LEXINGTON, N.C. – Acquiring three out of the four 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship 4 drivers, Kaulig Racing’s No. 16 Camaro ZL1 will be piloted by A.J. Allmendinger, Daniel Hemric and Noah Gragson, as each will compete part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series.
While the team announced earlier this year that Allmendinger would pilot the No. 16 for select races the upcoming Cup Series season alongside full-time driver, Justin Haley, Kaulig Racing has finalized its second, full-time entry with Gragson and Hemric.
“We think our roster for the 2022 season features some great drivers,” said team president, Chris Rice. “Having three out of the four Xfinity Series championship contenders helping to build our new Cup Series program, is truly a tremendous opportunity for this Kaulig Racing team. While these guys have been fierce competitors for the last few years, having them bring that same tenacity as teammates will be extremely fun to watch and a great way for this team to grow in its first, full season in the Cup Series.”
With the recent Xfinity Series champion already tabbed for Kaulig Racing’s flagship No. 11 Chevrolet in the series, Hemric will make his return to Cup Series for the first time since winning the Cup Series Rookie of the Year award in 2019.
Hemric has made 38 starts in the Cup Series, earning a pole award, one top five finish and two top 10 finishes.
“I have had the chance to race against some great drivers over the past few years,” said Hemric. “AJ [Allmendinger] is a great competitor, who can win on any track, and Noah [Gragson] and I have been teammates in the past at JR Motorsports. Each of us are different, but seeing how intense both A.J. and Noah are as professionals gets me excited for this upcoming season.
“Now we have the opportunity to be able to lean on each other and try to build a program here at Kaulig Racing at the highest level of our sport. I feel fortunate to be a part of this.”
Grayson will drive the car in 14 races next year, while Allmendinger and Hemric will race the remaining 24 events, including the two exhibition races.
“This is a really unique opportunity I have with Kaulig Racing to be able to share the No. 16 with two of my biggest competitors in the Xfinity Series,” said Gragson. “I’ve had the chance to work with Daniel before, but it will be a new experience working with A.J. We’ve raced against each other for a few years now, and I think working as teammates will only help us get better as drivers.”
The upcoming year will mark Kaulig Racing’s first full-time season in the Cup Series, as the team will field two full-time entries.
News regarding specific events and partners will be announced by the team at a later date.