MOORESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Michael Annett, a former race car driver who made 436 combined starts in NASCAR’s three national touring series, has died. He was 39 years old.
JR Motorsports, one of Annett’s former teams, posted the news on social media Friday. No cause of death has been announced.
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“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett,” the team wrote. “Michael was a key member of JRM from 2017 until his retirement in 2021 and played an important role in transforming us into the four-car organization we are today.”
According to NASCAR, Annett has made 321 starts in the Xfinity Series, including 158 with JRM.
In 2019, Annett won the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway in the No. 1 JRM Chevrolet for his only victory at the national level.
Annett, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, was also a two-time ARCA Menards Series winner. He won at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007, then won the series opener at Daytona in 2008.
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“NASCAR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett,” the racing body said in a statement. “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 his many friends.”
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