INDIANAPOLIS -- Joe Nemechek says the decision to run his son -- John Hunter Nemechek -- in the Southern Super Series came down to what Super Late Model tour provided the most competition.
Joe Nemechek: You learn an awful lot in the Southern Super Series
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series veteran Joe Nemechek sent his son to race in the Southern Super Series because he felt that it could teach his 15-year-old son the most about elite-level Late Model racing.
Jerry Markland
Speaking to SB Nation prior to qualifying for the Indiana 250 on Saturday afternoon, Front Row Joe talked about the scenario that led to his son running full-time in the Deep South and currently third in the championship standings behind Daniel Hemric and Bubba Pollard.
Nemechek says the decision came down to where John could get the most seat time while factoring in the budget constraints of the grassroots NEMCO Motorsports operation. With the Southern Supers often running on back-to-back nights in doubleheaders at Pensacola and Mobile, the tour fit those criteria.
“With the Southern Super Series, you’re running against some of the best,” Nemechek said. “When you’re running against guys like Bubba Pollard and Augie Grill, you get to learn an awful lot. We looked at that and sprinkled in some PASS events and (CRA) Midwest races -- but decided to stay in the South when John found himself close to the championship.”
With seven races remaining, Nemechek is still in the hunt. He’s 118 points behind Hemric with a maximum of 125 markers being paid in each Southern Super Series event.
The younger Nemechek has come close to victory lane on several occasions, most recently just losing out to Hemric, at Mobile, in the Great Race 125 on June 22. He’s also led at the mandated halfway break on three other occasions but just can’t seal the deal.
John says he’s patient and seems to understand that his first full-year in the Series is a learning experience. With that mindset, the wins are sure to come.
“Right now, it’s just learning how to race and not wreck,” the younger Nemechek says. “The competition is very tough down there and the guys give no slack -- there is absolutely no room for error. It’s all about hitting your marks and having a good race to be able to win. Also just learning what the cars need to go faster.”
The next race for the Southern Super Series is the World Crown 300 Presented by Slack Auto Parts at Gresham Motorsports Park. Chase Elliott is the defending event winner.
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