Former NASCAR driver Michael Annett has passed away at the age of 39.
"We are sad to have lost a family member," an official statement from RSMG, Annett's management company confirmed on Friday night.
"Michael Annett will always be in our hearts. Our thoughts are with the Annett family at this time. Rest in peace MA."
Michael Annett dies aged 39
Annett raced in all three of the Cup, Xfinity and Truck Series during his career, racking up a total of 436 races across all three national NASCAR series.
The Des Moines, Iowa native last raced in NASCAR in 2021 when he was a full-time driver in the Xfinity Series, piloting the No. 1 Chevrolet at JR Motorsports.
Sadly, however, that season was plagued by injury. After first missing races at Atlanta and New Hampshire due to a fracture in his right femur, Annett would eventually return, only to reinjure his right femur once again later on in the season.
Annett did take part in the last five races of the season, but in October 2021, he announced he would be retiring from full-time competition at the end of that season.
JR Motorsports pay tribute
Tributes have been flooding in since the sad news was confirmed, including from JR Motorsports, Annett's last team.
In a heartfelt social media post, JR Motorsports wrote: "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."
Our thoughts and prayers here at Oval Insider go out to the Annett family at this sad time.
