Annett: Remembering a Gracious Competitor

The NASCAR community is reeling from the sudden loss of Michael Wayne Annett (pictured), a tenacious driver whose grit and quiet professionalism defined a 14-year career across the sport’s top tiers. Annett passed away on December 5, 2025, at the age of 39 in an unexpected turn that has left fans, teammates, and rivals mourning a man remembered as much for his infectious positivity as his on-track battles.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, and details remain private as his family navigates their grief.

Born on June 23, 1986, in Des Moines, Iowa, Annett grew up in the shadow of his father, Harold Annett, founder of TMC Transportation—a steadfast supporter who bankrolled his son’s early racing dreams from mini-cup karts to national stages. Michael’s path to NASCAR was paved with determination rather than silver spoons; he debuted in the ARCA Menards Series in 2007 before breaking into the Truck Series and Xfinity Series by 2008. Over 436 starts in NASCAR’s top three divisions, he became a fixture for underdog teams, embodying the blue-collar spirit of the garage.

Annett’s pinnacle came in 2019 with JR Motorsports, the powerhouse co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Driving the No. 1 Chevrolet, he stunned the field with a wire-to-wire victory in the Xfinity Series opener at Daytona International Speedway—his lone win but a career highlight that echoed Earnhardt’s own legacy of uplifting journeymen.

“It reminds me of an Earnhardt giving a Michael a chance years ago to show his potential,” Junior reflected at the time, drawing parallels to Michael Waltrip’s 2001 Daytona triumph. That season, Annett notched five more top-fives, finishing ninth in points and helping transform JRM into a four-car juggernaut.

His Cup Series stint from 2014–2016 with Tommy Baldwin Racing and HScott Motorsports was tougher—106 starts yielded just six top-20s, including a career-best 13th in the 2015 Daytona 500—but it honed his resilience.

“Michael was a respected competitor whose determination, professionalism, and positive spirit were felt by everyone in the garage,” NASCAR stated in a somber release. He tallied 19 top-fives and 95 top-10s in Xfinity, plus nine Truck starts, always racing clean and carrying himself with the humility of a Midwesterner who never forgot his roots.

Retirement came abruptly after the 2021 season, not from burnout but a stubborn stress fracture in his right femur sustained in July that year. The overuse injury—a tiny crack from repetitive strain—sidelined him for seven races, and a re-aggravation forced him out for good.

“Driving cars for a living was a dream come true,” Annett said then, his voice steady despite the pain. Post-racing, he stayed connected through management with teamRSG, mentoring young talents while keeping a low profile off the track. His last social media post, mere weeks ago, was a heartfelt tribute to a NASCAR legend: “I’m so happy…”—words now haunting in their optimism.

Tributes flooded in swiftly. JR Motorsports, where he drove his final five seasons, shared: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family… Michael was a key member of JRM and an important part in turning us into the four-car organization we remain today.” Earnhardt Jr. added a personal note: “Very sad to lose someone who meant so much to me and my family.” Fans on platforms like Reddit echoed the shock—”Holy shit, did not see this coming. RIP Michael Annett”—while urging respect for the family’s privacy.

Annett leaves behind a legacy of steady excellence in a sport that chews up dreamers. He wasn’t the flashiest, but in an era of superstars, his consistency and camaraderie made him indispensable. As the garage falls quiet, one truth endures: Michael Annett raced not just for wins, but for the love of the roar.