NASCAR driver who won at Daytona dies at 39

A NASCAR driver who once won at Talladega and Daytona has died.

JR Motorsports announced the death Michael Annett on Friday. He was 39. Cause of death was not revealed.

A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Annett made 436 combined starts across NASCAR’s three national touring series, most prominently in the Xfinity Series where he made 321 starts.

Annett earned his career-best achievement in 2019, winning the series’ season-opening race at the famed Daytona International Speedway.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett,” JR Motorsports said 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.”

Annett was also a two-time winner in the ARCA Menards Series, riding into victory lane at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007 before winning the 2008 series opener at Daytona.

“NASCAR is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NASCAR driver Michael Annett,” NASCAR said in a statement. “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.”

Rochester Hills native Brad Keselowski, 2010 Xfinity champion and 2012 Cup champion, sent out a tribute this week.

“Michael was an up-and-comer at the same time I was and he was looking really good,” Keselowski, co-owner of RFK Racing, wrote. “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.”

Before racing, Annett had a hockey career as a defenseman on the United States Hockey League’s Waterloo Black Hawks, but his small stature (5′10″, 180 pounds) made playing at higher levels unlikely.