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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Daniel Hemric’s NASCAR career has been full of ups and downs. Many fans started wondering what he would do after a disappointing 2024 season although his career had been on an uprise. After making his debut in the Truck Series back in 2013, he spent a couple of full seasons in 2015 and 2016 with Brad Keselowski Racing, finishing a solid sixth in points. But it was in the Xfinity Series where Hemric really started to gain the fans’ attention. Not only did he make the playoffs in both 2017 and 2018, but he also won the championship in 2021 with Joe Gibbs Racing.

After a solid rookie year in the Cup Series in 2019, Hemric’s Cup journey has had some top finishes, but he was still chasing that elusive win. Now, he’s making the jump back to the Truck Series in 2025, and this could be the fresh start Hemric needs. So let’s take a look at where Hemric will be racing in 2025.

Daniel Hemric’s demotion has fans still hopeful for his career

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After two full seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series, Daniel Hemric returns to the Truck Series for 2025, where he’ll take the wheel of McAnally-Hilgemann Racing’s No. 19 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet. It’s a move that has fans excited to see if the 33-year-old driver will find his redemption in the lower series.

For the Kannapolis, N.C. native, this is a return to full-time competition in the Trucks after a seven-year gap. His last full season in the series was in 2016, when he finished a solid sixth in points. But it’s not like Hemric’s been sitting idle—he’s had a notable career in Xfinity, even claiming a dramatic championship win in 2021. His Phoenix victory, when he secured the title with a last-lap pass, was a moment of pure racing magic.

Now, with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing—one of the most respected teams in the Truck Series—Hemric’s fans believe this could be the perfect opportunity for him to prove himself once again. The team, led by Bill McAnally, is hungry for success, and they’re hoping Hemric can bring the heat. He’ll have the backing of a race-winning organization, the experience to compete at the highest level, and a fire to make up for the years spent navigating a competitive Cup Series.

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Is Hemric's return to the Truck Series the comeback story NASCAR fans have been waiting for?

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It’s a bit of a painful demotion in some eyes—Hemric’s transition from the top level of stock car racing to the trucks—but for those who know his determination, it’s the beginning of a promising new era. Hemric has always been a driver who excels when the pressure is on, and fans are hopeful that his move to McAnally-Hilgemann Racing could be the spark for something big in 2025. After all, this is a driver who knows how to turn a last-chance opportunity into gold. Will the next chapter of his career be his most rewarding yet? Only time will tell, but fans are already picking Hemric as one to watch in the coming season.

Excited fans want to see Daniel Hemric redeem himself

While most fans are excited to see Daniel Hemric make a comeback, some joked about the possibility of seeing him finish second multiple times again. It was a cheeky nod to Hemric’s infamous near-wins that seemed to define his Cup career. This time, they’re hopeful the story will have a different ending, with plenty of support for Hemric in his new challenge. One fan shared their enthusiasm with, “Let’s go! Wishing you all the best, Daniel.” It’s simple, but it speaks volumes about the loyalty Hemric’s built over the years, particularly after his dramatic Xfinity Series championship win in 2021.

One fan summed it up with a mixture of excitement and humor, saying, “This might actually be Hemric’s chance to finally win again. I can’t wait to see him finish 2nd about 6 times.” It’s a playful jab at Hemric’s past close calls, but there’s an underlying belief that, given the right car and team, he could finally break through and take the checked flag.

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Others focused on the positive shift in Hemric’s career. “Let’s go, Daniel. I’m so happy to see him in a better opportunity than before,” a fan posted, excited for what’s ahead. After years of grinding it out in the Cup Series, often without a clear shot at victory, Hemric’s supporters believe this move could finally put him in a position to succeed with a team that has the potential to win.

via Imago

Fans also celebrated the partnership between Hemric and McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, with one commenter saying, “What a beginning to the next chapter for the 19 team and for MHR! Here’s to many victory backflips for you guys next year. Ever stronger! Ever faster!” It’s a reflection of just how much they believe in Hemric’s ability to perform when the stakes are high and the hope that he’ll bring the same passion and energy that made his Xfinity championship win so unforgettable.

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“Insane news day. Perfect fit though for both MHR and Daniel.” It’s a sentiment that resonates with many—Hemric’s move to MHR feels like the perfect match—a driver with the experience and determination to succeed, paired with a respected team eager for a championship. Fans see this as the beginning of something big, and they’re ready to root for him every step of the way.

Do you think that it will be redemption time for Daniel Hemric as he takes on the Truck Series again? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Is Hemric's return to the Truck Series the comeback story NASCAR fans have been waiting for?