on Annett’s impact and extended condolences.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with 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 organization we remain today.”
The team added that Annett’s presence helped shape the identity and growth of the program during a pivotal stretch.
Before reaching NASCAR’s highest levels, Annett twice won in the ARCA Menards Series, claiming victories at Talladega in 2007 and Daytona in 2008.
NASCAR called Annett a respected competitor whose attitude resonated throughout the garage.
“Michael was a respected competitor whose determination, professionalism, and positive spirit were felt by everyone,” NASCAR’s statement said, noting that he handled his career “with the passion of a true racer.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., co-owner of JR Motorsports, said he saw untapped potential in Annett when he recruited him in 2017. Annett’s 2019 Daytona victory, he said, reminded him of another moment in the sport’s history.
“It reminds me of an Earnhardt giving a Michael a chance years ago to show his potential,” Earnhardt said.
