Sam Hunt Racing and Toyota continue to bolster their 2021 Xfinity Series plans, with the team announcing the addition of John Hunter Nemechek for select races this upcoming season.
The news was announced via press release and video on the team’s social media channels.
— Sam Hunt Racing (@Team_SHR26) February 17, 2021
Nemechek will make his Xfinity debut for Sam Hunt Racing at Dover in May.
“I’m excited to have John Hunter come back to his roots and drive for our young team in 2021,” Hunt said in a media release. “He’s always been a mutual friend of mine, always been extremely friendly, and has always shown that he can maximize his equipment and represent his sponsors. Working with so many rookies this year, his experience and feedback will be invaluable to our program’s growth. I know he can help us just as much as we can help him, and I think it’s cool to see a guy like him so excited about joining our small team with intentions to improve it as a whole. The entire shop is extremely excited about it and I know he’ll be able to help us improve our cars throughout the year.”
Nemechek made surprise headlines when he decided to head back down to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports. It’s a gamble that Nemechek is willing to take.
“I’m so excited for the opportunity to be able to run some races for Sam Hunt,” said Nemechek. It’s awesome to see what he’s done in such a short time, being such a young team owner in the sport. I think my experience and this team can accomplish a lot and I’m excited to see what happens! I can’t thank Sam, Toyota, and all of our partners enough for this opportunity and helping us put this together.”
In the team’s 2021 debut, Sam Hunt Racing brought home their Toyota home with a top-10 thanks to driver Brandon Gdovic. The team utilized a Joe Gibbs Racing powerplant and engineering support from Toyota Racing Development.
“We are growing and learning so much every single day,” said Hunt. “We are youthful. We understand and are excited about the heavy workload ahead of us. Although there will be highs and lows this year, we are committed to operating with pure professionalism, class, and open minds. Like my hero JD Gibbs told me years ago, success is measured by how often I help others. I hope I can help others like they are helping me now.”
Nemechek has not made an Xfinity start since 2019, during his time with GMS Racing. In both starts at Dover, Nemechek scored top-10 finishes, on his way to a ninth place finish in the final points tally.
