Former NASCAR star Michael Annett, who has died at the age of 39, was boosted in his career by a close-knit family.
He was preceded in death by his dad, Harrold Annett, who was also well-known in the racing world. Harrold's obituary does not list a wife for Michael Annett, so it's unclear whether the son was married, but it does sketch out his family tree.
According to NASCAR, his dad, Harrold Annett, "previously served as CEO of TMC Transportation, which sponsored much of Annett’s racing efforts."
Harrold Annett "also co-owned a sprint-car team which fielded cars for famed dirt-tracker Sammy Swindell," NASCAR noted.
The cause of death for Michael Annett was not released, but his death was confirmed on December 6 by both JR Motorports and NASCAR. According to Motorsport, he was "a winner in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts (formerly Xfinity) Series."
His dad, Harrold Annett, died in 2021. "Harrold succumbed to a rare disease called Guillain Barre Syndrome with complications from pneumonia," the dad's obituary says. "His marriage to his wife Deborah of 38 years was filled with passion, adventure, and a life full of travel spending time with friends and family."
According to Harrold's obituary, the father "owned the Number 12 Mickow Sprinter Sprint Car from 1976 to 1983 where Mike Brooks from Knoxville drove at the Knoxville Raceway every Saturday for several years."
He was also big in the BMX world in Iowa. "Harrold still had a passion for racing and opened a bicycle shop off Fleur Drive called Des Moines Bicycle (DMB). Harrold built an outdoor BMX track on the current TMC facility (it was vacant land then) and held races every weekend," the obit says.
Then, he moved into sprint car racing. "Sammy and Harrold would unleash the fury on the World of Outlaws in 1986 and accumulate 35 victories in their partnership over a four-year period," the obituary says.
Harrold's obituary lists the family: "Surviving his death are his wife Debbie of 38 years; children, Toby Lawless (Janice), Tim Annett (Brenda), Todd Annett (Amy), Jennifer Ruble (Bob), Jason Webb (Colleen), Jaimi Webb, Emily Annett and Michael Annett; grandchildren, Mitchell, Carter, Shelby, Nikki, Tommy, Billy, Caitlin, Dylan and Brooklyn."
Todd Bodine, a NASCAR champion, was among those offering tributes. "Our hearts are so broken. Prayers to @MichaelAnnett and his entire family," he wrote on X after news of Michael Annett's death broke.
Michael Annett's last post on X came in September. In 2021, he thanked fans in a statement that also mentioned his mom and brothers and sisters, but made no mention of a wife.
According to NASCAR, Michael Annett was an ice hockey player before turning to racing. "Annett made 436 combined starts across NASCAR’s three national touring series, making a name for himself most prominently in the Xfinity Series where he made 321 starts," NASCAR wrote.