WELCOME, N.C. — Richard Childress Racing has announced that Daniel Hemric will not return to the team’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series program next year.
Hemric, in his first full season at NASCAR’s top level, has scored one top-five and two top-10 finishes in 27 starts this season at the helm of of RCR’s No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
“Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has exercised its option and will release Daniel Hemric as driver of the No. 8 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Camaro ZL1 effective at the conclusion of the 2019 NASCAR season,” the team said in a statement.
“Daniel is a very talented driver and an outstanding person. We’d like to thank him for his commitment and dedication to RCR the past three years and wish him continued success in his future endeavors. Additional information on RCR’s Cup program will be announced at a later date.”
NEWS pic.twitter.com/t8qkuqrZl2
— RCR (@RCRracing) September 17, 2019
Hemric joined Richard Childress Racing in 2017 to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In two seasons with RCR at the Xfinity Series level, Hemric earned 23 top-five and 39 top-10 finishes, but failed to win a race.
He was promoted to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series this season in place of Ryan Newman, who departed the team to join Roush Fenway Racing.
Hemric said in a tweet from his personal Twitter account that he was grateful for the opportunity to drive for Richard Childress Racing.
Forever grateful to Richard & everyone at @RCRracing for the opportunity. I’m disappointed it ended like this, but we’ve got nine more races together & some team goals that are still within reach. I’m going to do all I can to make sure we get those & finish the season strong.
— Daniel Hemric (@DanielHemric) September 17, 2019
While the team has yet to confirm it, it is believed that Hemric’s departure will make way for reigning NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Tyler Reddick to move full-time to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series level next year.