Retired race car driver Michael Annett has died. He was 39.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett,” JR Motorsports wrote via Instagram on Friday, December 5, announcing the former driver’s death. “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.”
Annett, who previously won NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, was also memorialized by the racing organization.
“NASCAR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett,” a Friday statement read. “Michael was a respected competitor whose determination, professionalism and positive spirit were felt by everyone in the garage.”
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The statement concluded, “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.”
A cause of death for Annett has not yet been publicly revealed.
Annett made his debut in the Xfinity Series in 2008, racing full-time the following year. He previously drove for Turner Sports Motorsports before joining JRM in 2017.
“The [racing] opportunity opened up and I got my parents talked into it,” Annett told NBC Sports in 2017, recalling his entry into the high-speed sport. “[My college hockey team] lost in the playoffs that year in 2005 and a week later [my family and I] were in a Silver Crown car down at Memphis Motorsports Park. My dad wanted to see if I had any talent whatsoever.”
The pro racer ultimately announced his retirement in October 2021 after suffering a stress fracture in his leg.
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“I’m just so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had,” Annett said in a press release at the time. “Being able to drive race cars for a living is honestly a dream come true for me. It’s been a privilege to work with some great teams and alongside some of the most talented folks in the garage.”
He concluded, “None of this would have been possible without the support of my partners, and I am happy to call them lifelong friends. It’s those relationships and friendships that are the most rewarding.”
Many of Annett’s former racing colleagues have since taken to social media to offer their condolences in the wake of his death.
“RIP Michael Annett,” Jeremy Clements wrote via X. “Was a pleasure to go door to door with you for so many years. You’ll be missed.”
Noah Gragson, for his part, wrote via Instagram, “Heartbroken. Going to miss you man. Love you Diesel Mike.”
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JRM driver Sammy Smith noted that Annett “meant so much” to him.
“Very sad to lose someone who meant so much to me and my family,” Smith, 21, wrote via X. “Michael was a great person to so many, and we’ll miss him a lot.”
Retired racer Brad Keselowski, for his part, recalled Annett’s debut at Daytona in an emotional social media tribute.
“I remember this day vividly. Michael was an up and comer at the same time I was and he was looking really good,” Keselowski, 41, wrote. “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, but glad he is no longer suffering.”