The NASCAR community continues to grieve the loss of former driver Michael Annett, who passed away Friday at the age of 39. Among the many voices honoring his memory was former Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski.
He shared an emotional tribute on social media reflecting on Annett’s early promise and their time coming up together in the sport: “I remember this day vividly,” Keselowski wrote on X, harkening back to their time together in the ARCA Series. “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. All of us who knew him and the talent he had are sad to see him go, but glad he is no longer suffering.”
Keselowski’s message was one of the many heartfelt responses following news of Annett’s passing. The former JR Motorsports driver, perhaps best known for his 2019 Daytona victory in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, was remembered with deep admiration by NASCAR and JRM, both of which issued statements on Saturday.
“NASCAR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett,” the sport’s governing body’s statement read. “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.”
JR Motorsports echoed those sentiments, highlighting the impact Annett had on the organization during his five seasons driving the No. 1 Chevrolet from 2017 through his retirement in 2021: “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,” the team stated. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family.”
News of Annett’s death was first shared by Rising Star Management Group, his talent agency, which called him “a family member” and expressed deep sorrow on behalf of those closest to him. No cause of death has been revealed publicly.
A veteran across all three national NASCAR series, Annett made 106 Cup Series starts from 2014–2016 and carved out a respected career in the Xfinity ranks, where he earned his breakthrough Daytona win and built a reputation as a well-liked competitor in the garage. He retired after the 2021 season following complications from a right-leg injury.
As tributes continue to pour in, it’s clear Annett’s legacy extends far beyond his results on the track. He leaves behind a meaningful imprint on his teammates, competitors and fans.
Keselowski’s message made it evident, as a generation of drivers saw firsthand his talent and work ethic, and they recognize the unfortunate loss NASCAR is feeling at the moment. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
After Michael Annett, a former NASCAR driver known for his one Xfinity Series win and many years on the circuit, died at age 39, the racing world has been left stunned.
Among those mourning was Cup Series star Brad Keselowski, who emotionally reflected on a shared past with Annett and expressed relief that his friend is “no longer suffering”.
Annett’s career spanned more than a decade across NASCAR’s national series. Over 436 total starts, including 321 in what is now the Xfinity Series, he earned a reputation for resilience and professionalism, as his former racing team put out a touching statement after his death.
His most significant triumph came at the 2019 season-opening race at Daytona, a hard-fought victory that remains his singular win at the national series level.
In addition to his national tour success, Annett also left his mark earlier in his career with two wins in the ARCA Menards Series, at Talladega in 2007 and at Daytona in 2008, victories that positioned him as a serious talent among rising drivers.
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Keselowski reminisced about those ARCA wins on social media, writing, “I remember this day vividly. 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.”
His final years in the sport were spent with JR Motorsports (JRM), from 2017 until his retirement in 2021 due to a stress fracture in his leg.
Even after retirement, those who raced with him remember Annett as a steady, respected presence in the garage.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett,” the statement from JRM team read. “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.”
Because the cause of death has not been released, many questions remain unanswered. Still, for those who shared the track, the sentiment is clear: Annett’s life and career mattered deeply.
(GMM) Formula 1’s most dramatic three-way title decider in years has been set up perfectly in Abu Dhabi – Max Verstappen on pole, Lando Norris alongside, Oscar Piastri right behind (pictured).
“McLaren hasn’t been under this much pressure in a long time,” warned former team driver and F1 legend Gerhard Berger.
The strain showed on Norris’ face – admittedly behind “the only driver” he’s really worried about. He openly admitted he was “disappointed” not to beat Verstappen, knowing the Dutchman can now control the race from the front.
A Verstappen win alone won’t give the Dutchman his unlikely fifth title, because for Norris the maths is simple – finish P3 and he’s champion.
Whether Norris can keep his nerve is the question dominating the paddock. Verstappen immediately declared he wants “chaos” behind him – and even said he likes the pressure.
His father, Jos, speaking to De Limburger from Africa where he’s rallying, agreed: “Put the pressure on him like this, and he’ll go even faster.”
Nico Rosberg thinks Verstappen’s most realistic route to the championship resembles the way Lewis Hamilton tried to stop his title charge in Abu Dhabi in 2016.
“Max’s best chance is probably to hold up the whole field,” he told Sky Deutschland. “I know that very well from 2016.
“Max also has his teammate in P10. If the McLarens drop behind them after their stops, that could be his best chance. But Max will need a masterful performance.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said he expects it too: “If Max keeps the whole field together, we can be right in the mix.”
Ralf Schumacher laid out the strategic nightmare for McLaren.
“If the two McLarens were at the front, they would do their own thing. But now things are different,” he said. “One small mistake at the start and anything can happen. And Lando was always a bit nervous at the start.
Related Article: Formula 1 News: Verstappen wins crucial pole for Abu Dhabi GP
“Piastri now has to drive for Norris,” Schumacher added. “If Russell and Leclerc get ahead of Norris, McLaren would lose the championship. Piastri has to cover Norris at the start, be careful at the pitstops, and if necessary, hold back Russell and Leclerc.”
Dr Helmut Marko also expects a tense race – beginning with the race start. “Normally, Norris always gets nervous when he’s up front next to Max,” he said.
Even though the odds are against Verstappen winning the title from 12 points back, few deny he has produced the most impressive season – and perhaps his most impressive of all.
Mathias Lauda told Osterreich: “He had so much of an inferior car – I’ve never seen anything like it. He just doesn’t give a damn. It would have impressed my father, too.”
Asked for his prediction, Niki Lauda’s son added: “It’s Norris. He just needs to keep a cool head. To finish only fourth with such a strong car would be unacceptable.”
Both Norris and Piastri claimed on Saturday that team orders haven’t been formally addressed. Lauda doesn’t buy it.
“Absolutely, there will be team orders,” he said. “They can’t afford any more mistakes. They’ll wait for the start, and then they have to make sure Norris finishes at least third.
“They’re under a lot of pressure now; it will be interesting to see how they handle it.”
(GMM) Fernando Alonso (pictured) has openly admitted he has favorites on track – adding intrigue to a title decider in which Max Verstappen may need friendly cars behind him as much as his own pace.
L’Equipe put it bluntly ahead of Sunday’s Abu Dhabi nail-biter: “Victory alone will not be enough – Max Verstappen needs allies to become world champion.”
After taking pole, Verstappen agreed: “Of course I’ll try to win the race. But also in the back of my mind, still try and win that championship. So we need a bit of luck from what is happening behind us.”
That luck may include Alonso himself. In Q2, the Spaniard appeared to give Verstappen a tow – much like Yuki Tsunoda had done by obligation.
Alonso confirmed it: “Yes, I gave him a tow, and I think it was the one that was televised, right? That’s why it’s being talked about more.
“But I think I also gave one to Oscar (Piastri) in Q1 … and Max gave me one in Q2 too.”
There was no mention of Lando Norris.
Alonso then smiled foxishly when asked why he helps certain rivals and not others. “You try to find teammates to help each other out, and earn their favor, right? You’re always giving them a tow to earn some credit for later.
“And if we were fighting for the same goal, of course you’d step aside – but when they’re in a different battle, you try to help someone in case you get help later.”
Asked for his title prediction, Alonso joked: “I’ll watch it on TV like everyone else.”
But the 44-year-old has been making headlines all weekend for other reasons.
He and Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll skipped Lewis Hamilton’s drivers’ dinner on Thursday, with Alonso also missing the final GPDA meeting of the year – prompting Lando Norris to hold up a photo of Alonso on his phone for the group picture.
The FIA, however, was far less amused when both Aston drivers also failed to show up for a mandatory fan-stage appearance.
According to Auto Motor und Sport, the stewards rejected the team’s excuse that the pair didn’t do FP1 and therefore weren’t needed. Fans had waited in the heat, the FIA stressed, and Article 19 obligations are not optional.
Aston Martin was fined EUR 50,000 – but proposed a remedy. Alonso and Stroll will now meet fans personally, hand out signed caps to anyone in Aston gear, and even grant two supporters a VIP pitlane-and-garage experience with photos.
The FIA agreed, even suspending most of the fine.
We’ve got tons of video and action from the DI Winter Series at Bradenton Motorsports Park this weekend, where the Snowbird Nationals are going on with tons of awesome racers and racing action. We’ve got NC Promoder’s video below from eliminations and hope you’ll watch and enjoy. There is no shortage of action in the videos below, so check them out and let us know what you think. The videos start with Round 1 at the bottom of the page.
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Michael Annett, the former NASCAR driver known for his long career in the Xfinity Series, has died at the age of 39. JR Motorsports confirmed his death on December 6, 2025, but no cause of death has been released. Fans and the racing community have been searching for answers about what happened to Michael Annett after the news broke.
NASCAR issued a statement acknowledging his passing and honoring his contributions to the sport. The sudden announcement has left supporters looking back at his career, family background, and legacy in motorsports.
Michael Annett made 436 combined starts across NASCAR’s three national touring series, including 321 starts in the Xfinity Series. He became known for his consistent performance, professionalism, and steady growth across multiple racing divisions.
His biggest career highlight came in 2019 when he won the Xfinity Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway while racing for JR Motorsports. He started 158 races with the team, earning widespread respect across the garage.
Annett also competed in the ARCA Menards Series, grabbing wins at Talladega in 2007 and Daytona in 2008. Before entering stock-car racing, he played hockey for the Waterloo Black Hawks in the United States Hockey League, showing his athletic versatility.
A stress fracture in his leg affected part of his 2021 season, and he retired later that year. In his retirement message, Annett thanked his teams, sponsors, and fans for supporting his career, calling racing the greatest chapter of his life.
Trusted outlets such as NASCAR and major U.S. sports media confirmed key details about his career and contributions. His professional journey remains a major part of modern NASCAR history.
Michael Annett was born in Des Moines, Iowa, to Harrold Wayne Annett and Deborah Annett. His father, who passed away in 2021, was the CEO of TMC Transportation, a company that helped support his early racing efforts.
Annett grew up around racing and often spoke about how deeply his family influenced his motorsports ambitions. He once shared that his parents even scheduled his C-section birth around a race weekend, reflecting their commitment to the sport.
His siblings and extended relatives remained a close part of his life. He dated Heidi Spillane in 2013, though he generally kept his personal life private. Friends and family have remembered him as loyal, dedicated, and deeply connected to his Iowa roots.
As of now, officials have not released the cause of death. JR Motorsports and NASCAR confirmed the news but did not provide medical details. No reports from trusted media outlets have indicated foul play or specific health causes.
The lack of public information has prompted significant online discussion, but all verified sources emphasize that the family’s privacy is being respected at this time. Any official update from NASCAR or JR Motorsports will likely be made public only when the family approves it.
Financial analytics platforms estimate Michael Annett’s net worth between $5 million and $10 million. His earnings came from long-term sponsorships, consistent starts, and contract arrangements across NASCAR’s major divisions.
Annett leaves behind a respected legacy built on determination, consistency, and a strong work ethic. His Daytona Xfinity win remains one of JR Motorsports’ most celebrated victories. Fans and fellow drivers have shared tributes across social media, honoring his impact on the sport.
Michael Annett’s story continues to inspire racing fans, and his contributions to NASCAR will be remembered for years to come. The question of what happened to Michael Annett remains unanswered until officials provide additional information.
Michael Annett died at age 39, confirmed by JR Motorsports. No cause of death has been released by officials.
He was known for 436 combined national series starts and a major 2019 Xfinity win at Daytona.
He raced for JR Motorsports and several other organizations across NASCAR’s top divisions.
Yes. He retired in 2021 after injuries affected his final competitive season.
Estimates place his net worth between $5 million and $10 million based on long-term racing earnings.
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Max Verstappen is on pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, beating runner-up Lando Norris by 0.201s – sublime pace from the Red Bull driver, who even improved on his second lap without a tow.
Oscar Piastri is third but, I’m sure to Max’s dismay, George Russell is only fourth. As it stands, Norris is world champion.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
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