Xfinity Series Driver of the Year: John Hunter Nemechek capped off an impressive season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, showcasing championship-worthy performances despite falling short of the title in the season finale.
Acknowledging Nemechek’s stellar season, he was honored as the Driver of the Year for the Xfinity Series, an accolade well-deserved after an exceptional campaign securing seven wins. Ahead of the prestigious NASCAR Awards ceremony in Nashville, Nemechek’s prowess behind the wheel of the #20 Joe Gibbs Racing machine earned him recognition as the top driver in the second-tier series.
The 26-year-old driver’s journey to this career-best finish in the standings followed a setback in his Cup Series venture with Front Row Motorsports in 2020. Nemechek spent two years in the Truck Series before elevating his game with the Joe Gibbs Racing Xfinity program in 2023.
Throughout the regular season, Nemechek emerged as a strong title contender, consistently showcasing competitiveness aboard his #20 Toyota Supra at every track. Victories in Fontana, Martinsville, Atlanta, New Hampshire, Michigan, and Kansas showcased his dominance, with a breakthrough playoff win at Texas Motor Speedway securing his spot in the championship four.
However, Nemechek faced a heartbreak in the final race, falling victim to a last-lap tire issue that relegated him to a 28th-place finish, denying him his maiden Xfinity title. Nonetheless, his season’s tally boasted seven wins, 17 top-five finishes, 24 top-10s, and leading over a thousand laps, culminating in his career-best fourth-place finish in the NASCAR Xfinity Series standings.
Reflecting on the season’s end, Nemechek expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments and the effort put forth throughout the year.
“Man, it’s disappointing for our guys. Our car was really, really fast. It’s tough to conclude our season this way, but overall, a tremendously successful season for this No. 20 team and Joe Gibbs Racing. I was honored to drive this car all year,” shared Nemechek with motorsport.com.
“Seven wins is something to take immense pride in. Our performance in one race doesn’t define us as a team. The mindset all week was that if we win, we become champions. That’s what we believed, and it almost came true,” he added.
Looking ahead to 2024, Nemechek is gearing up for a fresh chapter, joining Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club Cup Series team as the driver of the #42 Toyota, poised for new challenges and opportunities in the upcoming season.
ALSO READ: John Hunter Nemechek Comeback Trail: Truck Triumphs to Cup Series Return
Our Reader’s Queries
Who is the most popular Nascar driver in the Xfinity Series?
Chase Elliott, Justin Allgaier, and Hailie Deegan were the big winners at the 2023 National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters. Elliott took home the award for the NASCAR Cup Series, while Allgaier and Deegan won in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, respectively. The event took place on Thursday evening at the NASCAR venue, and the familiar faces of these talented drivers were celebrated by fans and industry professionals alike.
Who is the winningest driver in the Xfinity Series?
As of 11-4-2023, the list of active drivers with the most wins is led by Kyle Busch with 102 victories. Other notable drivers include Mark Martin with 49 wins at Las Vegas, Kevin Harvick with 47 wins at Atlanta, and Brad Keselowski with 39 wins at Darlington. The complete list includes many other talented drivers with impressive records.
Who is the most popular driver in the 2023 Nascar Cup series?
Chase Elliott has once again been crowned as the NASCAR Cup Series‘ Most Popular Driver for the sixth year in a row. This impressive feat is a testament to his unwavering popularity among fans of the sport. It’s clear that his talent on the track and his engaging personality off it have won over the hearts of many. Congratulations to Chase on this well-deserved honor!
Who drives the number 1 car in Xfinity Series?
Starting in 2023, our team will have four full-time entries in the Xfinity Series. Sam Mayer will be driving the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro SS, Justin Allgaier will be behind the wheel of the No. 7 Camaro, Sammy Smith will be driving the No. 8 Camaro, and the fourth entry will be announced soon. We’re excited to see what these talented drivers can do on the track.
