Hemric’s Strong Atlanta Effort Halted Late

Venue: EchoPark Speedway

FINISH: 34th

Start: 13th

Laps Led: 0

NCTS Point Standings Position: 29th

Daniel Hemric had a sturdy effort in the works on Saturday afternoon at EchoPark Speedway before a left front hub burned up forcing him to absorb a 34th-place finish. The driver of the No. 19 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet Silverado RST scored points in Stage 1 but sits 29th in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) standings after two events.

Hemric timed in 13th-quickest in Friday afternoon’s practice session under sunny Georgia conditions. A heavy thunderstorm washed the track of rubber as Hemric took the green under heavy overcast on Saturday afternoon. The loss of overall grip from the hybrid superspeedway’s surface created more separation throughout the field in the opening stage as Hemric challenged for a top-10 position with a free balance. As the field strung out, Hemric drafted his way up to the lead group and climbed into 10th to pocket one stage point on lap 40.

Crew chief Kevin Bellicourt armed Hemric with four tires, fuel, and a chassis adjustment to secure his balance under the stage caution. Despite the changes, Hemric still contended with a lack of rear grip, but continued to stay in the fight for a top-10 position and ran 11th at the end of Stage 2.

After another four tire stop with chassis adjustments, Hemric restarted ninth but came to pit road shortly thereafter with a burned left front hub which ended his day after 88 laps. As a result, Hemric was relegated to a 34th-place finish.

Daniel Hemric Quote:

“Not the result we needed at all. Our balance was a little free on that first run and felt like it improved the longer we ran. We got to 10th and ran down the lead group there, felt decent about it. Kevin [Bellicourt] and the guys were adjusting on it and thought we had a good direction on what we needed for the final stage. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see it. Wish we could have run it out and kept our NAPA Auto Care Chevy in the top-10. We can’t wait to shake this stuff and get to St. Pete to get this turned around.”