Daniel Hemric, the driver of the #8 Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff Chevrolet, has his car pushed through the garage area during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway on April 20, 2018, in Richmond, Virginia. Photo – Sarah Crabill/Getty Images

Richard Childress Racing driver Daniel Hemric has 49 starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and 41 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series—all without a victory.

But that hasn’t stopped the 27-year-old from Kannapolis, N.C., from approaching his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut with confidence.

“I think I’m as ready as I’m going to get,” said Hemric, who drove his No. 8 Chevrolet to a respectable 22nd starting position. “Twenty-two years in the making to get to this point. “It’s cool to know that not only did I get to qualify for my Cup debut, but I get to go race (on Saturday).

“I’m pumped to know that I get to be here and do this. We’ve got a great group of guys. It’s tough when you pull a group that do not go to the race track every week and put them together and say ‘Hey, go race against these guys.’ Because these (Cup drivers) are the best in the world to do this.

“Fortunate and blessed to be here, and I look forward to what lies ahead—but just trying to enjoy it.”