Daniel Hemric will compete for the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship next season as the new driver of the No. 18 Toyota Supra, Joe Gibbs Racing announced Thursday.
Hemric joins the Huntersville, N.C.-based team after running a limited Xfinity Series schedule this season with JR Motorsports. While he showcased speed in the No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro throughout much of his 21-race schedule, the Kannapolis, N.C. native endured his fair share of bad luck.
Still, he earned seven top-five and 12 top-10 finishes and ended the year with four top-five finishes in his last five starts – all occurring the Xfinity Series Playoffs.
Hemric replaces Riley Herbst who will depart Joe Gibbs Racing to pursue other opportunities.
“It’s been quite a roller coaster ride for me over the last few years, but I can’t say how thankful I am for the opportunity to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing,” said Hemric.
“Their reputation speaks for itself. I know they have high expectations for me, as I do as well, and I could not be more excited to chase the Xfinity Series championship with them next season.”
Hemric, 29, graduated to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2019 after running Xfinity full-time in 2017 and 2018 respectively where he earned a combined 23 top-five and 39 top-10 finishes. He competed in the Championship 4 races at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway both seasons driving for Richard Childress Racing and earned a career-high third place in the championship points in 2018.
Lackluster results for RCR in 2019 left him without a Cup opportunity this season. He shared a ride with Jeb Burton and team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. at JRM this season with a best finish of second twice at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway.
The 2019 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year joins Harrison Burton and Brandon Jones in the team’s three full-time entries competing for the Xfinity Series championship next season. In 2020, Burton and Jones combined to claim seven of the team’s eight victories.
“We’re excited to have Daniel join our Xfinity Series team,” said Steve de Souza, Executive Vice President of Xfinity Series and Development for Joe Gibbs Racing.
“He has proven the ability to run up front and we believe his experience and consistency will be a benefit to our overall program. We look forward to him competing with Brandon (Jones) and Harrison (Burton) for wins and contending for a championship.”
Sponsorship and team personnel details will be announced at a later date.
Hemric has seven runner-up finishes in 87 career starts and looks to improve an average finish of 12.3 beginning with the NASCAR Racing Experience 300 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on Feb. 13, 2021.
In the daily grind for success you experience hardships; things that test your faith & integrity. I’ve experienced a lot of that over the past 24 months & I’m still standing! I’ve prepared my entire life for this opportunity. Bring on the work, I’m ready to seize this moment. https://t.co/GiHUmQE5NH
— Daniel Hemric (@DanielHemric) November 12, 2020
— Riley Herbst (@rileyherbst) November 12, 2020
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
