It’s happened. Daniel Hemric won the Xfinity Series title, the first race win of his career. And his ‘move for the ages’ pass on Austin Cindric was precisely the reason fans love motorsports and particularly NASCAR.
Hemric post-race celebrations were worthy of the occasion, but they were made better by other notable names of NASCAR applauding him in his moment of triumph.
Hendrick Cup Series driver Chase Elliott, who is on the course to win back-to-back titles, posted a tweet recalling his racing memories with Hemric as he congratulated him.
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Had the pleasure of racing many a Friday and Saturday nights around the southeast against @DanielHemric, couldn’t be happier for a fantastic driver and a even better individual. Enjoy my friend!
— Chase Elliott (@chaseelliott) November 7, 2021
While another Joe Gibbs Racing driver from the top tier, Denny Hamlin lauded the race winner for “working his butt off” and getting what he deserves.
DH!!! Let’s goooo!!! So happy for him and his @JoeGibbsRacing team. So well deserved. Kid has worked his butt off and finally gets the biggest win on the biggest stage. Proud of you @DanielHemric
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) November 7, 2021
Michael Waltrip also shared a funny tweet while extending his congratulations to the race winner.
I said @DanielHemric just won the championship. She said that just made my hair happy. Congrats buddy. @NASCAR @NASCAR_Xfinity pic.twitter.com/Ss0iKFrer0
— Michael Waltrip (@MW55) November 7, 2021
Daniel Hemric left it late, very late in Phoenix
How many times have drivers won a NASCAR championship for their first career win? One. Daniel Hemric.
The No.18 driver was engaged in a race-long battle with rival Austin Cindric, often finding himself behind. But there are those who lose hope and succumb, and then there are those who persist and find a way to prevail. Hendric proved he belongs in the latter category.
In the very last corners before the chequered flag, a second-place Hemric bumped and pushed the leader Cindric and ended up winning the race by an astonishing 0.030 seconds.
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Even though some criticized this move, those in the stands, those in the studios, and even Austin Cindric himself knew that when there’s all to gain or to lose, a driver has to flirt with the limits.
"I've got zero problem with it…I'd do the same thing. It's a difficult thing to get moved out of the way late in the race for a win, much less than a title. (Austin Cindric) handled it with class." @DaleJr on Daniel Hemric's @NASCAR_Xfinity Championship win at @phoenixraceway pic.twitter.com/UHaMk55M0Y
— NBC Sports PR (@NBCSportsPR) November 7, 2021
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Although NASCAR fans will hope for a repeat of the very essence of the racing action that was on display on Saturday’s Xfinity Race, realistically, it’d be tough to come up with such a storyline again.
Also Read: What is the Weather Forecast for the Cup Series Finale in Phoenix?