Hemric Has Become a Primary Player Entering Kansas
Venue: Kansas Speedway
Event: Heart of Health Care 200
Date: Saturday, May 10
Location: Kansas City, KS
Track Description: 1.5-mile tri oval
Distance: 134 laps, 201 miles (7:30 p.m. ET, FOX, Motor Racing Network)
Becoming a Primary Players … As the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) hits the halfway mark of the regular season at Kansas Speedway, Daniel Hemric is beginning to heat up. The driver of the No. 19 Gates Hydraulics Chevrolet Silverado RST has asserted himself as one of the primary threats on the tour with four top-five finishes in the last five races. Hemric comes to the Heartland seeking MHR’s second victory at the 1.5-mile speedway. Should Hemric and company continue their recent hot streak, the North Carolinian could vault himself into contention for the regular season title through the stretch run to the playoffs.
Grinding Away … Since his victory at Martinsville Speedway on March 28th, Hemric’s season has taken off by earning top-five results in a variety of ways. The No. 19 team has created a culture of grinding out each race, posting results with outright speed, fuel mileage, and comeback efforts like last week’s runner-up finish at Texas Motor Speedway following an air gun malfunction on pit road. Hemric and crew chief Josh Graham have displayed a consistent ability to rise to the occasion and perform at a high level. The duo’s determination and flexibility to find a way to the front each week has gained Hemric five positions in the NCTS standings in the last five races.
Season to Date … After seven regular season events, Hemric sits third in the NCTS championship standings with four top-five’s and five top-10 results. His consistency is evident with an average finish of 7.5, second-best among all NCTS regulars, as he also owns the third-most top-five results. Hemric has led five races for a total of 21 laps.
Tune In … On-track activity begins on Saturday with practice and qualifying at 2:00 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 2. Race coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1. Stay connected with the No. 19 Gates Hydraulics team by following @BMR_NASCAR on Twitter, @bmrnascar on Instagram, and Bill McAnally Racing on Facebook.
Daniel Hemric Quote:
On climbing to third in points entering Kansas:
“One of our strengths early in the year has been to grind away throughout races and find a way to finish well. Especially in the last four to five weeks, we’ve been executing well, and if we do have an issue, we’re able to respond and get back towards the front. Hopefully we have another fast Gates Hydraulics Chevrolet at Kansas and can keep it up front throughout the night. We’ve been able to save fuel, come from the back, and do a lot of different things. It’d be great to lead laps and run up front throughout the night have a smooth weekend.”