Former NASCAR Driver Michael Annett Dies at 39, Remembered as ‘True Racer’
Michael Annett, a NASCAR veteran who competed across the sport’s three national touring series and captured a memorable victory at Daytona International Speedway, has died at 39.
The Iowa native made his mark in NASCAR with 436 combined starts, including 321 in the Xfinity Series where he spent the final chapter of his career with JR Motorsports before retiring in 2021. The organization announced his passing in a statement that highlighted his contributions to their team.
A Career Defined by Persistence
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett,” JR Motorsports 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.”
Annett’s journey through NASCAR wasn’t always smooth. His breakthrough moment came relatively late in his career when he claimed his only national series win in 2019, taking the checkered flag in the season-opening race at Daytona while driving the No. 1 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports. The victory came after he had paired with crew chief Travis Mack, whom Annett credited for the performance turnaround that led to his success.
Before finding his footing in the Xfinity Series, where he made 158 starts with JRM alone, Annett briefly competed at NASCAR’s highest level. He raced in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2014, driving the No. 7 Chevrolet for Tommy Baldwin Racing in what proved to be a challenging rookie season with just four top-twenty finishes.
Overcoming Adversity
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of Annett’s career was his resilience. In 2017, he suffered a devastating injury at the very track where he would later claim his greatest triumph. During the season-opening race at Daytona, Annett endured a hard crash that initially seemed to result in just a bruised sternum. Further evaluation revealed a more serious injury – a dislocated and fractured sternum that required surgery and forced him to miss eight races.
Yet he fought back from this setback, eventually returning to competition and rebuilding his career to the point where he could stand in Victory Lane at the World Center of Racing just two years later.
The Des Moines native also found success in the ARCA Menards Series, where he was a two-time winner with victories at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007 and the Daytona opener in 2008, showcasing his skill on NASCAR’s fastest tracks throughout his career.
Remembered Across the Sport
NASCAR issued a statement mourning Annett’s passing, highlighting qualities that made him respected throughout the garage area.
“NASCAR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett,” the racing body stated. “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.”
What made Annett stand out? Beyond the statistics and the single victory that defined his professional achievements, colleagues consistently pointed to his character and approach to racing. In a sport where spotlight and sponsorship often dictate opportunity, Annett worked methodically through the ranks, earning respect for his professionalism and perseverance.
His legacy in NASCAR will be remembered not just for the races he won, but for the way he conducted himself through both triumph and adversity – embodying what many in the sport consider the spirit of a true racer.
