Daniel Hemric and Ryan Preece, both Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series rookies in the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway Photos – Chris Graythen/Getty Images
HAMPTON, Ga. – Daniel Hemric was poised for a top-five finish in his second race as a full-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver—until his fortunes changed dramatically in the closing laps of Sunday’s Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500.
While Hendrick Motorsports split up one of, if not the most dominant crew chief/driver combinations in history with Chad Knaus and Jimmie Johnson, Richard Childress Racing was doing the exact opposite.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 14: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Busch Beer Car2Can Ford, leads during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Gander RV Duel At DAYTONA #1 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Photo – Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images
Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway covers ten days and encompasses many different events leading up to the Great American Race, the Daytona 500. On the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series side of racing, the first focus is a week before the main event with Pole Qualifying followed by the Advanced Auto Parts Clash featuring select drivers. Then in the week leading up to the biggest event in racing, the Gander RV Duel set the starting lineup for the prestigious race this Sunday.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 09: Daniel Hemric, driver of the #8 Bass Pro Shops/Caterpillar Chevrolet, stands in the garage area during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Photo – Jerry Markland/Getty Images
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Daniel Hemric was surprised.
Yes, when the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series visits Las Vegas in December at the end of the 2019 season to celebrate Champion’s Week and crown its champion, the driver will very likely be wearing a tuxedo along with the appropriate black tie. But will they also represent the trademark bowtie emblem of a Chevrolet?