After an unceremonious exit from LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s NASCAR Cup Series program, John Hunter Nemechek has landed on his feet. The 29-year-old racer will join Haas Factory Team in 2027 and will pilot the organization’s No. 41 Chevrolet in a full-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign.
Nemechek, who will replace the departing Sam Mayer as the driver of the car, will have Jason Trinchere as his crew chief at HFT. Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, Nemechek’s longtime sponsorship partner, will move with him to Haas Factory Team next season.
Nemechek, an 11-time race winner in NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series competition, is happy to see what he can do with Haas Factory Team, an organization that has fielded two strong championship-caliber entries in 2026.
“I’m excited to join Haas Factory Team’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program,” Nemechek said in a team press release. “They have championship-caliber cars and personnel, and I’m ready to get to work with this group and compete for wins in 2027.”
With Mayer and Sheldon Creed, who had three wins in 2026, moving on at season’s end, Haas Factory Team had to find a driver capable of winning races at the O’Reilly Series level to fill the void. With Nemechek becoming available as LEGACY MOTOR CLUB goes in a different direction in 2027, HFT saw an amazing opportunity with JHN.
“John Hunter brings the experience and talent we’re looking for at Haas Factory Team,” said Joe Custer, President of Haas Factory Team. “We’re excited to have him join our organization and look forward to competing for wins and championships together.”
As Haas Factory Team expands to three full-time entries in 2027, Nemechek will join Dean Thompson, who was previously announced to the 2027 driver roster for HFT, and another driver to be announced later.
In addition to his 11 career wins in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Nemechek is also a 13-time race winner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. While his record in the other two NASCAR National Series ranks hasn’t translated to NASCAR Cup Series success, Nemechek should be seen as a championship contender in 2027.
