Early Life & Racing Career
Michael Annett — full name Michael Wayne Annett — was born on June 23, 1986, in Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
He began his racing journey in the lower ranks before breaking into national-level stock-car racing. Over his career, Annett made a total of 436 combined starts across the three national series of NASCAR.
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In the secondary-tier series (now known as NASCAR Xfinity Series), he made 321 starts.
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He also competed 106 times in the top-tier Cup Series between 2014 and 2016.
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Earlier, he made 9 starts in the Truck Series.
Before devoting himself to racing, Annett even spent time playing ice hockey — he was a defenseman for the Waterloo Black Hawks (United States Hockey League) and helped the team win the Clark Cup in 2004.
Career Highlights & Achievements
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Annett’s most notable achievement came in February 2019, when he won his only national-level NASCAR race: the season opener at Daytona International Speedway (Xfinity Series) while driving for JR Motorsports (JRM).
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Besides that win, he was known for consistency: over his Xfinity career, he amassed 95 top-10 finishes.
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In lower-tier series as well, he found success: he won twice in the ARCA Menards Series — once at Talladega in 2007 and again at Daytona in 2008.
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His best season-long points finish came in 2012, when he ended up 5th in Xfinity standings.
Even after serious injuries — including a stress fracture in his right femur in 2021 — he made attempts to return to competition.
He officially retired from full-time competition after the 2021 season.
Net Worth
Estimating the exact wealth of a racing driver — especially one in secondary NASCAR tiers — is tricky because earnings depend heavily on race winnings, sponsorship deals, and endorsements. According to media reports:
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Some sources estimate Annett’s net worth at around US $5 million.
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Other estimates put it higher — around US $10 million, depending on valuation method and what assets are counted.
These figures reflect earnings from his long career in NASCAR, his ARCA victories, sponsorship deals with companies such as Pilot Flying J, TMC Transportation, and associations with JR Motorsports and other teams.
Death — What Happened to Michael Annett?
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On December 5, 2025, Michael Annett passed away at the age of 39.
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The news was confirmed by JR Motorsports and later by NASCAR itself.
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As of now, the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Multiple reputable outlets mention that the “exact reason” remains unknown and no official cause of death has been shared.
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The announcement sent shockwaves through the motorsports community, with many fellow drivers, team members, and fans expressing grief and condolences.
Currently, there have been no official statements suggesting foul play or accidental death. Until more information emerges from the family or investigative sources, the public record remains silent on the cause.
Legacy & Impact
Though not one of the most decorated drivers in NASCAR history, Annett held a place of respect for his professionalism, consistency, and longevity.
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He was considered a reliable journeyman — a driver who might not always win, but delivered solid performances, especially in Xfinity series. As one Reddit fan wrote when he retired:
“Finishing in the Top 10 nearly a quarter of the time is genuinely something to be proud of”
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His 2019 Daytona Xfinity win remains a career-defining moment — a huge achievement at one of stock-car racing’s most iconic venues.
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Teams, colleagues, and fans remember him as a “key member” behind the scenes, especially during his years with JR Motorsports, where he contributed to the stability and growth of the program.
Even after stepping away from full-time racing, his name remained part of NASCAR’s broader story — and now his untimely passing has brought renewed reflection on his contributions.
Final Thoughts
Michael Annett’s journey — from Iowa to NASCAR tracks, from junior-series wins to the bright lights of Daytona — reflects the grit and persistence required to make a life in motorsports. His net worth, while modest compared to superstars, reflects a steady career built on consistency, hard work, and professionalism.
The announcement of his death at just 39 years old shocks the racing world. With no official cause yet, fans and colleagues are left mourning a respected competitor whose full story might never be publicly revealed.
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