JR Motorsports’ revealed Wednesday that Jeb Burton and Daniel Hemric will drive its No. 8 Chevrolet for the majority of the 2020 Xfinity Series season, in addition to one race with Dale Earnhardt Jr. behind the wheel.
Hemric, who drove Richard Childress Racing’s No. 8 car in the Cup Series this season, is scheduled for 21 races.
RCR is replacing Hemric with Tyler Reddick in 2020.
Hemric returns to the Xfinity Series, where he competed for RCR from 2017-18. He made the Championship 4 in both seasons.
“I want to thank Dale, Kelley and everyone at JR Motorsports for believing in me,” Hemric said in a press release. “For a Kannapolis (N.C.) boy like me, driving for the Earnhardt family is pretty awesome.
“My goal here is simple -- to go win races for JR Motorsports and to help their program any way that I can. I’ve raced against their cars before and I know how they’re capable of running. My focus is on finishing the Cup season out strong, but once the checkered flag flies at Homestead, we’ll set our sights on getting the No. 8 car to Victory Lane early and often next season.”
Said Dale Earnhardt Jr.: “Daniel is a solid competitor with a great personality. He’ll be a quality addition to our lineup in 2020. We’re lucky to have him. I feel like he has grown as a driver from his time in the Cup Series. That will be valuable to him with this new opportunity to compete in the Xfinity series. He’s a local Kannapolis native with a lot of determination to succeed, and I’m excited to work with him.”
Burton, who has driven in six races for JRM this season, is set for 11 next year.
Other drivers who have piloted the No. 8 for JRM this season included Zane Smith (10 starts), Ryan Truex (six starts), Ryan Preece (four starts), Regan Smith (two starts), Brett Moffitt (one start), Chase Elliott (one start), Sheldon Creed (one start) and Earnhardt (one start).
Fascinating where this journey called life takes you.....this move to @JRMotorsports is what felt right to me. Humbled, and so thankful for this opportunity! I’m ready to chase wins and a owners championship for @DaleJr @EarnhardtKelley & everyone at @JRMotorsports next year! 👊 https://t.co/ZyT8Vhezz2
— Daniel Hemric (@DanielHemric) November 13, 2019
New name, familiar faces in the No. 8 in 2020. pic.twitter.com/ooIPTReuEf
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) November 13, 2019