The NASCAR world was rocked during the weekend by the news of driver Michael Annett’s death on Friday.
He was just 39. A cause of death has yet to be reported, but former NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski might have provided some insight into the situation with a social media post.
“I remember this day vividly,” Keselowski wrote on X while resharing a video of Annett winning the ARCA 200 at Daytona International Speedway. “Michael was an up and comer at the same time I was and he was looking really good. 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.”
Annett drove for JR Motorsports from 2017 through 2021 and the team shared the news of his death on social media.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett,” the team shared on X. “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.”
As the news spread many took to social media to remember Annett.
“RIP Michael Annett,” NASCAR driver Jeremy Clements wrote on X. “Was a pleasure to go door to door with you for so many years. You’ll be missed.”
“So sad that Michael Annett has passed,” longtime NASCAR reporter Claire B Lang wrote on X. “He was always so nice. Hard to believe he is gone.”
“I am just absolutely gutted to hear that we’ve lost Michael Annett!” Brad Doty posted on X. “The more I think about it the harder it gets! Thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.”
“NASCAR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett,” the organization said in a statement on its site. “Michael was a respected competitor whose determination, professionalism, and positive spirt 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.”
A native of Des Moines, Iowa, was behind the wheel for 106 NASCAR Cup Series races, but never managed to finish in the top 10. While his results at that level were not eye-popping, Yahoo Sports noted he drove for a pair of “underfunded teams” in Tommy Baldwin Racing and HScott Racing.
Annett had more success on the Xfinity Series where he drove in 321 races with 95 top-10 finishes. His lone win came in the 2019 NASCAR Racing Experience 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
He also drove in nine NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races with two top-10 finishes.
His agency, RSMG, also released a statement announcing his death.
“We are sad to have lost a family member,” the post on X read. “Michael Annett will always be in our hearts. Our thoughts are with the Annett family at this time. Rest in peace MA.”
Annett stepped away from racing following the 2021 campaign after a stress fracture in his leg caused him to miss parts of that season.