In a heartfelt and candid revelation, NASCAR Cup Series driver John Hunter Nemechek has opened up about the challenges of his career, admitting that he misses the thrill of racing in the Xfinity Series—a stark contrast to the grueling demands of his current Cup Series campaign. As the 27-year-old gears up for what he calls a “make-or-break” year in 2025, Nemechek’s struggles highlight a growing trend in NASCAR: the fading tradition of Cup stars competing in lower-tier series.
Gone are the days when NASCAR legends like Dale Earnhardt and Mark Martin regularly tore up the Xfinity and Truck Series circuits, using those races to stay sharp and connect with fans. Today, the relentless demands of the Cup Series—coupled with restrictive contracts and the need for intense preparation—have made such cross-series appearances a rarity. For Nemechek, the absence of Xfinity races in his 2025 schedule is a bitter pill to swallow.
“As of right now, no,” Nemechek told veteran reporter Bob Pockrass when asked if he had any Xfinity races lined up for 2025. “At times, I definitely wish that I was running some Xfinity races, but at the same time, focusing on the Cup Series is priority number one for me. I feel that seat time is seat time.”
Nemechek’s 2024 season with Legacy Motor Club was far from stellar. Finishing 34th in points with just four top-10 finishes, he struggled to find consistency in the Cup car. The stark contrast to his Xfinity success is hard to ignore. In just 111 Xfinity starts, Nemechek has racked up 11 wins and 67 top-10 finishes, including victories at Las Vegas and Nashville last year. Those part-time Xfinity outings not only kept his confidence afloat but also reminded him of his ability to compete at the highest level.
“For last year, where we weren’t great every weekend in the Cup car, it definitely kept my confidence up when I would run the Xfinity car, knowing that I could go out there and run top three and win races,” Nemechek admitted. “It definitely stinks. As a race car driver, I love to race everything that I possibly can get in.”
Nemechek’s passion for racing is undeniable. From his early days in the Craftsman Truck Series, where he scored his first win at Chicagoland in 2015, to his impressive Xfinity performances with Joe Gibbs Racing, he has proven his talent time and again. But the Cup Series has been a different story. His first stint in 2020 with Front Row Motorsports ended in disappointment, forcing him to step back to Trucks and Xfinity to rebuild. Now, with Legacy Motor Club, the challenges persist, leaving Nemechek with everything to prove in 2025.
Despite the setbacks, Nemechek remains optimistic and open to opportunities. “I would be open to trucks, Xfinity, whatever. If it’s a lawn mower and has a motor, Bob, I’m all for it,” he quipped, showcasing the classic racer mentality that has endeared him to fans.
As NASCAR continues to evolve, Nemechek’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices drivers make in pursuit of Cup Series glory. Will 2025 be the year he turns things around, or will the pressure of the premier series prove too much? One thing is certain: John Hunter Nemechek’s journey is far from over, and his love for racing—no matter the series—will keep him pushing forward.