NASCAR Cup Series driver John Hunter Nemechek began the 2026 season competing in both the Cup Series and the Craftsman Truck Series, racing at Daytona International Speedway and EchoPark Speedway. Nemechek, a full-time driver for Legacy Motor Club, last ran in the Truck Series in 2023 but returned this year behind the wheel of the No. 62 Toyota for Halmar Friesen Racing, finishing fifth at Daytona and eighth at Atlanta.
For the upcoming Truck Series event, the first-ever street race in St. Petersburg, Florida, Nemechek will not participate due to scheduling conflicts with the Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas. Wesley Slimp will take over the No. 62 Toyota for Halmar Friesen Racing in this race.
Background on Wesley Slimp’s Truck Series Involvement
Wesley Slimp, a 23-year-old driver from Marietta, Georgia, currently competes part-time in the ARCA Menards Series with Nitro Motorsports. Slimp made his Truck Series debut last year, appearing in three races driving the No. 62 Toyota when it was a part-time entry. All of his starts came on road courses, with his best result being a 12th-place finish at Watkins Glen International.
His proven skill on road courses makes Slimp a fitting choice for the street race at St. Petersburg, which is one of the more technical circuits in the Truck Series schedule.
Future Prospects for the No. 62 Toyota and Season Outlook
Beyond this weekend’s race, the driver for the No. 62 Toyota has not been confirmed for any of the 22 remaining Truck Series events in 2026. Slimp could potentially earn more opportunities behind the wheel, especially as the team evaluates its full-season strategy. Meanwhile, restrictions for full-time Cup Series drivers with more than three years of experience competing in lower-tier divisions have eased, so Nemechek may return for select Truck Series starts later in the year.
Saturday’s OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 in St. Petersburg will be broadcast live on Fox starting at 12:00 p.m. ET, marking an exciting debut for the Truck Series on this unique street course.
Significance of the Driver Change and the Upcoming Race
The confirmation of Wesley Slimp as John Hunter Nemechek’s replacement highlights Halmar Friesen Racing’s flexible approach to driver lineups as they navigate a busy NASCAR schedule. Slimp’s involvement offers a promising opportunity for rising talent while maintaining competitiveness in the Truck Series. The St. Petersburg street race adds fresh excitement to the 2026 season, showcasing NASCAR’s expansion into new and challenging venues.
