Sammy Smith Pays Tribute to Michael Annett at Iowa Speedway

During the race at Iowa Speedway, JR Motorsports driver Sammy Smith honors the late Michael Annett with a special tribute livery inspired by Annett's legacy.

<p>Sammy Smith, a driver for JR Motorsports, will pay tribute to fellow Iowa native Michael Annett during the upcoming race at Iowa Speedway.</p><p>This tribute commemorates Annett's legacy with JR Motorsports, where he raced for five seasons from 2017 to 2021. Annett passed away on December 2, 2025, at the age of 39, though the cause of death has not been disclosed. He achieved notable success, including a victory in the 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series season opener at Daytona and three ninth-place finishes in the championship.</p><p>JR Motorsports recently revealed Smith's tribute livery on social media, which draws inspiration from Annett's 2017 Pilot Flying J paint scheme and features his signature shamrock emblem. Smith expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor Annett at his home race, highlighting the significant influence Annett had on his racing career. Fans have reacted positively to the tribute on social media, with many expressing their appreciation for the gesture.</p>