Michael Annett obit

Former NASCAR driver Michael Annett dies at the age of 39

Annett drove for JR Motorsports for several years, winning at Daytona

 

He was not on the list.

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.”