As the laps wound down in the Winstar World Casino and Resort 400(k), it looked as though Daniel Hemric was on course for his second straight top-five finish. However, with seven laps to go, the tire would blow out on his truck, resulting in a spin.
Despite the setback, Hemric was able to cross the finish line in ninth for his third top-10 finish of his rookie season.
Hemric told Popular Speed that they had more travel than expected on the restart with 14 to go, resulting in a fender rub.
“Everyone is just driving so hard at the end. The air pressure came up and I thought we were going to be okay but then the left rear hit the body and cut the tire down,” he added. “I’m surprised I didn’t wreck the field. But all in all, I’m really proud of our guys. The finish ain’t going to show it but we had a really fast California Clean Power Chevrolet. Ugh. We’ll take this and build on it.”
The first two events of the season brought forth finishes of 26th and 19th. The rookie has continued to get stronger each week, steadily improving his finishes in each start with NTS Motorsports. Now as we head into the summer, he is placing his bright orange and green Chevrolet in the top-five each week, working on fighting for wins.
Now heading to a short track next weekend – Gateway Motorsports Park, Hemric will look to continue the positive climb to the top. He has a ton of short track experience by virtue of running the Southern Super Series and a ton of late model races. That experience could turn into a successful weekend, and perhaps his first trip to victory lane.
