Daniel Hemric, the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, is set to make a return to Kaulig Racing in the Xfinity Series for two important playoff races in October, adding significant experience and momentum to the team’s efforts. This Kaulig Racing Daniel Hemric return will take place at the Charlotte ROVAL and Las Vegas, with both starts confirmed after his recent appearance at Worldwide Technology Raceway.
Hemric to Drive No. 11 Chevrolet in Crucial October Races
Kaulig Racing confirmed on Friday that Daniel Hemric, currently a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Truck Series, will step back into the Xfinity Series, piloting the No. 11 Chevrolet. He will compete in the upcoming playoff races, scheduled at the Charlotte ROVAL on October 4 and Las Vegas on October 11. The move comes after Hemric previously drove for the team earlier this month at Worldwide Technology Raceway, signaling a strategic push for the postseason.
“The veteran, [Daniel Hemric], will drive the No. 11 Chevrolet in the next two [NASCAR Xfinity Series’ races following Kansas Speedway!
Kaulig Racing has used a rotation of drivers for the No. 11 car since their split with Josh Williams midway through the 2025 season. Since Williams’ departure after 21 races, the team has turned to several other drivers, including Carson Hocevar, Michael McDowell, Justin Haley, and Will Brown, to fill the seat. Hemric’s return provides the team with proven prowess as they seek playoff success.
Hemric’s Xfinity Track Record and Notable Achievements
Daniel Hemric’s success in the Xfinity Series spans over seven seasons, marked by one win in 187 starts. He notably raced full-time for Richard Childress Racing during 2017 and 2018, reaching the Championship 4 in both years. Hemric later transitioned to part-time competition with JR Motorsports in 2020 before moving to Joe Gibbs Racing, where he secured his first Xfinity Series win and clinched the championship title at Phoenix Raceway in 2021.
Hemric has also contributed solid results in his previous full-time Xfinity stints with Kaulig Racing across 2022 and 2023, amassing nine top-five finishes and 32 top-tens in just 66 starts. His most recent run with Kaulig at Gateway culminated in a strong seventh-place finish, underlining his continued competitiveness in the series.
Focusing on Family and Competitive Goals with the Truck Series
After a full-time campaign in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024 for Kaulig, Daniel Hemric transitioned to racing full-time in the Truck Series with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing. Currently, he stands third in the points standings, just 68 points behind leader Corey Heim. Hemric captured his first Truck Series win at Martinsville in March, marking a milestone both personally and professionally.
“One of my selfish main goals was that, my wife and I have stood in victory lane together, whether people know it or not, hundreds of times throughout our lives growing up and my kids have never experienced that. So one of my reasons I want to come back here was to try to win and give them those memories,” Daniel Hemric said after his Truck win earlier this year via Frontstretch.
The North Carolina native’s motivation for returning to full-time Truck competition is anchored not just in professional ambition but also in providing memorable experiences for his family—a sentiment that adds emotional depth to his competitive pursuits. Hemric’s victory at Martinsville has allowed his children to experience the thrill of victory lane, creating cherished family memories.
Kaulig Racing’s Dynamic Driver Strategy in 2025
Kaulig Racing’s approach this season has involved multiple drivers sharing time in the No. 11 Chevrolet. Following Josh Williams’ mid-season exit, a roster of talented drivers including Carson Hocevar, Michael McDowell, Justin Haley, and Will Brown have filled in, each bringing their own skills to the team’s campaign. With Hemric’s return for the critical playoff events, Kaulig aims to leverage his championship experience as the team seeks to advance in the postseason.
As these key races approach, the organization notes Hemric’s history with the team and his proven results, suggesting high expectations for the upcoming events at Charlotte and Las Vegas. Hemric’s role will be crucial as Kaulig Racing pursues deeper advancement in the Xfinity Series playoffs.
Looking Forward: Impact and Expectations
Daniel Hemric’s comeback in the Xfinity Series underscores Kaulig Racing’s commitment to adaptability and their pursuit of playoff excellence, drawing from the expertise of a former champion during the most decisive phase of the season. With significant experience from multiple organizations including Joe Gibbs Racing, Richard Childress Racing, and his current Truck Series campaign, Hemric embodies both competitive drive and personal motivation.
As Hemric prepares for the October doubleheader at Charlotte ROVAL and Las Vegas, his participation is expected to energize team dynamics and provide fans with compelling racing action. The Kaulig Racing Daniel Hemric return at these pivotal playoff races will be closely watched, with potential to impact the playoff landscape in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for 2025 and beyond.
🚨 The veteran, @DanielHemric, will drive the No. 11 Chevrolet in the next two @NASCAR_Xfinity Series races following Kansas Speedway! pic.twitter.com/xxKRnyuEAb
— Kaulig Racing (@KauligRacing) September 26, 2025
