Daniel Hemric is seeking another shot at postseason success as he enters the first round of the Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs, making only his second-ever appearance in this phase of his Truck Series career. With Daniel Hemric Truck Series playoffs ambitions in focus, the 2025 season marks Hemric’s full-time comeback, as he steps into the No. 19 chevrolet/”>Chevrolet after Christian Eckes advanced to the Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing.
Transitioning Back and Chasing a New Identity
Hemric’s return comes nearly a decade after his initial run at the Truck Series playoffs, which began during the inaugural playoff season in 2016. At 34 years old, he acknowledged earlier this year the unique challenges of adapting back to the series, speaking candidly to NASCAR.com about his team’s evolving dynamic since his arrival at McAnally-Hilgemann Racing. Since then, he secured a critical victory at Martinsville Speedway, clinching his place in the playoffs, but he remains grounded about the ongoing work needed for the team to reach its full potential.
“You know, I’d like to sit here and tell you all that is ironed out,”
—Daniel Hemric, Driver
Hemric detailed that sweeping changes over the offseason created a search for identity for both himself and the team. He emphasized adaptability as their defining trait heading into the high-stakes, elimination-style postseason, stressing the importance of persistence when confronted by adversity and uncertainty.
“We know we have some strengths that we really, truly got to stay within throughout the rounds and the races and identity will kind of naturally take on its own characters, but yeah, for us, just trying to truly stay within what we know we are and what we are to this point, and try to continue to grow and develop any better.”
—Daniel Hemric, Driver
Veteran Experience Among Playoff Contenders
The current playoff grid features just two competitors with national series championships to their name: Daniel Hemric, who won the Xfinity Series title in 2021, and last year’s reigning Truck Series champion Ty Majeski. Despite this, Hemric downplays the significance of his past success, insisting that each playoff campaign has its own distinct challenges and opportunities.
“I don’t look at [being a former champion] as an advantage,”
—Daniel Hemric, Driver
He reflected on the notion that postseason racing offers a unique excitement and atmosphere compared to the regular season. Hemric views every playoff as a singular experience, maintaining that relying on prior accomplishments can be misleading.
“There is something different about all playoff sports. I don’t care what sport it is, it’s fun and a different atmosphere and a different feeling that I love and have always loved. It’s cool to be a part of another one.”
—Daniel Hemric, Driver
Confidence Ahead and Targeting Key Races
Ahead of the playoffs, Hemric admits that the team continues to navigate new dynamics—working to gel within the McAnally-Hilgemann Racing organization while laying groundwork toward their first championship. The Kannapolis, North Carolina native remains optimistic, particularly with the Round of 8 at Martinsville Speedway on the horizon, a venue where he triumphed to lock in his postseason berth.
“We just go to that place with a lot of confidence in general,”
—Daniel Hemric, Driver
Hemric recognizes how unpredictable the Truck Series has become, with evolving competition across all national NASCAR series. He points to short-track racing as one of his team’s core strengths, aiming to capitalize on those rounds to propel the No. 19 team into championship contention at Phoenix.
“But as we’ve seen all year, the entire Truck Series, garage, really, all three series, is continuing to evolve. And guys that were good the last time doesn’t mean you’re gonna be good this time. But we go to there, really all of the short tracks, with an extra level of confidence. I feel like it’s been a strength of ours and just look forward to that opportunity. Hopefully, it is within that Round of 8 and we can go punch our ticket and race for a championship in Phoenix.”
—Daniel Hemric, Driver
The Road Ahead for Hemric and McAnally-Hilgemann Racing
As the Truck Series postseason unfolds, Daniel Hemric and his team will depend on resilience, experience, and adaptability to reach the championship-deciding race in Phoenix. With confidence bolstered by recent victories and a clear-eyed perspective on the challenges ahead, Hemric’s journey in the Daniel Hemric Truck Series playoffs is closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The coming rounds will test not only the capabilities of the No. 19 crew but will help further define the identity of McAnally-Hilgemann Racing as they strive for their first Truck Series championship.
