“Could Have Run Him Over”: Former Employee of Kyle Busch Spared by Kaulig Racing Star as He Misses Out on Playoffs

The Charlotte Roval echoed with revving engines and roaring crowds. Still, it was Daniel Hemric’s decision to put respect before rivalry that stole the show. Falling just two points short of the Xfinity Series‘ Round of Eight, Hemric’s restraint against former Kyle Busch Motorsports driver Parker Kligerman spoke volumes.

Reflecting on his performance and the crucial decisions made on the track, Hemric’s decision to prioritize fair racing even under playoff pressure caught the attention of many. Speaking to Frontstretch post-race, Hemric was queried about his choices in the final laps, particularly with regard to a pivotal moment involving Kyle Busch’s former driver.

Daniel Hemric’s hard decision

Throughout the pulsating 250 km race, Daniel Hemric’s #10 Camaro SS was tail-to-bumper with former Kyle Busch employee Parker Kligerman and Sheldon Creed. The duel intensified, yet mutual respect remained the underlying theme. 

Hemric reiterated, “We were racing hard. I thought with the #48, I saw the move he was going to put on the #26 there coming to the start-finish line or coming to the entry chicane and it played out almost like I wanted to. I could have run him over, but I wasn’t going to do it. 

“I’m extremely proud of this racing the way we execute today, we had a plan, stuck to a plan. We didn’t lose it here today. We lost it at Texas. That falls on myself, big shoulders, I can handle it. We’ll, continue this journey.” 

In the race’s closing stages, Hemric, ever the tactician, mirrored Kligerman’s strategy, pinpointing an opportune moment when Kligerman made a move on Kaz Grala for fifth. But even in this high-stakes move, Hemric’s ethics stood strong. Despite the pressure, he chose not to exploit the situation aggressively. But how exactly did he do that? 

Hemric’s tactician’s approach against the former Kyle Busch Motorsports driver

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Aware of Kligerman’s approach to Kaz Grala, Hemric sensed an opportunity. He boldly positioned his car to go three-wide as they shot out of the front stretch chicane. Though the gamble saw him finish seventh, Hemric believes the real dent in his playoff hopes happened at Texas Motor Speedway. 

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Choosing not to aggressively push Kligerman or Grala, Hemric aligned himself with the likes of racing greats such as Mark Martin and Martin Truex Jr. These moments, where racers choose honor over ambition, become the true markers of their careers.

His seventh-place finish at the Charlotte Roval adds to Hemric’s already impressive portfolio. It’s his 100th top-10 in his Xfinity career, showcasing a seasoned racer still ripe with potential. As the engines rev up for his 2024 return to the Cup Series, there’s anticipation in the air. 

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