Daniel Brian Hemric Bio
Daniel Brian Hemric (born January 27, 1991) is an American professional stock car racing driver known for his versatility across NASCAR’s top series. He currently competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driving the No. 19 Chevrolet Silverado RST for McAnally–Hilgemann Racing, while also participating part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series West. Hemric is recognized for winning the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship, marking a significant milestone in his racing career.
Early Life and Background
Born in Kannapolis, North Carolina, Daniel Hemric began his racing journey at the age of five, competing in go-kart racing at Concord Speedway. Demonstrating early talent, he secured eleven wins and a track championship before advancing to Bandolero cars at age ten. Hemric’s formative years included success in Legends cars, where he won back-to-back national championships and the prestigious Legends Million race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2010, earning the largest payout in Legends car history at that time.
Throughout his youth, Hemric developed a signature backflip celebration inspired by fellow driver Carl Edwards. His early career also involved competing in the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour and Whelen Modified Tour, alongside late model racing where he claimed the Champion Racing Association JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour championship in 2012 and the Blizzard Series late model championship in 2013.
Path to NASCAR
Hemric transitioned to NASCAR’s national series with his debut in the Camping World Truck Series in 2013. He initially raced part-time before committing to full-time competition in 2015 with NTS Motorsports. His progression was marked by consistent performances, including multiple top-five finishes and a seventh-place points finish in his rookie Truck Series season. Hemric’s move to Brad Keselowski Racing in 2016 further solidified his presence in the Truck Series, where he made the playoffs despite not securing a win.
His success in the Truck Series opened doors to the Xfinity Series, where he joined Richard Childress Racing in 2017. Hemric quickly established himself as a competitive driver, reaching the Championship Round in both full seasons with RCR. His advancement culminated in a full-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series ride in 2019, earning Rookie of the Year honors despite a challenging season.
Daniel Brian Hemric Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
Hemric’s early NASCAR career began with limited starts in the Truck Series in 2013 and 2014, gaining valuable experience. His first full-time Truck Series season in 2015 with NTS Motorsports featured multiple top-five finishes and a solid seventh-place points finish. In 2016, driving for Brad Keselowski Racing, Hemric demonstrated remarkable consistency with seventeen top-five finishes and secured a playoff berth, though a win eluded him.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2017–2018)
Joining Richard Childress Racing in 2017, Hemric competed full-time in the Xfinity Series, quickly making an impact with his first pole position and multiple top-ten finishes. He advanced to the Championship Round in both 2017 and 2018, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level of the series. His performances included winning the Dash 4 Cash at Bristol and finishing as a consistent playoff contender.
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Era (2018–2019)
Hemric debuted in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in 2018 with Richard Childress Racing, initially running part-time before securing a full-time ride in 2019. Despite a challenging rookie season, he earned the 2019 Rookie of the Year award. Hemric achieved his first career Busch Pole Award at Kansas and finished 25th in the points standings. However, he was released from RCR after the season, leading to a part-time schedule in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports.
Joe Gibbs Racing and Championship Success (2021)
In 2021, Hemric joined Joe Gibbs Racing full-time in the Xfinity Series, driving the No. 18 car. His season was marked by remarkable consistency, culminating in a dramatic last-lap overtime victory at Phoenix Raceway to win his first NASCAR race and secure the Xfinity Series championship. This achievement highlighted his perseverance and skill, as he tied the record for most runner-up finishes before a first win in the series.
McAnally–Hilgemann Racing and Current Competition (2024–Present)
Hemric returned to full-time Truck Series competition in 2024 with McAnally–Hilgemann Racing, driving the No. 19 Chevrolet Silverado RST. Early in the 2025 season, he secured his first Truck Series victory at Martinsville Speedway, demonstrating his continued growth and competitiveness. Additionally, Hemric drives part-time in the Xfinity Series for Kaulig Racing and competes in the ARCA Menards Series West, maintaining a diverse racing portfolio.
Driving Style and Strengths
Daniel Hemric is known for his strategic racecraft and consistency across various track types. His ability to maintain strong finishes without relying solely on wins has been a hallmark of his career, particularly evident during his championship-winning Xfinity Series season. Hemric’s adaptability and partnership with experienced teams have contributed to his steady progression in NASCAR’s competitive environment.
Notable Races and Milestones
Hemric’s career highlights include his 2021 Xfinity Series championship win at Phoenix Raceway, his first Truck Series victory at Martinsville in 2025, and earning the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year award. His signature backflip celebration and resilience in playoff scenarios have made him a memorable figure in NASCAR.
Daniel Brian Hemric Career Wins
Throughout his career, Daniel Hemric has accumulated significant wins and achievements across NASCAR’s national series. His landmark victory in the 2021 Xfinity Series championship race marked his first NASCAR win, followed by his inaugural Truck Series win in 2025. These victories underscore his perseverance and skill as a professional driver.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Highlights
Hemric’s tenure in the Xfinity Series includes multiple playoff appearances and a championship title in 2021. His first win came in a dramatic last-lap overtime pass at Phoenix Raceway, capping a season of consistent top finishes. This victory was particularly notable as it came after a record-tying ten runner-up finishes, highlighting his persistence.
Other Wins & Performances
In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Hemric has demonstrated strong performances, including a notable victory at Martinsville Speedway in 2025. His early career also featured championships in regional late model series and the Blizzard Series, reflecting a solid foundation in stock car racing.
Daniel Brian Hemric Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Daniel Hemric is the son of Brian and Christi Hemric. While not from a widely publicized racing family, his early start and success in local racing circuits reflect a supportive environment that fostered his motorsports ambitions from a young age.
Personal Life
Hemric is married to Kenzie Ruston, a former K&N Pro Series East driver. The couple married on January 7, 2017, and have two children: a daughter born in 2020 and a son born in 2022. Beyond racing, Hemric established the Daniel Hemric Be the Change Scholarship at Rowan–Cabarrus Community College to support students pursuing careers in motorsports and related fields.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Daniel Hemric continues to compete full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with McAnally–Hilgemann Racing. He started the season strong with a seventh-place finish at Daytona and secured his first Truck Series win at Martinsville Speedway, signaling positive momentum. Hemric’s return to full-time competition in the Truck Series marks a renewed focus on consistent performance and championship contention. His ongoing part-time roles in the Xfinity and ARCA Menards Series West demonstrate his versatility and commitment to maintaining a competitive edge across NASCAR’s national divisions.
