The NASCAR industry is reacting this weekend to the passing of former Xfinity Series champion Michael Annett.
In a statement late Friday night, NASCAR communications staff confirmed that Annett, who turned 39 in June, had died. No cause of death was provided.
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“NASCAR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett,” the statement read. “Michael was a respected competitor whose determination, professionalism and positivity were felt by everyone in the garage. Throughout his career, he represented our sport with the integrity and passion of a true racer. NASCAR extends its condolences to Michael’s family and many friends.”
Annett competed in the Xfinity Series from 2008-21, including full-time stints with Germain Racing, Rusty Wallace Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports from 2009-13. After racing in the NASCAR Cup Series for Tommy Baldwin Jr. and HScott Motorsports from 2014-16, Annett returned to Xfinity and raced full-time for JR Motorsports from 2017-21.
The Des Moines, Iowa, native earned his lone Xfinity victory in JR Motorsports’ No. 1 Chevrolet in the 2019 season opener at Daytona International Speedway. He finished a career-best fifth in the 2012 Xfinity standings and had 19 top-five finishes and 95 top-10 finishes in 321 series starts. He also had two ARCA wins in 2008-09.
As the news spread, prominent NASCAR drivers and teams took to social media to remember Annett, including the 2012 Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski and JR Motorsports.
