Eckes Returns with MHR in 2024: McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR) has officially announced that Christian Eckes will continue driving the No. 19 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet Silverado RST full-time in the 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) season. Eckes has had a stellar season in 2023, his first year with MHR, securing three race wins and competing strongly in the playoffs.
The 2024 NCTS season will mark the 34th consecutive year of Bill McAnally’s partnership with NAPA Auto Care and NAPA Auto Parts. This longstanding relationship began during McAnally’s racing days at All-American Speedway and has resulted in numerous victories, including 11 ARCA Menards Series West titles, multiple NCTS wins, and MHR’s inaugural playoff berth. Notably, Eckes returned NAPA to the NCTS victory lane at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March, marking MHR’s first NCTS win since 2002.
Crew chief Charles Denike, an essential part of the team, will also return to lead Eckes and the No. 19 NAPA Auto Care team in the 2024 season. Eckes and Denike have proven to be a formidable duo, securing three wins in 21 races, nine top-five, and 12 top-10 finishes.
Eckes expressed his excitement about continuing with the No. 19 Silverado and the NAPA Auto Care team in the upcoming season. He emphasized the significance of their achievements and the opportunity to strengthen MHR’s growth in 2024. Eckes also expressed gratitude for working with NAPA’s store owners, shop owners, suppliers, and everyone in the NAPA Network.
Team owner Bill McAnally praised Eckes for elevating the race team’s performance and acknowledged the sweetness of their successes, especially when shared with longstanding partners like NAPA and the more comprehensive NAPA Network. McAnally expressed excitement about maintaining the No. 19 team for the next season and emphasized the team’s determination to finish the ongoing season strongly in Phoenix for everyone associated with the NAPA Network.
Eckes and the No. 19 NAPA Auto Care team will commence their 2024 season at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 16.