Heartbreak in NASCAR: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Mourns Michael Annett
Legendary Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the NASCAR community were left in shock this week following the untimely passing of former driver Michael Annett at the age of 39. Annett, a respected competitor known for his grit and perseverance, left a lasting mark on the sport during his years behind the wheel.
Remembering Michael Annett
Annett competed in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity Series) from 2008 to 2021. He is perhaps best remembered for his first and only NASCAR victory, a memorable win at the 2019 season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway, achieved while driving for JR Motorsports, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his sister Kelley Earnhardt.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared heartfelt words about Annett’s passing, emphasizing the profound impact he had on fans, fellow drivers, and the NASCAR community. Kelley Earnhardt also expressed her grief on JR Motorsports’ Instagram:
“Heartbroken and sad. Thankful for the time we had to know Michael and his family.”
A Career Built on Dedication
Throughout his career, Annett earned the support of several major NASCAR teams, including Germain Racing, Rusty Wallace Racing, and Richard Petty Motorsports. Beyond the Xfinity Series, he made nine starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and competed in the ARCA Menards Series, where he claimed two career victories with Bill Davis Racing—the 2007 ARCA RE/MAX 250 at Talladega Superspeedway and the 2008 Daytona ARCA 200. His final NASCAR start came in the 2021 series finale at Phoenix Raceway, marking the end of a distinguished racing career.
Honoring a Legacy
In addition to mourning Annett, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt have been actively preserving the family legacy of their late father, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr.. For the 2026 season, the siblings unveiled a special tribute: a brand-new livery for the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro SS, driven by former O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion Justin Allgaier. The car, backed by Carolina Carports, features designs originally created by Sam Bass for Dale Sr., ensuring his influence continues to inspire on the track.
Kelley shared the announcement on Instagram with a six-photo carousel, writing:
“A great day revealing the new Carolina Carports design for next year! This design is one of many that Sam Bass created for Dad and it’ll be great to see this hit the track next year!”
Looking Ahead for JR Motorsports
As the off-season progresses, JR Motorsports is preparing for its next major event: the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2026. The 120-lap race will be televised on CW at 5 PM ET, with live radio updates on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing the team hit the track while remembering the legacy of Michael Annett and the Earnhardt family’s ongoing influence in the sport.
Michael Annett may have left NASCAR too soon, but through his accomplishments, perseverance, and the heartfelt tributes from legends like Dale Earnhardt Jr., his impact on the racing world will not be forgotten.
