CONCORD, NC. – Kaulig Racing announced Sunday morning at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway ROVAL that reigning Xfinity Series champion Daniel Hemric will return to the organization next season in hopes of earning his second series’ title in three years.
Hemric will continue to drive the No. 11 Chevrolet Camaro, solidifying the team’s three-car program in 2023 with returning driver Landon Cassill and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series standout Chandler Smith.
Hemric was recruited by Kaulig Racing in September 2021 –- and closed out his sea
Last season while driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, Kaulig Racing announced in September that they had retained Hemric’s services replacing Jeb Burton.
Less than two months later, Hemric laid a mic drop in the season finale at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway where he not only won his first career Xfinity Series race but hoisted the championship trophy in a dramatic last lap with Team Penske’s Austin Cindric.
Initially, Hemric’s tenure with the Welcome, N.C.-based team was a one-year agreement, but the team and driver exercised an option for an additional year in 2023.
“Kaulig Racing has welcomed me with open arms and I’m excited about the future we’re building together,” said Hemric. “I believe in Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice’s vision for this team, and know we’ve got some unfinished business to take care of next year.
“2023 starts today.”
The 31-year-old was eliminated from the Xfinity Series Playoffs following Saturday’s Drive for the Cure 250 at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Road Course. Hemric qualified his No. 11 AG1 – Athletic Greens Chevrolet third – but crashed early in the race. He rebounded to finish 17th but fell 11 points short of making the Round of 8.
“I’m thankful to part of the NASCAR Xfinity Series. I was hoping to be able to go and defend my championship and carry on to the next round but made a mistake in (Turns) 3 and 4 there that you cannot make,” he said.
“And if you make those kinds of mistakes, you do not deserve to be here. So, got to go work, got to be mad at myself.”
Asked what he will remember about his tenure as series champion, Hemric said, “I’ll probably play this ROVAL race back time and time again. That’s what this season kind of felt like. It’s been a little bit of a rough go.
“Everyone has been a winner that showed up on his race team and I’m proud of that. I want to thank Matt Kaulig (team owner) and Chris Rice (team president) for the call to come drive this thing (this year), they deserved better.”
With four races remaining in the NASCAR Xfinity Series season, Hemric has delivered one pole, two top-five, 10 top-10 finishes and has led 66 laps.
“We are so excited to have Daniel back next year in the car that started all of this, our No. 11 Chevrolet,” said team owner Matt Kaulig. “Over the past year, Daniel has embraced what it is like to be a part of the Kaulig Racing family and has been instrumental in growing our team.
“We can’t wait for another great season together next year.”
Partnership information for the 2023 season will be announced at a later date.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
