NASCAR: 3 possible landing spots for John Hunter Nemechek in 2023
By Randy Smith
John Hunter Nemechek landing spots: No. 2 – Sam Hunt Racing
If John Hunter Nemechek wishes to stay in the TRD camp and look outside of KBM, a move to Sam Hunt Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series could be an option as well. Nemechek has competed for the team on a part-time basis since 2021, with his most recent race there coming at Darlington Raceway.
It’s uncertain whether Sam Hunt Racing can bring on a full-time driver, as they have provided a rotational ride for Xfinity Series journeymen and developmental rides for TRD prospects. But if the Mooresville, North Carolina-based team is looking to commit to a full-time driver for 2023, Nemechek should be their guy.
Of the plethora of drivers to compete for their team, Nemechek has made the most out of their equipment. He gave the team their best finish at Richmond Raceway in 2021 when he finished in third place.
This season alone, he has already scored two top five finishes, higher than any other driver to pilot the #26 Toyota. The upside that Nemechek brings to Sam Hunt Racing shouldn’t be ignored and should be explored as an option for both sides for 2023.
Drivers who have helped out Sam Hunt Racing, such as Jeffery Earnhardt, serve as great veterans who bring funding that may help out the team on an occasional basis, but they aren’t the permanent answer.
For Earnhardt specifically, it’s clear that a full-time role is his priority, and he will take any ride in the process, just as he did this year when he split time with both Sam Hunt Racing and Richard Childress Racing to bring the #3 Chevrolet back in the Xfinity Series.
But Sam Hunt Racing should consider committing to a full-time driver. Sponsorship, like always in NASCAR, will be the biggest gap to fill for both Nemechek and the team. But if a company is willing to put faith in both, it would give Nemechek a home for 2023, and it would secure Sam Hunt Racing a championship caliber flagship driver as well.