NASCAR: 5 replacement candidates for Kyle Larson
By Asher Fair
Daniel Hemric
Daniel Hemric is one of only two non-retired drivers who competed in the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season but did not return to the series in the 2020 season. He is the only one of those two drivers who is still competing in NASCAR at any level, as he signed a part-time deal with JR Motorsports before the season.
It isn’t highly likely, but this could be the perfect opportunity for the Chevrolet driver to get back in a Cup car and potentially make a case for a long-term deal.
With Chastain competing full-time in the Xfinity Series and sitting in fifth place in the championship standings driving for Kaulig Racing, there is no guarantee that he would give up his championship eligibility at NASCAR’s second highest level and declare for Cup Series points.
Hemric wouldn’t have that issue. While he is currently eligible for Xfinity Series points, he is not a championship contender, as his deal with JR Motorsports is for only 21 of the season’s 33 races.
The 29-year-old Kannapolis, North Carolina native was not super impressive in his rookie Cup Series season last year despite winning the Rookie of the Year Award, and it is worth noting that he still has zero wins across the Cup Series, Xfintiy Series and Truck Series.
But there were a few bright spots to his rookie year, and perhaps pairing him with a seasoned veteran in Kurt Busch could be what he needs to truly tap into his potential and set himself up for an extended return to the Cup Series.