Michael Annett, who turned 39 years old this year, has tragically passed away. Annett competed at all three national levels of the sport, and was a winner in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts (formerly Xfinity) Series. No details have been provided regarding the nature of Annett's passing at this time.
Annett was a full-time Cup driver from 2014 through 2016 as well, starting 106 races and placing as high as 13th in the 2015 Daytona 500. He drove for both Tommy Baldwin and later Harry Scott in his NASCAR Cup career. He never placed higher than 33rd in the Cup standings, but most of his success came at the secondary level of the sport -- Annett competed in 321 NOAPS races between 2008 and 2021, including several seasons as a driver for JR Motorsports.
A native of Des Moines, Iowa, his lone victory as a NASCAR driver came with the team co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., winning the 2019 season-opener at Daytona with teammate Justin Allgaier just behind him. He placed as high as fifth in the championship standings, which came in 2012 while driving for Richard Petty Motorsports. He also finished inside the top ten in the championship six times during his NOAPS career.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett," said JR Motorsports in a statement. "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 only started nine Truck races, earning a runner-up finish at Kentucky in 2008, finishing half-a-second back of race winner Johnny Benson Jr.
Annett also won twice as an ARCA driver, taking the checkered flag at Talladega in 2007 and Daytona in 2008.
Annett made his final start at the national level of NASCAR in 2021, finishing eleventh in the Phoenix finale. He also missed a handful of races that year due to a stress fracture in his right femur.
NASCAR released the following statement on Annett's passing: “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.”
Pilot Flying J travel center, who sponsored Annett for much of his career, also released a statement, saying: Our thoughts and prayers are with the Annett family, the JRM Motorsports team and the entire NASCAR community. It was our privilege to sponsor Michael for 14 seasons and fuel his love for racing. Pilot will be making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his memory and extends our deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends and fans."
NASCAR world remembers Annett
Very sad to lose someone who meant so much to me and my family. Michael was a great person to so many, and we’ll miss him a lot. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/SXGFudSjAH
— Sammy Smith (@sammysmithSS) December 6, 2025
I remember this day vividly. Michael was an up and comer at the same time I was and he was looking really good. In the end, Life took us different paths and all of us who knew him and the talent he had are sad to see him go, but glad he is no longer suffering. #RipMichael https://t.co/2imAJrMFM9
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) December 6, 2025
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.
— RSMG (@teamRSMG) December 6, 2025
Rest in peace MA. pic.twitter.com/nr91CeTwis
Love you diesel Mike. Will always cherish my time with you buddy!
— Noah Gragson (@NoahGragson) December 6, 2025
RIP Michael Annett - I was on the radio with him at Hawkeye Downs Speedway the first time he drove a big car on asphalt. Life is precious
— landon cassill (@landoncassill) December 6, 2025
Our hearts are so broken. Prayers to @MichaelAnnett and his entire family.
— Todd Bodine (Official) (@Team_Onion) December 6, 2025
Sad to get the news of Big Mikes 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. https://t.co/Str0YfLayT
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) December 6, 2025
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of former Xfinity Series driver Michael Annett at the age of 39.
— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) December 6, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Annett family in this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/j01CCbbQFp
RIP Michael Annett. Was a pleasure to go to door to door with you for so many years. You’ll be missed. pic.twitter.com/fsw55ygLpd
— Jeremy Clements (@JClements51) December 6, 2025
We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of ARCA Menards Series driver Michael Annett and ARCA Menards Series West driver Nick Joanides, both of whom have recently passed away. pic.twitter.com/s6mz9g7Jgg
— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) December 6, 2025
My heart still hurts for my friend. We shared a lot of great times together that I will never forget. He was one of a kind in many ways and I and my family will miss him. pic.twitter.com/SuWK0vGHUq
— Reed Sorenson (@ReedSorenson36) December 6, 2025
We are saddened to learn of this tragic news. Michael left a meaningful impact on our sport and all who had the privilege of racing alongside him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone who knew him during this difficult time. https://t.co/lhFb2FS6Us
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) December 6, 2025
That’s so sad. RIP Michael - we had a ton of very fun times, my first few years in nascar. He was also incredibly kind about my TV work and made it a point to reach out. Thoughts and prayers are with his whole family https://t.co/k2wj5f0Hvu
— Parker Kligerman (@pkligerman) December 6, 2025
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