NASCAR insider: One driver has emerged as favorite to replace Daniel Hemric in 2025

Daniel Hemric was a surprise choice to drive the No. 31 for Kaulig Racing in 2024, but it looks like he might be one-and-done with the team in the NASCAR Cup Series.

The shine is off the rose a bit for Kaulig, after they came into the Cup Series with immense potential, and while Hemric has tried to deliver them consistent, solid finishes, it hasn’t been enough. Now, as part of his latest 2025 NASCAR lineup projections, FOX’s Bob Pockrass has painted a clearer picture of who will takeover his seat.

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“Daniel Hemric is not signed for next season and with Kaulig’s increased alliance with Richard Childress Racing, Ty Dillon has emerged as the favorite for this ride in 2025,” Pockrass reported. “The team and Dillon flirted with each other last year before being unable to finish the deal, but it now appears he will be there full-time next season. Dillon has had a handful of starts in Kaulig’s No. 16 car this year.”

While Ty Dillon hasn’t exactly lit up the Cup Series either, only amassing 7 top tens in 244 starts, perhaps a full-time seat with Kaulig and their aforementioned partnership with Richard Childress Racing will help him break through. Dillon last ran full-time in the Cup Series in 2023, with Spire Motorsports.

Earlier this season, Dillon actually ran the Brickyard 400 under the Richard Childress Racing banner, something he hasn’t done since 2015. He had a solid afternoon, finishing P19, so perhaps he’s turned over a new leaf. Time will tell, as he gets his shot in 2025 with Kaulig Racing.

Kaulig Racing taps AJ Allmendinger to take over Cup Series car full time in 2025

Evidently, Ty Dillon will be joining AJ Allmendinger at Kaulig, as the veteran is back to the NASCAR Cup Series. Kaulig Racing announced that he will compete full time at the highest level in 2025 earlier this season.

The talented driver began his partnership with Kaulig Racing in 2019, when he embarked on a part-time NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule. He would continue in that capacity until 2021, when he was promoted as a full-time Cup Series driver.

AJ Allmendinger then ran for two more seasons at the Cup Series level before stepping back to the Xfinity Series full-time for the 2024 campaign. Now, he’ll be back at the top level.

The 2021 and 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series regular season champion, AJ Allmendinger has run 440 NASCAR Cup Series races over 17 years, securing 78 top 10 finishes and three wins. His last win came at the 2023 Bank of America Roval 400 (Charlotte Roval).

On3’s Jonathan Howard contributed to this article.