Former NASCAR Driver Michael Annett Cause of Death: Everything We Know So Far

Former NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Michael Annett has died at age 39, leaving the racing world mourning the loss of a respected competitor. JR Motorsports confirmed his passing early on December 6, 2025, sharing condolences with his family and fans.

The news quickly spread across the NASCAR community, prompting tributes from former teammates, friends, and officials. Annett’s long career across the Xfinity, Cup, and Truck Series made him a familiar and well-liked presence in garages nationwide.

Details on Michael Annett’s Death and Career Legacy

Michael Annett’s cause of death has not been publicly disclosed as of December 6, 2025. JR Motorsports shared a statement confirming his passing and honoring his contributions to the team and the sport. NASCAR issued its own message sending condolences to the Annett family and recognizing Annett as a respected competitor whose professionalism and character made a lasting impact.

Annett’s path to NASCAR began after a successful early athletic career in hockey. Born on June 23, 1986, in Des Moines, Iowa, he played defense for the Waterloo Black Hawks, helping them win the Clark Cup in 2004. His move to racing came soon after, supported by his father, Harrold Annett, CEO of TMC Transportation.

Annett’s early racing years included wins in the ARCA Menards Series at Talladega in 2007 and Daytona in 2008. He entered the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2008 and earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2009. Across 321 Xfinity starts, he earned one win, 95 top-ten finishes, and a pole position. His most memorable moment came in 2019 with a victory in the NASCAR Racing Experience 300 at Daytona.

He later ran 106 Cup Series races between 2014 and 2016, highlighted by back-to-back 13th-place finishes in the Daytona 500. His Truck Series career included a second-place finish at Kentucky Speedway in 2008. Injuries, including a fractured sternum in 2013 and a stress fracture in 2021, contributed to his retirement from full-time racing in 2021.

Racers from across the sport expressed their grief online. Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. reflected on their years competing together. JR Motorsports driver Sammy Smith called Annett a great person who meant a lot to many. Fans also shared messages remembering Annett’s steady presence, positive attitude, and determination on the track.

The racing community continues to wait for additional information about Michael Annett’s cause of death. Tributes remain focused on his legacy as a loyal teammate and competitor. Many who followed his career see this loss as a painful moment for a tight-knit sport that values personal relationships as much as performance.

Teams, drivers, and fans across NASCAR are expected to honor Annett in upcoming races and events. His contributions to JR Motorsports and the Xfinity Series remain widely recognized, and the sport will likely commemorate his career in the days ahead.

Michael Annett’s passing at age 39 leaves a deep void in NASCAR. His career, character, and impact on those around him continue to shape how drivers and fans remember him today.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is known about Michael Annett’s cause of death?

Officials have not released Michael Annett’s cause of death yet. Teams have only confirmed his passing and shared condolences. Updates are expected when the family is ready.

Q2: How long did Michael Annett race in NASCAR?

He competed from 2008 through 2021 across the Xfinity, Cup, and Truck Series. His career included more than 321 Xfinity starts and over 100 Cup races.

Q3: What was Michael Annett’s biggest NASCAR win?

His signature victory came in 2019 at Daytona in the NASCAR Racing Experience 300. It was his only career Xfinity Series win.

Q4: How has the NASCAR community responded to his death?

Drivers, teams, and fans have shared statements remembering Annett as a respected competitor with a positive spirit. Tributes continue to appear across social media.

Q5: Will NASCAR hold a tribute for Michael Annett?

Formal plans have not been announced, but tributes are expected. NASCAR traditionally honors drivers who made significant contributions to the sport.