“It Definitely Stinks”: Jimmie Johnson’s Cup Driver Expresses Regret Over Lack of Time in the Xfinity Series

John Hunter Nemechek is ready for his third season in the Cup Series with Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club. With four top-10s, he finished P34 in the standings last season. While victories in the top tier have eluded him so far, Nemechek displayed his potential in the Xfinity Series, notching wins at Las Vegas and Nashville from his 11 starts in 2024. The 27-year-old will likely miss the “confidence” boosting junior series outings this year.

Nemechek is yet to land a ride in the junior series for 2025. He described how the sporadic but successful appearances in Xfinity were a breath of fresh air for him amidst his struggles in the Cup car.

“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,” said Nemechek.

The disappointment was evident in Nemechek’s words. “So, this year it definitely stinks as a race car driver. I love to do everything that I possibly can get in. But the primary focus is on the cup car this year,” he added.

Nemechek has had 11 victories over six years in the Xfinity races. And he landed 67 times in the top 10 from 111 starts. Johnson’s prodigy achieved his best finish in the Xfinity Series in 2023, securing fourth place overall while racing full-time for Joe Gibbs Racing.

However, he also understands now that it is time to step things up.

“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… seat time is seat time in my opinion,” remarked Nemechek.

John Hunter Nemechek doesn’t have any Xfinity races on his schedule this year. He won twice in the series last year. His thoughts: pic.twitter.com/8eVtLB9HYL

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 27, 2025

Nemechek is also open to opportunities in the Craftsman Truck Series, where he has a decade of experience and 13 wins.

His most noteworthy season in the Truck Series came in 2021 with Kyle Busch Motorsports. Nemechek finished third overall, highlighted by five wins and an equal number of top-five finishes.

While the driver is ready to take responsibility, it remains to be seen how Legacy Motor Club can evolve as an organization this year and provide Nemechek with the performance he wishes for.

About the author

Neha Dwivedi

Neha Dwivedi is an experienced NASCAR Journalist at The SportsRush, having penned over 5500 articles on the sport to date. She was a seasoned writer long before she got into the world of NASCAR. Although she loves to see Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch win the races, she equally supports the emerging talents in the CARS Late Model and ARCA Menards Series.. For her work in NASCAR she has earned accolades from journalists like Susan Wade of The Athletic, as well as NASCAR drivers including Thad Moffit and Corey Lajoie. Her favorite moment from NASCAR was witnessing Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. win the championship trophies. Outside the racetrack world, Neha immerses herself in the literary world, exploring both fiction and non-fiction.

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