The NASCAR family is grieving the loss of JR Motorsports driver Michael Annett, who passed away at the age of 39 in December 2025. Annett, a respected racer known for his time with JR Motorsports and Richard Petty Motorsports, made a memorable mark in the sport and left behind countless friends and colleagues who now honor his legacy. The reason for his untimely passing has not been disclosed, but his influence within NASCAR remains strong, particularly for those who followed his journey through the sport’s most competitive years.
A Dedicated Career with JR Motorsports and Beyond
Michael Annett emerged as an influential figure during his time at JR Motorsports, where he competed from 2017 until announcing his retirement in 2021. Throughout his career, Annett earned respect for delivering strong performances and helping establish JR Motorsports as a successful four-car operation. The organization, among other industry members and fans, reflected on how his dedication helped shape the team’s identity.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett. 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,”
JR Motorsports posted on X.
Annett’s NASCAR journey began in earnest in 2008, and by the time of his final start in 2021, he had become a familiar presence on tracks across the nation. He competed in the Xfinity Series finale at Phoenix that year, finishing eleventh despite the season’s challenges—including having missed several races because of a stress fracture in his right femur. Though he stepped away from full-time racing, his involvement continued through his family’s business, Pilot Flying J, which supported up-and-coming drivers such as Sammy Smith for JR Motorsports in the following season.
Sammy Smith, who benefited from Annett’s family’s support, shared a heartfelt message on social media, stating,
“Very sad to lose someone who meant so much to me and my family. Michael was a great person to so many, and we’ll miss him a lot, ❤️”
—Sammy Smith, JRM driver.
Beyond his primary roles, Annett was an experienced and versatile competitor, making starts in every major NASCAR national series. From 2014 to 2016, he ran as a full-time Cup Series driver, taking part in 106 races and achieving a personal best thirteenth place at the 2015 Daytona 500. His Xfinity Series career spanned 321 starts, including a notable win at Daytona in 2019 and several seasons as a prominent member of the JR Motorsports roster. Earlier, as an ARCA driver, Annett celebrated victories at Talladega in 2007 and Daytona in 2008, and he came close to victory in the Truck Series at Kentucky in 2008.
Tributes Flow from Across the Racing World
The announcement of Michael Annett’s passing deeply resonated within the NASCAR community. Fellow drivers, industry experts, and longtime friends took to social platforms and other outlets to share memories, express condolences, and reflect on his contributions to the sport and his character off the track.
Among the first to publicly mourn was Landon Cassill, who recalled a significant moment in Annett’s early career:
“RIP Michael Annett – I was on the radio with him at Hawkeye Downs Speedway the first time he drove a big car on asphalt. Life is precious,”
—Landon Cassill, NASCAR driver.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., a full-time Cup Series competitor who was a fixture on the racing scene alongside Annett in their ARCA days and beyond, also offered poignant words.
“Sad to get the news of Big Mikes passing. Raced each other for a long time coming up through ARCA together. Spent a lot of days in the gym together before he retired,”
—Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Cup Series driver.
Industry members and analysts weighed in as well. Steven Taranto, a respected NASCAR expert and reporter, captured the collective sense of loss:
“Tough to fathom. Never had the opportunity to get to know Michael Annett, but all indications were he was a solid dude and easy to like. Always thought he was a better driver than he was given credit for. I’m so glad he got his day in the sun at Daytona in 2019. RIP.”
—Steven Taranto, NASCAR reporter.
The Lasting Connection with Fans and the Community
Michael Annett’s influence extended beyond pit lanes and checkered flags to the wider NASCAR fanbase. Over 16 seasons, he competed in 436 starts across America’s most prestigious racing series, consistently demonstrating perseverance and skill. His presence was felt at race events big and small, and he forged lasting memories with fans, teammates, and the larger motorsports family. Numerous supporters recalled personal stories and shared public tributes in the wake of his passing.
One lifelong follower expressed their gratitude by saying,
“Our deepest condolences to Michael family and friends! I’m so glad that I got to see Michael and got his autograph on my shirt when we went to Dover Speedway. 😢”
Other messages highlighted the impact that Michael Annett’s spirit and racing style had on his fans:
“Man, may he rest in peace. He’ll forever live on through the memories y’all shared together!!”
Another individual reflected on the connection between Annett and other drivers, particularly in moments like Sammy Smith’s tribute:
“May his memory be a blessing to you, Sammy ❤️.”
A passionate supporter of the JR Motorsports team also confessed,
“Wow, wasn’t expecting to be sad today. Was always an Annett fan as he was the JR Underdog. RIP man, this sucks.”
In his active years, Annett notched three seasons finishing ninth in driver points, commanded the field for 94 laps in 2019, and accumulated 22 Top Ten results across the 2020 season—achievements fondly remembered by the community.
Michael Annett’s Legacy and the Road Forward for NASCAR
Michael Annett’s untimely death at 39 leaves a profound emptiness in NASCAR, both for those who knew him personally and the fans who followed his career. His journey from Hawkeye Downs Speedway to memorable wins at Daytona and Talladega, and his resilience through injuries and setbacks, symbolize the determination and camaraderie that define the sport.
The ongoing voices from within NASCAR—from race teams and fellow drivers like Ricky Stenhouse Jr., to industry supporters and loyal fans—reaffirm Annett’s contribution not just through race results but through genuine friendships and moments shared beyond the track. His family’s continued involvement in racing, such as supporting Sammy Smith, ensures that Annett’s influence will live on through future generations of drivers and enthusiasts within the community.
Though the sport moves forward, Michael Annett’s enduring presence and the affection he inspired will serve as a reminder of the passion and unity at the heart of NASCAR. The NASCAR world stands together, cherishing the legacy of a driver who turned victories, setbacks, and everyday interactions into memories that will inspire for years to come.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett. 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. https://t.co/oZdMymjBz6 pic.twitter.com/PUsCZHkXEg
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) December 6, 2025
