John Hunter Nemechek, a seasoned competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series, began the 2026 racing calendar by entering both Cup Series events and select Craftsman Truck Series races, marking his return to the Truck Series after stepping away in 2023. This John Hunter Nemechek NASCAR update tracks his recent performances and the team’s lineup adjustments for the upcoming events, as he balances his full-time obligations with Legacy Motor Club.
Participation Across NASCAR Divisions to Start 2026
For the start of the season, Nemechek took the wheel for Halmar Friesen Racing in the No. 62 Toyota during Craftsman Truck Series races at Daytona International Speedway and EchoPark Speedway. He finished an impressive fifth at Daytona and followed with an eighth-place finish at Atlanta, demonstrating solid results after a gap from Truck Series competition. Despite his strong outings, Nemechek will not compete in the upcoming street race this weekend, as his Cup Series commitments with Legacy Motor Club take priority when the Cup teams head to Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
Wesley Slimp Steps In for Halmar Friesen Racing
With Nemechek unable to participate, Halmar Friesen Racing has named Wesley Slimp as the substitute driver for the historic Truck Series street race through St. Petersburg, Florida. The No. 62 Toyota, which serves as a shared entry alongside Stewart Friesen’s No. 52, will see Slimp at the helm. Slimp, a competitor in the ARCA Menards Series with Nitro Motorsports, is not new to this equipment—he debuted in the Truck Series last year with three outings in the No. 62 Toyota, all on road courses, notching a best finish of 12th at Watkins Glen International. At just 23 years old and hailing from Marietta, Georgia, Slimp continues to build his profile in national-level stock car racing.
Future Appearances Still in Question
As of now, Halmar Friesen Racing has not committed to a driver for the remaining 22 races of the season in the No. 62 truck. Given Slimp’s experience and previous performances, it remains possible that he may get additional races as the year unfolds. Similarly, current rules still allow some flexibility for full-time Cup drivers like Nemechek—since restrictions on Cup veterans running in lower divisions have loosened in recent seasons, he could return to the Halmar Friesen Racing truck for select events as schedules permit.
Upcoming Race Brings Historic First for Truck Series
The Truck Series’ inaugural street race, the OnlyBulls Green Flag 150, is set for Saturday on the roads of St. Petersburg, Florida. Coverage will air live on Fox at 12:00 p.m. ET, marking a landmark occasion for the series and offering fans a new test of driver and machine in an urban setting. This unique event adds another layer of excitement and experimentation to the 2026 NASCAR schedule, as both rising talents and established names like Nemechek and Slimp continue to shape the competitive landscape.
