The NASCAR Xfinity Series is in some ways a bigger wreckfest than the Cup Series. But there are two main reasons why that is true. Firstly, there is one less round in its playoff rumble and secondly, fewer drivers qualify. Hence, the heat is more in this series. Owing to its fame, the Xfinity Series has, from time to time, brought new and talented faces up on the highlights of NASCAR news, simultaneously featuring retired drivers like JR Motorsports owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. running laps and reigniting their itch to race.

As the season is about to come to an end, Hendrick Motorsports has announced what many consider shocking news regarding the drivers of its #17 Xfinity Series Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Phoenix Raceway. While Rajah Caruth will be driving the ride at Phoenix, a 61-year-old driver will make a big comeback at the 1.5-mile ROVAL.

The winner of the 2005 24 Hours of Le Mans to drive for Rick Hendrick

Veteran driver Boris Said is all set to buckle himself up to his HMS ride on October 7th. Having made 29 starts in the Xfinity Series and won at Montreal in 2010, Said has not put on his firesuit since 2021. Flaunting 149 combined starts across the three top-tier NASCAR series, this Carlsbad resident looks forward to racing for the last time in his life, and that too for his longtime friend and business partner, Rick Hendrick. But things aren’t going that smoothly for him.

While talking to Motor Racing Network, Boris explained that it was his first time racing at the ROVAL. Hence, he was not quite sure how he would fare on it. Boris said, “I have not raced on the ROVAL if you can believe it. It’s probably the only track in America I’ve not raced on so, I don’t know yet. It looks a little quirky, it’s got its own personality for sure, like most road courses.”

“But it’s a track and I love all tracks,” he added.

Back when Boris Said raced, stock car racing was way different from what it is today. Even the cars were different, let alone the rules and regulations. On that note, Boris revealed the biggest challenge that stood on his way to a comeback glory.

“The problem I have is, when we ran in our prime, when we were doing these road courses, we would get almost 3 hours of practice before we raced and now the way it is post COVID, it is 20 or 30 minutes of practice; you gotta figure it out quick,” he said, “I’m not really sure what to expect I hope I feel comfortable right away. I got a great car, a great team, a great crew chief and I’m just gonna go out and have fun and do the best I can.”

Read more: Rick Hendrick’s Candid Insight into Hendrick Motorsports Operation

Imagine Rick Hendrick calling you up and asking you to drive his car. That’s exactly what happened with Boris Said.

An early Christmas gift for Boris Said from Rick Hendrick

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Said does not feel like he deserves to drive for the winningest NASCAR team. In his 37 years of racing, Said failed to recall any opportunity even remotely close to this one in terms of how enticing it is. However, the Hendrick Motorsports’ owner felt differently.

According to Hendrick Motorsports, Rick Hendrick called Boris and asked, “Do you like Christmas?”

Who doesn’t like Christmas? Of course, Boris’s answer wasn’t any different.

Mr. H continued, “What about if I gave you an early Christmas gift? How about you just drive my (No.) 17 car and we don’t have to mess around with giving anyone a motor?”

The news came out of the blue. But Said was definitely ecstatic. After all, he considered his NASCAR Hall of Fame team owner as a mentor.

“I talk to him every week on the phone,” Said admitted, “He’s been a good friend. To finally get to do a race with him, if I got lucky enough to win, I would for sure mic drop it and that would be it. I’d never do it again.”

Read more: Emotional Rick Hendrick Gets Candid on Hendrick Motorsports Milestone Achievement: “Never Thinking We’d Get to 269”