Hemric Re-Signs with RCR for 2018 Xfinity Campaign

By Seth Eggert, NASCAR Writer

Another piece of the 2018 NASCAR Xfinity Series driver line-up fell into place today with Daniel Hemric re-signing with Richard Childress Racing (RCR). Hemric is the first to announce his return to the RCR Xfinity program in 2018.

In his rookie season with RCR, Hemric has six top-fives, 14 top-10s, and one pole position in 28 races. While driving the No. 21 Chevrolet Camaro SS, he has also earned two stage wins and the Xfinity Dash 4 Cash bonus at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Hemric admitted that he’s learned a lot from team owner Richard Childress.

“It is always a special time when you can re-sign with a team like Richard Childress Racing that has done so much in our sport. I’ve learned a lot from Richard both about racing and life in general, many lessons that I will never forget. While we still are contending for the XFINITY Series championship this year, and have unfinished business in the final five races, I’m fortunate that I will again be running for the Series championship in 2018 with RCR and Richard in my corner.”

Hemric has yet to score a victory in NASCAR’s National Series, but has an impressive resume. In Legends cars, he won the track championship at Concord Speedway in 2008 and 2009 as well as the Summer Shootout Series Championship in 2009 and 2012 and the Legends Million in 2010 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In Late Models Hemric earned the 2012 Champion Racing Association JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Championship and the 2013 Southern Super Series Championship.

Hemric was humbled to have the backing of Childress and RCR,

“Richard made a vow to me that he believes in me, and I believe in the entire RCR organization. It is such a humbling feeling to know I have an owner that believes in me and what we can accomplish together. I look forward to representing RCR and all of the organization’s great partners.”

To date, RCR has uncharacteristically been winless in the 2017 NASCAR Xfinity Series. However, between its five teams, RCR has scored 21 top-fives, 56 top-10s, and two pole positions in 140 total starts.

“Daniel is a special driver that we’re thrilled to have back for the 2018 season,” said Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of RCR. “He works hard at being the best race car driver he can possibly be. There aren’t too many other drivers that have a work ethic like he does, which we value here at RCR. Daniel is constantly in the race shop meeting with his crew chief, our engineers, the simulation team and his teammates to understand how to get better. On top of that, Daniel is an excellent ambassador for RCR’s partners. He carries himself well, treats everyone with respect and understands the importance of sponsorship.”

Hemric scored a career-best second-place finish at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course earlier this season. Entering Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend, he sits fifth in points, 37-points ahead of the cutoff for the Round of Eight. However, Hemric will be without his crew chief, Danny Stockman, car chief, Clint Almquist, and engineer Luke Mason after leaving ballast (tungsten) unsecured in practice at Dover.

With his future set, Hemric will look to have a strong run at Charlotte Motor Speedway and move into the Round of Eight.