John Hunter Nemechek has announced his plans for the 2027 NASCAR season, confirming his return to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS) where he will drive the No. 41 Chevrolet for the Haas Factory Team. The team’s primary sponsor will be Pye-Barker Fire & Safety.
Nemechek will part ways with Legacy Motor Club at the end of this year after three seasons behind the wheel of the No. 42 Toyota in the Cup Series. Despite nearly 150 starts at the Cup level, he has yet to secure a win and his best finish in the points standings is 25th.
In contrast, Nemechek has found considerable success in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, capturing 11 victories in just over 100 races and achieving a high of fourth place in the 2023 standings. He also carries a strong family legacy as the son of 1992 NOAPS champion Joe Nemechek.
Joe Custer, President of Haas Factory Team, expressed enthusiasm about the signing, highlighting John Hunter’s experience and talent as key reasons for bringing him on board. Nemechek himself shared excitement about joining Haas, praising their championship-quality cars and staff, and his readiness to compete for wins in 2027.
The Haas Factory Team will undergo a complete driver overhaul in 2027 with the departures of Sam Mayer and Cole Custer, expanding their lineup to three full-time drivers. Dean Thompson has already been confirmed as one of the new drivers.
Pye-Barker CEO Bart Proctor emphasized their long-standing relationship with Nemechek and their pride in supporting the team on a national platform, aligning race efforts with their company values.
Fan Take: This move marks a significant shift for John Hunter Nemechek and could signal a fresh start for his career by returning to the series where he has thrived. For NASCAR fans, it’s an exciting development that brings renewed competition and talent to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, potentially reshaping the landscape of the sport’s feeder series.
Source: www.motorsport.com
