The NASCAR community is grieving the loss of Michael Annett, a former driver who participated in the sport’s national touring series for over ten years. JR Motorsports announced his death on December 5, 2025. He was 39 years old.
The team and NASCAR officials did not disclose a cause of death. However, fellow driver and team owner Brad Keselowski hinted that Annett may have been ill, stating he was “glad he is no longer suffering” while expressing his sadness over the loss.
Annett participated in 436 combined starts across NASCAR’s three national touring series during his career, which began in 2008 and concluded with his retirement in 2021. His primary achievements were in the Xfinity Series, with 321 starts. His tenure with JR Motorsports, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., marked the most fruitful period of his racing career.
Originating from Des Moines, Iowa, Annett joined JRM in 2017 and raced with the team until his retirement in 2021. Throughout those five seasons, he made 158 starts and achieved 61 top-10 finishes, contributing to JRM’s establishment as the four-car organization it is today. His involvement aided in the team’s growth and competitiveness in the Xfinity Series.
Annett’s significant accomplishment occurred in February 2019 when he won the Xfinity Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway. This victory was his sole win at NASCAR’s national level and marked a critical moment for the driver, who consistently demonstrated competitiveness throughout his career. For Earnhardt Jr., the victory held particular importance, likening it to historic wins in the sport.
Prior to his shift to stock car racing, Annett pursued a different athletic career. He played ice hockey as a defenseman for the United States Hockey League’s Waterloo Black Hawks. His 2004 season earned him the Most Improved Player award as his team won the Clark Cup. Among his teammates was Joe Pavelski, who later had an 18-season career in the National Hockey League with the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars.
Annett initially found success in motorsports through the ARCA Menards Series, securing two victories. He won at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007, followed by a win in the series opener at Daytona in 2008. These victories established his credentials as he advanced to compete in NASCAR’s national series.
He debuted in the Xfinity Series in 2008 and soon transitioned to full-time competition. Annett also spent three years competing in the Cup Series, NASCAR’s highest level, from 2014 through 2016, with Tommy Baldwin Racing (2014) and HScott Motorsports (2015-2016). During those 106 Cup Series starts, he did not achieve a top-10 finish, though he displayed the determination to compete at the sport’s highest level.
Annett’s final season in 2021 was affected by medical issues. A stress fracture in his leg sidelined him for parts of the season, leading to his decision to retire from competitive racing. The injury prevented him from completing a full schedule during his final year as a driver.
His racing career received substantial support from family business connections. Annett’s father, Harrold, was the CEO of TMC Transportation, which sponsored much of his son’s racing career. Harrold Annett also co-owned a sprint car team that fielded cars for accomplished dirt track driver Sammy Swindell, collecting 35 wins during their four-year partnership. TMC Transportation and Pilot Flying J continue to sponsor JRM’s Xfinity efforts through driver Sammy Smith, who drives the team’s No. 8 Chevrolet.
NASCAR released a statement expressing the organization’s grief. “NASCAR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett,” the statement read in part.
The racing community has responded with numerous tributes honoring Annett’s memory. JRM noted that Annett was “a key member” of their organization and played a significant role in the team’s development. Driver Sammy Smith, who currently drives for JRM with sponsorship linked to Annett’s family, described him as someone significant to him and his family, noting they would miss him greatly.
NASCAR driver Jeremy Clements reflected on their years of competition, stating it was a pleasure to race alongside Annett and saying he would be missed. The sentiment was shared across the racing community, as drivers, teams, and fans remembered a competitor who represented the sport with integrity and passion.
Annett’s legacy in NASCAR includes his on-track accomplishments and his role in helping build one of the Xfinity Series’ most successful organizations into the competitive four-car operation it remains today.