Michael Annett, a former NASCAR driver, has died, his former team, JR Motorsports, announced Friday.
He was 39 years old.
No cause of death has been announced for Annett, who drove for this team in the Xfinity Series from 2017-2021.
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But fellow NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski wrote on X that he was “glad (Annett) is no longer in pain.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett,” JR Motorsports said on the social media site. “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.”
Annett, an Iowa native, has made more than 400 career starts in NASCAR’s three national touring series after his debut in 2008, including an Xfinity Series victory at Daytona International Speedway in 2019 – the only national victory of his career, according to NASCAR.com.
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His best season in the Xfinity Series was 2012, while driving for Richard Petty Motorsports, with six top-five finishes and a fifth-place finish in the points standings.
Michael Annett, driver of the #1 PFJ Veterans Salute Chevrolet, walks away after an on-track incident during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Dead on Tools 250 at Martinsville Speedway on October 30, 2021 in Martinsville, Virginia. Getty Images
Michael Annett, driver of the No. 1 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Alsco Uniforms 300 at the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 6, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images
Annett suffered a stress fracture in his right leg in 2021, his final professional season.
“NASCAR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett,” NASCAR 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.”
