Michael Annett, who competed in a total of 321 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events (formerly Xfinity Series) from 2008 to 2021, has passed away at the age of 39, according to a post from RSMG, which represented Annett.
At this time, the details surrounding Annett’s death have not been disclosed.
“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,” the post from RSMG stated.
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. pic.twitter.com/nr91CeTwis
— RSMG (@teamRSMG) December 6, 2025
Following the post from RSMG, JR Motorsports, the team that Annett drove for during his lone NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race win at Daytona International Speedway in 2019, offered condolences to the Annett family and thanked the driver for his contributions to the race team.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett,” the post from JR Motorsports said. “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.”
NASCAR also issued a statement following the news of Annett’s death.
“NASCAR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett,” the statement said. “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.”
Annett, who hailed from Des Moines, Iowa, collected one win, 19 top-five finishes, and 95 top-10s over a 321-race career in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Annett’s career-best finish in the championship standings was a fifth-place effort in 2012.
Additionally, Annett competed in 106 NASCAR Cup Series events and nine NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races.
The racer competed for many teams over his career, including Germain Racing, Rusty Wallace Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports, JR Motorsports in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Tommy Baldwin Racing, HScott Motorsports, and Circle Sport Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, and Bill Davis Racing, Germain Racing, and NTS Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
