Ty Dillon will replace Daniel Hemric at Kaulig Racing for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. This unexpected move will see Dillon stepping into the Cup Series from his position in the Truck Series, while Hemric’s future remains uncertain.
Daniel Hemric, who joined the team this year, has had a mixed season with Kaulig Racing. Speaking about his upcoming exit from the team, he posted to social media:
“Cup racing, the pinnacle of our sport. I will forever love and appreciate the process of what it takes to prepare, both physically and mentally to compete on Sundays. However, I will not return to Kaulig Racing in 2025 to continue that process.
“My family and I are sincerely grateful to Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice, as well as everyone at Kaulig Racing and Kaulig Companies, for welcoming me into their organization a few years ago, and giving me the rare opportunity to get back to the top level of the sport.
Daniel Suarez, Driver of the #1 TrackHouse Racing Chevrolet, Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Erik Jones, driver of the #43 Petty-GMS Focus Factor Chevrolet, William Byron driver of the #24 Axalta Chevrolet and Daniel Hemric driver of the #31 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet race during the NASCAR Next Gen Test at Daytona International Speedway on January 12, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Daniel Hemric reacts to being replaced at Kaulig Racing.
James Gilbert/Getty Images
“The desire to win on Sundays will always burn inside of me. I’m focused and full of intention to finish the last 7 races of this season as strong as we can, while continuing to build on whatever the next chapter of this journey holds for me. Matthew 17:20.”
In contrast, Ty Dillon’s year in the Truck Series has been less ideal, achieving just two top-10 finishes. Despite this, Dillon will take over the No. 10 car for the 2025 season. Kaulig Racing’s decision has raised eyebrows, prompting discussions about what might be going on in the background, including sponsorship and funding strategies that often drive team decisions. The No. 31 car, long associated with Kaulig Racing and RCR, will be retired in favor of Dillon’s ride in the No. 10 car.
Kaulig Racing explained in the announcement, as quoted by Motorsport.com:
“Kaulig Racing announces the addition of NASCAR industry veteran Ty Norris to the team. Norris will serve as the team’s Chief Business Officer, focusing on partnerships and long-term strategy alongside owner Matt Kaulig and team President Chris Rice.
“Bringing Norris and his wealth of knowledge to the executive team is one of several major moves Kaulig and Rice are making to solidify the trajectory of its NASCAR Cup Series program well into the future.”
NASCAR Cup Series: Playoffs Standings
- Kyle Larson – +39
- Christopher Bell – +24
- Tyler Reddick – +20
- William Byron – +14
- Ryan Blaney – +11
- Denny Hamlin – +7
- Chase Elliott – +6
- Joey Logano – +4
On The Bubble: - Austin Cindric – -4
- Daniel Suárez – -6
- Alex Bowman – -7
- Chase Briscoe – -7
