What’s Happening?

Daniel Hemric’s 2024 return to the NASCAR Cup Series was a very quiet yet disappointing season for the veteran. After working his way back to the top, a recent report suggests that Hemric could be out of Kaulig’s No. 31 at the end of the year.

• Daniel Hemric is a veteran of over ten years in NASCAR’s National Series. Since 2013, Hemric has driven for teams like JR Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, and currently, Kaulig Racing.
• Hemric’s career has turned him into a full-time journeyman driver. After his 2019 departure from RCR, he has jumped from team to team, season to season.
• Hemric earned his second full-time Cup Series stint this season at Kaulig Racing, where he has made a home in the past few seasons. Unfortunately, his statistics are not what either side hoped for in his return.

Hemric’s 2024

After part-time Cup Series starts in 2022 and two full-time Xfinity Series seasons with Kaulig Racing, Daniel Hemric got the nod for a full-time Cup Series ride with Kaulig this season.

This promotion followed Justin Haley’s seemingly abrupt exit from his longtime team. While Haley reformed his career in Rick Ware Racing’s No. 51 this season, his former ride, the No. 31 and Hemric, failed to match Haley’s past performances.

What many fans thought would be a driver upgrade with Hemric resulted in the No. 31’s average starting spot dropping almost four spots and Hemric halving lead lap finishes in just over half of this year’s races. This performance, of course, kicked off the rumor mill that Kaulig may move on after this season.

In what has been a monumental article for this Silly Season, Jordan Bianchi of the Athletic says that Hemric “is not expected to return for a second full season.” This is a shock to few. However, it is a seemingly business-based move for owner Matt Kaulig.

The two first teamed up part-time in the Xfinity Series in 2022. Kaulig is historically loyal to his longtime veterans. Regardless, Hemric’s performance looks like the limit for Kaulig.

So, what could be next for Hemric?

The Ultimate Rebounder?

This firing would be tough luck for the vet. However, like many times before, Hemric will more than likely land on his feet.

Winless as a driver for RCR in the Xfinity Series in 2017 and 2018, Hemric looked like a modern “Mr. Consistancy.” However, a 16 top-five and 23 top-ten performance in 2018 got Hemric called up to the Cup Series to replace Ryan Newman in 2019.

That season saw Hemric nose dive in the Cup Series, with Tyler Reddick replacing him after one season. After this release, Hemric went on an amazing whirlwind back to the top.

With support from Poppy Bank, Hemric went from part-time at JR Motorsports to a one-win champion at Joe Gibbs Racing to the current track he is on at Kaulig. EllyProductions49 on YouTube has an excellent video about this journey.

However, it appears Hemric may be too late to do this again, so what can the future hold for the former Champion?

Going Back, or Staying Put?

His Cup Seires resume is more than likely not enough for a Cup Seires ride. Also, Poppy Bank, while still with Hemric, has cut back its support from his former full-time deal.

However, despite just one career win, Hemric’s resume and connections at the Xfinity Series level could give him a full-time ride next year.

Former teams JR Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing have open seats. To the dismay of some, Kaulig Racing is off the board for Hemric. The team seemingly already has filled their 2025 driver lineup.

However, RCR/ECR associate and fully funded Big Machine Racing loses their veteran driver, Parker Kligerman, to retirement after this season.

Scott Borchetta’s team is possibly the most highly contested ride for 2025, sponsorship and all. However, the No. 48 could be Hemric’s best route to a full schedule in 2025.

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