NCTS Championship Race – Race Results
Venue: Homestead-Miami Speedway
FINISH: 3rd
Start: 16th
Stage 1: 4th
Stage 2: 2nd
Laps Led: 8
NCTS Point Standings Position: 7th
Hemric Makes Late Season Statement with Podium at Homestead
Daniel Hemric brought down the curtain on the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks Series (NCTS) campaign with a poignant statement performance at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The driver of the No. 19 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet Silverado RST finished third, his best result of the Chase, and paced the field for eight laps in Stage 2. Hemric tallied 50 points on the night and ended the season seventh in the standings with four top-five’s and 12 top-10 finishes.
After showing tremendous long-run pace in Thursday night’s practice session, he and the NAPA Auto Care team backed it up with a stout run in the race’s opening 30 laps. Hemric drove from 16th to ninth with a hard charge in the first three laps. Despite a free balance, he powered his way into the top five by lap 21 and claimed fourth position to score seven points at the end of Stage 1 on lap 30.
Crew chief Kevin Bellicourt tuned on the No. 19 Chevrolet with an air pressure change on the first four-tire pit stop of the night under the stage caution. Hemric restarted fifth on lap 38 and made a monster move to immediately obtain second position. He drove to the lead the next circuit on lap 39 and paced the field for eight laps. The NAPA Chevrolet ran out the balance of Stage 2 in second position to earn nine points at lap 60.
Hemric pitted again under the caution but was held back by a hung lug nut during the stop, costing him 10 positions. He restarted 12th on lap 67 but his raw pace was undeniable. Hemric instantly jumped to eighth and drove to fifth before a sequence of green flag pit stops commenced on lap 93. Bellicourt called him to pit on lap 96 and was scored sixth after the cycle was complete.
Shortly thereafter, an unexpected caution flew on lap 105, setting up another batch of pit stops. As five trucks stayed out on old tires, Hemric and most leaders elected to take the final set of fresh rubber. He lined up 11th on lap 114 and immediately took seventh as a multi-truck accident ensued mid pack. The final restart went green on lap 121 and Hemric used the final 14 laps to drive into a podium position to capture a third-place finish.
Daniel Hemric Quote:
“Really just needed track position. I felt like we had a really incredible NAPA Auto Care Chevy Silverado, best truck we’ve had all year to be honest with you. Appreciate the fight. Appreciate the effort. Appreciate the growth. It takes some tough times to figure out where to grow and where to begin the next journey. So, proud of the path we’ve chosen as a company, and that showed there.”
Through nearly 6,000 auto parts stores and over 18,000 auto care centers in the U.S., NAPA has America’s largest network of parts and care. The NAPA Network is supported by nationwide distribution centers with approximately 800,000 available parts, accessories and supplies. Widely recognized for quality parts, rapid availability and knowledgeable people, NAPA Auto Parts stores serve automotive service professionals, do-it-yourselfers and everyday drivers with quality parts, accessories and supplies to keep cars, trucks and equipment performing safely and efficiently. In 2025, NAPA proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary by honoring its innovative spirit and centennial legacy through community initiatives and a renewed commitment to driving the industry forward for the next century. For more information, visit www.napaonline.com.
