Catchfence

“World Series at New Smyrna Wraps Up With Hemric Turning Heads”

CONCORD, NC (February 22, 2011) – It seemed like only a matter of time before Daniel Hemric would break into victory lane in a Super Late Model event. The 20-year-old from Kannapolis, North Carolina had won just about everything there was to win in Legends Car racing, including a National Championship and the Legends Million at Charlotte Motor Speedway, but the natural progression from scale cars to high-powered, full-fendered Super Late Models that many young drivers struggle with was a breeze for Hemric. He broke a track record in qualifying for his first-ever Late Model race, scored runner-up finishes in his first few Late Model races in 2010, then kicked off 2011 having a shot to win the prestigious SpeedFest event in Georgia.

Then, during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway (FL), Hemric jumped the final hurdle to get into victory lane. Hemric crossed beneath the checkered flag in the second position, but was awarded the win after the apparent winner was disqualified in post-race technical inspection.

While the story of his first-ever Super Late Model win wasn’t scripted the way he would have liked, Daniel Hemric will forever go into the Smyrna Speedweeks record books as a winner.

“The way we got the win wasn’t exactly how I wanted, but everyone’s told me at least we were there and we were in position to win. I’m ecstatic,” said Hemric. “Everybody’s working hard, Jeff, Hoyt Demis, everyone. Ultimately we want to be in victory lane spraying water and Gatorade everywhere, but hopefully that will come here soon.”

Hemric only competed in the final four Super Late Model races during the nine nights of racing during New Smyrna’s World Series. Two of those four races were the most anticipated Super Late Model events throughout Speedweeks. On Thursday night, February 17th, Hemric was awarded the victory in the extra-distance 50-lap feature. On Saturday night, the 19th, Hemric was again in position for victory in the prestigious 100-lap finale of Smyrna Speedweeks. Hemric started up front, but had to come back from the rear of the field after contact with another competitor. He then rallied up through the field to finish just about a car-length behind winner and multiple-time New Smyrna Champion Wayne Anderson.

Still, Hemric’s prowess in his first-ever races at New Smyrna proved to many that he is a contender each and every time out in his Super Late Model.

“I can’t thank this whole WearCrete Racing / Jeff Fultz Racing team enough,” added Hemric. “Since we unloaded, we had a good car. Curtis (Venable) and all the guys that made this happen for me, I appreciate everything they’ve done for me. I was able to get up to speed pretty quick around here because the car was so good as soon as we got here.

“It was awesome getting the win, but I definitely would’ve liked to win one the real way. I wanted it pretty bad on Saturday night, but we had to run way too hard from lap 40 to about 70 and used the tires up coming back through. I think if we could’ve stayed up there, we probably had the best car on the track, but Wayne is the man here.”

Hemric will be competing in numerous Super Late Model events for WearCrete Racing / Jeff Fultz Racing in 2011, with more events to be added to his schedule soon.

For more information on Daniel Hemric, please be sure to stay tuned for the new DanielHemric.com website coming soon.

- 51 Sports Press Release