Joe, John Hunter Nemechek Running Daytona For Sam Hunt

Joe Nemechek will join John Hunter Nemechek at Sam Hunt Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Daytona International Speedway, SHR announced Aug. 17.

This is the first time the father-and-son duo have competed as teammates since 2019.

John Hunter Nemechek is set to pilot the No. 26 Freedom 13 Toyota GR Supra, while Joe will be behind the wheel of the No. 24 FleetWing Toyota GR Supra.

While he didn’t explicitly announce it as being his final race, Joe Nemechek’s statement in a team release had an element of potential finality.

“If this is to be my last time to race in a NASCAR event, I am looking forward to being a teammate again with my son,” Joe Nemechek said in a team statement. “I am excited to race for Sam Hunt Racing as it shares many qualities with the foundation that NEMCO Motorsports was built upon. I see Sam Hunt Racing as a very strong team, and the wins and championships are coming soon. Racing with my son again is special, and my expectation is to be on the lead lap in the mix with John Hunter. I’m excited to see what happens.”

“Running multiple cars at Daytona is always special, but adding a father and son combo to the history books is a really cool opportunity for our team,” team owner Sam Hunt added. “John Hunter has been a big part of SHR’s growth, and to now have Joe join us at the tail end of his accomplished career is something I’ll cherish for a long time. Working with my dad throughout my entire racing career has been truly special, so I’m honored to be a part of this memorable moment for the Nemechek family and hope they are looking forward to it just as much as we are.”

Joe Nemechek’s qualifying attempt marks his first appearance in a NASCAR national series in 2022. He attempted one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in 2021, failing to qualify at Daytona.

He last ran in the Xfinity Series in 2020, competing in eight races for Mike Harmon Racing with a best finish of 15th at Daytona.

John Hunter Nemechek has attained one Truck win (Darlington Raceway), eight top fives and 13 top 10s in 2022, currently in place to make the next round of the playoffs. He has also started seven Xfinity races between SHR and Joe Gibbs Racing this year, scoring a runner-up result at Richmond Raceway.