The Cup Series stands as NASCAR’s pinnacle, the ultimate battleground where only the best compete. Just below it lies the Xfinity Series, often a launchpad for up-and-coming stars. Then there’s the Truck Series, a fast-paced, talent-rich division often viewed as a developmental stage or a final stop for veterans winding down their careers.
When a driver transitions from the Cup or Xfinity Series back to the Truck Series, it’s easy for fans and critics to label it a “demotion,” assuming the driver’s career is faltering.
That’s why Daniel Hemric’s recent announcement raised eyebrows. The former Xfinity Series champion and Cup Series competitor revealed he’ll return to the Truck Series full-time in 2025. At 33, with a solid resume, the decision sparked questions about why he would step away from NASCAR’s higher tiers. But for Hemric, the choice couldn’t feel more right.
More Than Just Racing
Hemric’s decision to return to Trucks wasn’t made lightly. Like many of us when faced with big life changes, he spent countless sleepless nights weighing his options. Ultimately, the answer became clear.
“It came down to a lot of family-related things,” Hemric explained. As a husband and father to two young children, he’s spent years juggling the demands of NASCAR’s grueling schedule. The Truck Series offered something the Cup and Xfinity Series couldn’t: more time at home.
“At 33, with a growing family… the truck schedule just made sense for our home life,” Hemric said. But the decision went beyond logistics. For him, it was about creating meaningful memories with his children.
Before he joined NASCAR, Hemric and his wife, Kenzie, shared countless victories at short tracks across the country. Now, he wants his kids to experience similar moments. “This opportunity gives me the chance to create those lifetime memories with them,” he said, his enthusiasm clear.
For Hemric, returning to the Truck Series isn’t about stepping back—it’s about prioritizing what matters most.
A Second Chance, Not Second Place
To some, leaving the Cup or Xfinity Series for the Truck Series might seem like a step backward. But Hemric views it differently.
“At five years old, you dream of racing in any of NASCAR’s top three series,” he said. “Now, at 33, I’m still living that dream. When people call it a ‘step back,’ I think, ‘I’m still competing at one of the highest levels of the sport.’”
Hemric will drive the No. 19 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR), a well-regarded Truck Series team. For him, the move isn’t just about family—it’s also about reigniting his competitive spark.
This marks his first full-time Truck Series season since 2016, when he finished sixth in the standings. While Hemric has had flashes of brilliance in Xfinity and Cup, recent seasons have been frustratingly light on victories. He sees the Truck Series as a chance to reset and thrive.
He’s under no illusions about the challenges ahead. Success in the Truck Series isn’t easier—it’s just different. But Hemric thrives on overcoming obstacles. He’s the same driver who claimed the 2021 Xfinity Championship in dramatic fashion, securing a last-lap win at Phoenix.
“This championship opportunity with MHR in 2025—and hopefully beyond—feels like the right move,” he said with confidence.
For Hemric, this isn’t just a career adjustment—it’s a personal and professional revival. His move to the Truck Series is a reminder that NASCAR isn’t solely about chasing trophies; it’s about embracing the joy of the journey. Hemric is ready to find that joy, balancing the demands of racing with the fulfillment of family life.
