NEED TO KNOW
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Michael Annett, Former Xfinity Series Race Winner, Dies at 39
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“Michael was a respected competitor whose determination, professionalism and positive spirit were felt by everyone in the garage,” NASCAR wrote in a statement.
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The driver stepped away from full-time racing in 2021 after a leg stress fracture sidelined him for part of the season.
Michael Annett, known for winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2019, has died. He was 39 years old.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family on the passing of our friend Michael Annett,” JR Motorsports wrote on social networks on Friday, December 5.
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The organization continued: “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. »
“NASCAR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett,” the company added in its own statement. 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 continued, adding that it “extends its condolences to Michael’s family and his many friends.”
Annett’s cause of death and other details have not been made public.
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Michael Annett at the NASCAR Xfinity Series Andy’s Frozen Custard 335 at Texas Motor Speedway
Annett made his Xfinity Series debut in 2008, before joining Germain Racing and going full-time in 2009. He then moved on to Rusty Wallace Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports, but his most notable accomplishments came after joining JR Motorsports in 2017.
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The Iowa native, who has made 436 combined starts in NASCAR’s three national touring series, made a name for himself in the Xfinity Series, where he made 321 total starts. In 2019, he won the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway in the No. 1 JRM Chevrolet, earning his first and only national-level victory.
Throughout his career, Annett was also a two-time ARCA Menards Series winner, and he won the 2007 Talladega Superspeedway race and the 2008 series opener at Daytona.
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Michael Annett during the conduct of the first Tennessee 250 Lottery
In 2021, Annett announced his retirement from full-time competition after a stress fracture in his leg sidelined him for part of the season.
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“I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had,” he said in a statement at the time. “Being able to drive race cars for a living is honestly a dream come true for me. It has been a privilege to work with great teams and alongside some of the most talented people in the garage.”
“None of this would have been possible without the support of my partners, and I am happy to consider them lifelong friends,” Annett added. “It’s these relationships and friendships that are the most rewarding.”
Reflecting on Annett’s professional journey, 2012 Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski paid tribute to the late NASCAR star on social media following his death.
“I remember that day very well,” Keselowski written the alongside a video of one of Annett’s iconic victories at just 21 years old. “Michael was a promising kid at the same time as me and he looked really good. Ultimately, life took us different paths and all of us who knew him and the talent he had are sad to see him go, but happy that he is no longer in pain.”
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Michael Annett leaves after on-track incident at NASCAR Xfinity Series Dead on Tools 250
Many others also paid tribute online. “Heartbroken,” said Noah Gragson, a former teammate of Annett’s at JRM. Instagram. “I’m going to miss you man. I love you Diesel Mike.”
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Xfinity Series winner Sammy Smith wrote on
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