Michael Annett, a former NASCAR Xfinity Series driver known for his steady rise through the ranks and his memorable win at Daytona, has died at age 39.
We are sad to have lost a family member. Michael Annett will always be in our hearts. Our thoughts are with the Annett family at this time.
Rest in peace MA. pic.twitter.com/nr91CeTwis
— RSMG (@teamRSMG) December 6, 2025
JR Motorsports shared the news, confirming the passing of their former driver, who raced with the team from 2017 until his retirement in 2021.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family on the passing of our friend Michael Annett. 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, JR Motorsports posted. ”
Fans, former teammates, and drivers reacted as the news spread, marking a sad moment for many who followed his career from his early days in Iowa to the national racing stage.
Early Life and Shift from Hockey to Racing
Michael Wayne Annett was born June 23, 1986, in Des Moines, Iowa. Before racing, he played hockey as a defenseman for the Waterloo Black Hawks in the United States Hockey League. He helped the team win the Clark Cup in 2004 and earned the title of “Most Improved Player.” His size, listed at 5’10” and 180 pounds, was considered small for higher-level hockey, which led him to look toward motorsports.
His father, Harrold Annett, CEO of TMC Transportation, supported his early steps in racing. Annett began competing at local tracks, including Hawkeye Downs, before moving into the national series. His first major success came in the ARCA Menards Series, where he won at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007 and at Daytona International Speedway in 2008.
NASCAR Career and Major Achievements
Annett made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in 2008 with Germain Racing. The following year, he earned Rookie of the Year honors after scoring four top-10 finishes. His Xfinity Series career stretched across 321 starts, producing one win, 95 top-10 finishes, and one pole position. His lone victory came at the 2019 NASCAR Racing Experience 300 at Daytona, a moment that remained one of the highlights of his racing years.
He also competed in the NASCAR Cup Series, running 106 races between 2014 and 2016 with Tommy Baldwin Racing and HScott Motorsports. His top Cup results were 13th-place finishes in the Daytona 500 in both 2015 and 2016.
Annett additionally took part in the NASCAR Truck Series, appearing in nine races. His best Truck Series result was a second-place finish at Kentucky Speedway in 2008.
Throughout his career, injuries interrupted his momentum. In 2013, he suffered a fractured sternum, and in 2021, he dealt with a stress fracture in his femur. The injuries and recovery time played a role in his decision to retire from full-time racing at the end of the 2021 season.
Reaction to His Passing
The message spread fast across social media, leading to many reactions from the NASCAR community. NASCAR.com also reported the news with a statement. “NASCAR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett. 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.”
“Very sad to lose someone who meant so much to my family and me. Michael was a great person to so many, and we’ll miss him a lot. The driver of the No. 8 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, Sammy Smith, posted.”
“Sad to get the news of Big Mike’s passing. Raced each other for a long time, coming up through ARCA together. Spent a lot of days in the gym together before he retired, NASCAR Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. also shared.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Former NASCAR Driver Michael Annett Dies at 39, Leaving Racing Community in Shock appeared first on Heavy Sports.