Michael Annett, a former NASCAR driver, has passed away at the age of 39, his former team JR Motorsports announced on Friday.
Annett competed for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series from 2017 to 2021. The team did not provide a cause of death.
Fellow driver Brad Keselowski reacted to the news on X, expressing sympathy and noting he was “glad [Annett] is no longer suffering.”
RIP Michael Annett. While he had a long career, I'll remember most his wins in ARCA at Talladega and Daytona. That #28 Pilot Toyota, so early in his career, he made a great first impression off those ARCA wins pic.twitter.com/PcYnTOPV1p
— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) December 6, 2025
An Iowa native, Annett made over 400 career starts across NASCAR’s three national touring series after debuting in 2008. His standout moment came in 2019 with an Xfinity Series win at Daytona International Speedway — the only national-series victory of his career, according to NASCAR.com.
His strongest Xfinity Series season occurred in 2012 while driving for Richard Petty Motorsports, when he earned six top-five finishes and secured a fifth-place finish in the final points standings.
Michael Annett, driver of the No. 1 PFJ Veterans Salute Chevrolet, walks away following an on-track incident during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Dead On Tools 250 at Martinsville Speedway on October 30, 2021, in Martinsville, Virginia.
Michael Annett, driver of the No. 1 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet, competes during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Alsco Uniforms 300 at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 6, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Annett, who suffered a stress fracture in his right leg during 2021 — his final professional season — passed away at the age of 39.
“NASCAR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett,” the organization said in a statement. “Michael was a respected competitor whose determination, professionalism, and positive spirit were felt by everyone in the garage. Throughout his career, he represented our sport with integrity and the passion of a true racer. NASCAR extends its condolences to Michael’s family and many friends.”
JR Motorsports also paid tribute, posting on social media: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett. Michael was a key member of JRM from 2017 until he retired in 2021 and played an important role in turning us into the four-car organization we remain today.”
