Sam Hunt Racing has added a third driver to their driver lineup for the No. 26 NASCAR Xfinity Series entry for 2022, as the team announced on Tuesday, John Hunter Nemechek will return to the organization.
Nemechek will pilot the No. 26 Toyota Supra in both NXS events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and he will have sponsorship from his longtime partner Berry’s Bullets for the effort.
“Berry’s Bullets has been a long-standing partner of mine. They have been a part of my career since I have been racing full-time in NASCAR,” said Nemechek. “I look forward to racing for Sam Hunt Racing again and bringing Berry’s Bullets on board for both NASCAR Xfinity Series Races in Vegas in 2022.”
SHR crew chief and technical director Allen Hart will serve as Nemechek’s crew chief.
Nemechek ran two NASCAR Xfinity Series races for Sam Hunt Racing in 2021. He debuted for the team at Dover, where he competed inside the top-10 until mechanical issues sidelined him and he finished 32nd. Nemechek also raced at Richmond for SHR, where he secured an impressive third-place finish for the team.
“Any time we get to go to the track with John Hunter, it’s extremely beneficial for our organization,” said Sam Hunt, owner of SHR. “He’s been a large part of our growth, provides invaluable feedback, and even came close to winning a race for us last year at Richmond — my home track. He comes from a gritty background, and he really embraces our group and how I go about building this team. Having Berry’s Bullets jump on board for both Vegas races this year is exciting for everyone. Tony (Berry) and his wife Sheila are fantastic people, and run a true American business. We couldn’t be more proud to have them join our family and our efforts in 2022.”
In addition to his part-time NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule, Nemechek will once again run full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the No. 4 truck.
Last season, Nemechek scored five NCWTS victories and made it into the Championship 4, ultimately, settling for third in the final championship standings.
