(photo credit Leon Hammack)

Christian Eckes is coming home in 2026. McAnally-Hilgemann Racing announced today that Eckes is returning to the organization to compete full-time in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks Series (NCTS) in 2026. The 2024 NCTS regular season titlist will drive the No. 91 Chevrolet Silverado RST in pursuit of his first championship. Eckes will be paired with Dave Elenz, who will serve as crew chief and lead the No. 91 team.

MHR and Eckes’ reunion will be backed by Columbia Bank, as an expansion of the partnership that began in October 2025. Old World Industries’ NAPA Nightvision brand, NAPA Brakes Gold Calipers, and NAPA Auto Care will also be featured on Eckes’ No. 91 Chevrolet throughout 2026.

“I couldn’t be happier to be back at MHR,” Eckes said. “We had a lot of success in 2023-24, and we want to get back to that next year. Bill [McAnally] and I have always had a great relationship and we’re putting a lot of quality people and pieces together. We had two great years here, and I enjoyed the races I ran this past year. It’s great to stay in a Chevrolet and have their commitment to MHR. Also, the relationships with NAPA, their suppliers, and ownerships made a lot of sense to come back here and chase a championship together.”

In two full-time NCTS seasons, Eckes scored eight wins at MHR along with 25 top-five’s, and 35 top-10 finishes. He also led a career-high 1,050 laps in 2024 when he finished a career-best third in the championship standings. Elenz, a veteran of 15 NASCAR Xfinity Series wins, two NXS championships, and a Southern 500 victory in the NASCAR Cup Series, joins MHR for his first season in the NCTS.

“I’m looking forward to working with Christian and everyone at MHR,” Elenz said. “This will be a new challenge, and there’s a lot of optimism for what we can accomplish together. It’ll be great to have a full off-season to prepare so we can show up to Daytona ready to compete for wins.”

“We’re excited to have Christian back,” team owner Bill McAnally said. “He certainly has his fingerprints on our program, and all of us were proud to see him in the Xfinity Series last year, but we have unfinished business. Between him and Dave [Elenz], we’re putting a great team together to chase that championship. I’m excited to see them work together and see the impact it makes throughout our company. It’s special to have partners like NAPA, Old World Industries, and NAPA Brakes Gold Calipers return to support this, and to grow our relationship with Columbia Bank.

Eckes kicks off his return with MHR on Friday, February 13th at Daytona International Speedway at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1. Additional partnership details will be announced at a later date.

At Columbia Bank, we’re committed to empowering businesses and families as they pursue their ambitions. With a team of dedicated professionals and a comprehensive suite of financial solutions, we offer specialized expertise and personalized support tailored to meet our clients’ needs at every stage. As one of the largest banks headquartered in the West, our reputation is built on forging strong relationships, providing expert advice, and delivering resources tailored to each customer’s unique journey, whether they’re growing their company or securing their family’s future.

Through nearly 6,000 auto parts stores and over 18,000 auto care centers in the U.S., NAPA has America’s largest network of parts and care. The NAPA Network is supported by nationwide distribution centers with approximately 800,000 available parts, accessories and supplies. Widely recognized for quality parts, rapid availability and knowledgeable people, NAPA Auto Parts stores serve automotive service professionals, do-it-yourselfers and everyday drivers with quality parts, accessories and supplies to keep cars, trucks and equipment performing safely and efficiently. In 2025, NAPA proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary by honoring its innovative spirit and centennial legacy through community initiatives and a renewed commitment to driving the industry forward for the next century. For more information, visit www.napaonline.com.

TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!