In Spite of an Early Slip-Up, John Hunter Nemechek Brings Joe Gibbs the Ultimate Glory

After a one-season run in the 2019 Xfinity Series season for GMS Racing, John Hunter Nemechek returned for a second run, this time with the backing of Joe Gibbs Racing. Starting the season strong with a second-place finish at Daytona, Nemechek quickly followed up with his first race win of the season at California.

Having collected four race wins in the 2023 season, John Hunter Nemechek rolled into Michigan International Speedway where he rewarded his team owner, Joe Gibbs, with the ultimate glory.

Joe Gibbs’ Pride – John Hunter Nemechek

Approaching Turn 2 during the 11th lap of the race, JGR’s #19 driver Ty Gibbs was sitting pretty in the fourth spot with his teammate John Hunter Nemechek tailing his rear bumper. Apparently losing rear-wheel traction owing to Nemechek riding close behind, Ty Gibbs spun towards the infield, closely followed by his teammate’s #20 Toyota. Triggering a multi-car wreck, the ensuing carnage even collected JGR’s #18 driver Sammy Smith, also totaling Carson Hocevar’s #77 Chevy. 

Despite being the cause of the early caution, Nemechek got to work, grabbing the stage two win. Entering the final stage, the #20 JGR driver was embroiled in a battle for the lead with Josh Berry. With the race’s final caution being flown out, Nemechek capitalized on the late restart, distancing himself from Berry. Successfully defending his lead, John Hunter Nemechek not only secured his fifth race win of the season but also rewarded Joe Gibbs with his team’s 200th Xfinity Series race win. Celebrating the milestone achievement for JGR, John Hunter Nemechek performed a celebratory burnout while displaying a flag that brandished his team’s 200th Xfinity Series win.

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Although elated by his achievement, Nemechek turned apologetic during his Victory Lane interview.

“It’s my mistake”: John Hunter Nemechek’s apology to teammate

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Performing a rolling burnout, the #20 JGR driver drove toward Michigan International Speedway’s Victory Lane. Catching up with Nemechek, NBC’s pit reporter, Kim Coon, asked the race winner on how he rebounded from the stage one slip-up. Thanking his JGR team and race partners for his marvelous win, John Hunter Nemechek then delivered a heartfelt apology to his teammate, Ty Gibbs. 

“I have to apologize to Ty. I’ve been the one who’s been very vocal about teammates here recently. I put him in a bad aero spot. I got him loose, and he couldn’t check up. It’s my mistake. I hate that we both spun early, but at least we were able to rebound. I know he’s not too happy with me, and he has every right not to be,” Nemechek said, acknowledging his stage one action that triggered a multi-car wreck.

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Securing five race wins so far, will John Hunter Nemechek claim his first championship title win?