Daniel Hemric is set to make a full-time return to the NASCAR Truck Series in 2025, joining McAnally-Hilgemann Racing behind the wheel of the #19 chevrolet/”>Chevrolet, following a challenging season with Kaulig Racing where he finished 29th in points. The decision, sparked by a desire to compete at the front and share racing success with his family, has already proven meaningful for both Hemric and those closest to him, especially his wife, Kenzie Hemric.
Hemric, the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, last competed full-time in the Truck Series back in 2016, finishing sixth in the championship for Brad Keselowski Racing. While a move back to Trucks might be seen as a step down for some, Daniel Hemric embraced the opportunity, motivated by the prospect of winning races and creating lasting memories for his family. In his fifth race since the switch, Hemric celebrated a triumphant victory at Martinsville, an accomplishment that brought tremendous joy to his family.
Kenzie Hemric, herself an experienced racer, shared the emotional significance of that win in an interview with Haley Dillon. “I was full jumping up and down in the stands [when Hemric won]. Like, people around me were like ‘What is wrong with this lady? Like why is she jumping around like that?’” she recounted, illustrating the excitement and pride she felt witnessing Daniel Hemric’s return to Victory Lane.
She explained that the primary motivation behind the move was to give their children the chance to experience the thrill of winning. “So that’s why Daniel wanted to go back to the truck stuff is to compete for wins and get the kids to Victory Lane, so they could experience that. And it was so fun,” Kenzie said. She also described how their son, Rustin, was delighted after the race, saying, “Rustin’s core memory was daddy’s soaking wet. They sprayed him with water. ‘Daddy, soaking wet,’ is what he would say after… And then we say, ‘Rustin, what do you say when you take pictures?’ And he’d go, ‘Woo!’ So that was fun. It was all so worth it.”
This move marks a pivotal chapter in Daniel Hemric’s racing journey, not only offering him the chance to chase a long-sought Truck Series title but strengthening his family’s bond through shared experiences. Currently ranked fourth in the driver standings—73 points behind Corey Heim—Hemric’s relentless drive is evident, having already secured a win at Martinsville, two additional top-five finishes, and another top-ten result. A Truck Series championship would represent a milestone for Hemric and his family, giving extra meaning to every lap he leads and every celebration they share.
