Xfinity Series race winner Michael Annett passes away at 39

Michael Annett, known for his victory in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, has passed away at the age of 39, JR Motorsports confirmed in a statement on social media and to NASCAR.com.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Annett competed in a total of 436 races across NASCARs three national series. He became particularly prominent in the Xfinity Series, where he made 321 starts, including 158 with JR Motorsports.

Annett achieved the highlight of his career in 2019, winning the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway behind the wheel of the No. 1 JRM Chevrolet. This marked his first and only national-level victory.

He first entered the Xfinity Series in 2008 and raced full-time starting in 2009, driving initially for Germain Racing before moving to Rusty Wallace Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports. Annett spent three seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series from 2014 to 2016 with Turner Scott Motorsports, accumulating 106 starts. In 2017, he joined JR Motorsports, racing with them until stepping away after suffering a leg stress fracture in 2021.

JR Motorsports expressed their condolences, stating on social media: Our thoughts and prayers are with the Annett family. Michael played a crucial role at JRM from 2017 until his retirement in 2021 and helped us grow into the four-car team we are today.

Annett also found success in the ARCA Menards Series, winning at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007 and the Daytona season opener in 2008. Dale Earnhardt Jr., JRM co-owner, praised Annetts talent when signing him in 2017, drawing parallels to past Daytona victories within the Earnhardt legacy.

Before turning to stock-car racing, Annett pursued ice hockey as a defenseman with the USHLs Waterloo Black Hawks. In 2004, he earned Most Improved Player honors and helped the team capture the Clark Cup alongside future NHL star Joe Pavelski.

His late father, Harrold Annett, previously led TMC Transportation, which supported much of Michaels racing career. Harrold also co-owned a sprint-car team that competed with renowned driver Sammy Swindell. Sponsorship from TMC Transportation and Pilot Flying J continues with JR Motorsports through driver Sammy Smith.

Teammates and fellow drivers shared their condolences. Sammy Smith said, Very sad to lose someone who meant so much to me and my family. Michael was a great person, and well miss him dearly. Noah Gragson wrote on Instagram, Heartbroken. Going to miss you man. Love you Diesel Mike. Brad Keselowski also reflected on Annetts career: Michael was an up-and-comer at the same time I was and showed great talent. Were all saddened by his passing.

Author: Gavin Porter