John Hunter Nemechek, a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver, has started the 2026 season competing in both Cup Series and Craftsman Truck Series events, racing at Daytona International Speedway and EchoPark Speedway. Despite his participation earlier in the Truck Series this year, Nemechek will not compete in the upcoming Truck Series event on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, due to a scheduling conflict with the Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA). For this event, Wesley Slimp has been named as Nemechek’s replacement in the No. 62 Toyota for Halmar Friesen Racing.
Background on Wesley Slimp and His Experience
Slimp, a 23-year-old driver from Marietta, Georgia, currently runs a part-time schedule in the ARCA Menards Series with Nitro Motorsports. He made his Truck Series debut last year and competed in three races driving the No. 62 Toyota when the team operated on a part-time basis. All of Slimp’s starts have come on road courses, with his best finish being 12th place at Watkins Glen International. His familiarity with road racing will be especially valuable as he steps into the unique street race at St. Petersburg.
Prospects for Slimp and Nemechek Later in the Season
Beyond the St. Petersburg race, there is no official driver confirmed yet for the No. 62 Toyota for the rest of the 2026 Truck Series season’s 22 races. This leaves the possibility open for Slimp to gain additional seat time with the team as the year advances. Additionally, current rules allow more experienced full-time Cup drivers like Nemechek to participate in lower-tier series with fewer restrictions than before, so he may return for select Truck Series starts later in the season.
Broadcast Details and Historic Significance of the Race
The OnlyBulls Green Flag 150, taking place on Saturday on the streets of St. Petersburg, will mark the first-ever NASCAR Truck Series street race. The event can be watched live on Fox starting at 12:00 p.m. ET. This race not only challenges drivers with the unique demands of a street circuit but also sets the stage for prospective drivers like Slimp to showcase their talent on a new level.
