MOORESVILLE, N.C. — John Hunter Nemechek will drive the No. 45 Toyota fielded by 23XI Racing in this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series event at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Nemechek will sub for full-time driver Bubba Wallace who will be serving a one-race suspension as a result of an on-track incident and ensuing altercation with Cup Series champion Kyle Larson during last Sunday’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
On Tuesday evening, 23XI Racing issued a statement, agreeing with NASCAR’s suspension of Wallace and naming Nemechek to drive.
“23XI is aligned with NASCAR on a one-race suspension issued to Bubba and we understand the need for the series to take a clear stand on the incident that took place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway,” the statement said. “Bubba’s actions are not in keeping with the values of our team and partners. We have spoken to Bubba and expressed our disapproval of how he handled the situation. Bubba has made impressive strides this season and this experience is an opportunity for him to further learn and grow as a competitor in NASCAR.
“As a result of the penalty John Hunter Nemechek will drive the No. 45 Toyota this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway.”
While Nemechek has raced full time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series the past two seasons, he is no stranger to the Cup Series.
The 25-year-old driver has made 39 starts on NASCAR’s senior circuit with three top-10 finishes. However, he has not started a race in the series since the Next Gen car was introduced this year.