Christian Eckes MHR 2026 is set to be the focus of next season, as Christian Eckes returns to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in 2026, the team confirmed on November 20. Eckes will be steering the No. 91 truck, backed by Columbia Bank and a range of NAPA brands, reuniting with a familiar team and aiming for a championship run.
Eckes Teams Up with Crew Chief Dave Elenz and Strong Backing from Sponsors
Eckes will benefit from experienced leadership, with Dave Elenz stepping in as crew chief for the No. 91. Elenz previously led efforts at Legacy Motor Club in the NASCAR Cup Series, bringing valuable insight and expertise. This partnership is expected to bolster the team’s performance and ambition for a title chase.
“I couldn’t be happier to be back at MHR,”
Christian Eckes, driver
Excitement is high as Eckes looks to recapture the success he and the team shared in previous seasons. His relationship with co-owner Bill McAnally and the strength of returning partners, including NAPA, their suppliers, and key brands, add further optimism to this new campaign.
“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.”
Christian Eckes, driver
MHR Emphasizes Continuity and High Hopes for 2026
Team co-owner Bill McAnally highlighted the importance of having Eckes return, appreciating not only Eckes’ track record but also the impact he has on the organization’s program. The addition of Elenz, combined with strong partners like NAPA, Old World Industries, and Columbia Bank, is seen as a key to assembling a competitive and cohesive team for the upcoming season.
“We’re excited to have Christian back,”
Bill McAnally, co-owner
“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.”
Bill McAnally, co-owner
Eckes’ Racing Achievements and 2025 Season Recap
Eckes had already returned to the MHR lineup part-time in the 2025 Truck Series season, piloting the No. 16 in two events and earning a top-10 finish. Before that, he enjoyed a standout full-time stint in 2023 and 2024 with MHR, amassing eight wins, 35 top-fives, and 35 top-ten finishes, firmly marking him as a top contender.
During the 2025 season, Eckes competed full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing, collecting six top-five results and fifteen top-ten finishes. Following this, Kaulig Racing chose to reduce its Xfinity Series focus and shift attention to its new Truck Series entry through RAM.
Team Lineup and Future Prospects
The No. 91 seat was previously held by Jack Wood, who has yet to announce his racing plans for the upcoming season. Eckes now becomes the second confirmed driver for MHR’s 2026 roster, joining Tyler Ankrum and offering the team a deeply experienced lineup. With returning sponsors and a reinforced technical crew, expectations are high for a strong performance.
The positive energy surrounding Christian Eckes MHR 2026 reflects the team’s drive and ambition to contend for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series title. As the new season approaches, attention will remain on Eckes, Elenz, and the entire MHR operation as they aim to capitalize on renewed partnerships and previous achievements.
