What happened to Michael Annett is a question many racing fans have been asking following the confirmed news that former NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Michael Annett has died at age 39. His death was announced on December 5, 2025. Family members and his former team have acknowledged the loss, and tributes continue to pour in across the racing community. As of today, the cause of death has not been publicly released.
Michael Annett was widely known for his years in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he competed for several teams and delivered consistent performances throughout his career. His most memorable moment came in 2019 when he won the season-opening Xfinity Series race at Daytona. That win marked a career highlight and cemented his place in NASCAR history.
Early Career and Rise in Racing
Annett began his racing career in regional circuits before moving into national stock-car competition. He earned early recognition in the ARCA Menards Series, where he collected back-to-back superspeedway wins at Talladega and Daytona in 2007 and 2008. These victories helped launch his transition into NASCAR’s national touring series.
From there, he advanced through the ranks with determination. He competed in both the Xfinity Series and the Cup Series across multiple seasons. His long-running tenure in the Xfinity Series made him a familiar and respected figure in the garage area.
Peak Years at JR Motorsports
Annett reached the pinnacle of his NASCAR career when he joined JR Motorsports in 2017. Driving the No. 1 Chevrolet, he delivered some of the strongest performances of his career. His 2019 Xfinity Series win at Daytona was a major milestone, giving him his first and only national-series victory.
Beyond wins and statistics, Annett earned a reputation for consistency, discipline, and teamwork. He maintained strong relationships with teammates and crew members and contributed to the overall competitiveness of the program during his tenure.
Injuries and Retirement From Full-Time Racing
Annett faced a significant setback in 2021 when he suffered a stress fracture in his leg. The injury caused him to miss a series of races and limited his ability to compete at full capacity. After the season, he announced his retirement from full-time national-series competition. Although he stepped away from racing, he remained connected to the motorsports community.
The Announcement of His Passing
On December 5, 2025, the racing world received the unexpected news of Annett’s death. His former team confirmed his passing in a statement, expressing condolences to his family and honoring his contributions to the sport. NASCAR officials also shared their sympathies, reflecting on Annett’s long career and lasting impact on the racing community.
While tributes continue from fans, fellow drivers, and industry members, no official details surrounding the cause of death have been released. Out of respect for privacy and accuracy, only confirmed information is included in this report.
Career Highlights at a Glance
- Winner of the 2019 Xfinity Series race at Daytona
- Two ARCA superspeedway wins (Talladega 2007, Daytona 2008)
- Competed in hundreds of national-series races across NASCAR’s top divisions
- Key driver for JR Motorsports from 2017 to 2021
- Known for consistency, professionalism, and strong relationships within the sport
Legacy and Impact
Michael Annett leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance and professionalism. He built his career through steady growth, overcoming challenges, and earning the respect of competitors and team personnel alike. His 2019 Daytona victory remains a standout moment for fans who followed his journey.
Many in the racing community remember him not just for his performance on track, but for his character off it. Messages of sympathy and personal stories continue to circulate, highlighting his generosity, humor, and dedication to those around him.
What Comes Next
Additional details regarding memorials or public statements may be released at a later time. As of now, no further information has been provided about the circumstances surrounding his passing. Fans seeking updates should keep an eye on official communications from racing organizations and the family when they decide to share more.
The confirmed facts remain clear: a respected driver and well-liked figure in motorsports has passed away, and the sport is mourning his loss.
Feel free to share your memories or reflections in the comments as the racing community honors Michael Annett.
