In a very sad announcement made by JR Motorsports and NASCAR on Friday, December 5, the companies announced that Michael Annett, a veteran driver who raced in hundreds of NASCAR events across his career won the NASCAR Xfinity Series, had passed away at the young age of just 39 years old.
JR Motorsports, the company for which Annett competed, took to X to announce the tragic news about Annett’s premature passing. It said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett. 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.”
That came as a quote tweet of a post by Race Sports Management Group, the agency that represented Annett. It said, “We are sad to have lost a family member. Michael Annett will always be in our hearts. Our thoughts are with the Annett family at this time. Rest in peace MA.”
NASCAR released a lengthy statement of its own about Annett’s passing. Recounting his career, at one point, the company said, “A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Annett made 436 combined starts across NASCAR’s three national touring series, making a name for himself most prominently in the Xfinity Series where he made 321 starts, 158 of which came with JRM. Annett earned his career-best achievement in 2019, winning the series’ season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway in the No. 1 JRM Chevrolet for his first and only win at the national level.”
And, releasing a separate statement directly on his passing that was quoted in the press release, NASCAR said, “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.”
Sammy Smith, who pilots the team’s No. 8 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity series, a former teammate of Annett’s, commented on the matter as well. He said, “Very sad to lose someone who meant so much to me and my family. Michael was a great person to so many, and we’ll miss him a lot.”
Further, another former teammate of Annett’s at JR Motorsports, Noah Gragson, gave his condolences in an Instagram caption, NASCAR noted in the press release, trotting out a nickname of Annett’s and saying, “Heartbroken. Going to miss you man. Love you Diesel Mike.”
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Yet another driver, Brad Keselowski, 2010 Xfinity champion and 2012 Cup champion, commented on Annett’s passing as well, NASCAR noted in the press release. Doing so, Mr. Keselowski said, “Michael was an up-and-comer at the same time I was and he was looking really good. In the end, life took us different paths and all of us who knew him and the talent he had are sad to see him go.”
Featured image credit: By Zach Catanzareti Photo – mihael annett victory, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79693601