NASCAR: 3 possible landing spots for John Hunter Nemechek in 2023
By Randy Smith
John Hunter Nemechek landing spots: No. 3 – Joe Gibbs Racing (Xfinity Series)
If a full-time ride with Sam Hunt Racing isn’t in the cards for John Hunter Nemechek, Joe Gibbs Racing could be the most likely Xfinity Series landing spot for him.
Like he has for Sam Hunt Racing, Nemechek has competed for the team on a part-time basis since last year, furthering his experience in the TRD Xfinity Series program. But unlike his time with Sam Hunt Racing, his tenure with JGR has seen him visit victory lane. He won at Texas Motor Speedway in the #54 Toyota last year.
Nemechek’s alignment with JGR and their affiliated teams is closely noted, as he was the original driver lined up to replace Kurt Busch at 23XI Racing when Busch suffered concussion-like symptoms after a wreck at Pocono Raceway.
Team co-owner and JGR driver Denny Hamlin revealed that Nemechek was selected as the team’s reserve/replacement driver back in January, so it seems that both Toyota and Nemechek want to keep their relationship flowing.
With Ty Gibbs serving as the not-so-subtle replacement favorite for Kyle Busch next year in the Cup Series, JGR should have an opening in their Xfinity Series program next year. If/when Gibbs’s move to the #18 Toyota happens, the team should quickly sign Nemechek to fill the seat.
In his limited starts with JGR in the Xfinity Series this year, he nearly brought them another victory. Ironically enough, if it weren’t for being moved in the last corner on the final lap by Gibbs, he would have won at Richmond Raceway.
Kyle Busch will be more competitive than you think. dark. Next
With Gibbs most likely set to join the Cup Series full-time next year, Nemechek is the obvious candidate to take the reins from him. This move would keep him in the TRD camp and give him a chance to compete for a championship in a series he hasn’t competed full-time in since 2019.