Christian Eckes will move back to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for 2026, driving for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, the team announced Nov. 20.
Eckes will pilot the No. 91 with sponsorship from Columbia Bank and various NAPA brands.
Dave Elenz will be the No. 91’s crew chief after previously filling the role at Legacy Motor Club in the NASCAR Cup Series.
“I couldn’t be happier to be back at MHR,” Eckes said in a team release. “We had a lot of success in 2023-24, and we want to get back to that next year. Bill [McAnally, co-owner] 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.”
“We’re excited to have Christian back,” McAnally added. “He certainly has his fingerprints on our program, and all of us were proud to see him in the [NASCAR] Xfinity Series last year, but we have unfinished business. Between him and Dave, 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 ran a part-time schedule for MHR in the series in 2025, earning one top 10 in two starts in its No. 16.
In his first full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series season with Kaulig Racing, he scored six top fives and 15 top 10s. Kaulig has since scaled back its Xfinity program in favor of its newly formed Truck entry via RAM.
Eckes previously drove for MHR full time in 2023 and 2024, earning eight wins, 35 top fives and 35 top 10s in that span.
Jack Wood, the previous driver of the No. 91, has not announced his plans for the season.
Eckes is the second driver announced to MHR’s team for 2026, following Tyler Ankrum.
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