Kris Wright is set to begin his first full-time campaign in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, aiming to make a strong impression and establish consistency throughout the 2026 season. Wright, who will drive the No. 81 F.N.B. Corporation Chevrolet Silverado RST for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR), returns to the series after participating in two races with the team at the end of 2025 and now seeks to build momentum with crew chief Darren Fraley for their first full season together.
Wright is eager to improve upon his previous performances, particularly his 11th-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway last season. With preparations complete, the No. 81 F.N.B. Corporation team is ready to compete at Daytona Beach, widely regarded as the “World Center of Racing,” in what promises to be an eventful season debut.
A Highly Competitive Field Awaits at Daytona
The season opening Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway signals the start of a high-stakes period for drivers and teams. As the first of two consecutive drafting tracks, Daytona presents opportunities for early gains, but also the risk of chaotic racing, as drivers look to capitalize on point payouts and set the tone for their year.
This year’s NCTS field boasts notable depth, with seven current or former NASCAR Cup Series drivers competing, who together have won three Cup Series championships and amassed 56 Cup victories. Their presence further elevates the competitiveness of this year’s race, making the battle for early points and momentum even more intense.
Building on Recent Achievements and Gaining Consistency
Wright’s background includes a full-time campaign in the ARCA Menards Series during 2024, where he secured third place in the overall standings with eight top-five results. Now, as he shifts his focus to a full season in the NCTS with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, the Pennsylvania native emphasizes the need for a strong, steady start to the 2026 campaign.
A successful showing at the first superspeedway events could give Wright and his team an important advantage, helping establish the consistency they seek. The shared experience from last autumn’s races at Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL and Talladega, as well as recent testing at Rockingham, have laid a strategic foundation for the season ahead.
Broadcast Schedule and Team Engagement for Fans
Fans looking to follow Kris Wright’s NASCAR 2026 campaign this week can tune in to FOX Sports 1, which will provide live coverage of practice on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. ET and qualifying on Friday at 3:00 p.m. ET. The season opener will air at 7:30 p.m. ET, also on FOX Sports 1. Supporters can also stay updated on the No. 81 F.N.B. Corporation team by following the team’s social media accounts, including @BMR_NASCAR on Twitter and Instagram, as well as updates from Bill McAnally Racing on Facebook.
Kris Wright Reflects on the Start of a New Chapter
“I’m excited to be back with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing to open the season at Daytona. We built a solid baseline with the two races I ran with the team last year at the ROVAL and Talladega, and we learned a lot during the test at Rockingham last week. I feel like we’re ready to hit the ground running. I’m really thankful to MHR and everyone at F.N.B. Corporation for the opportunity to race full-time this season, and I’m excited to see what we can do together this year.”
— Kris Wright, Driver
With a field packed with experienced drivers and a motivated team behind him, Kris Wright’s entry into a full-time NCTS campaign at Daytona presents both challenges and possibilities. The opening weekend will not only test his preparation but could also define the course of his season, as he aims to join the ranks of notable names like Layne Riggs and Chandler Smith, each making their presence known on the national stage. For Kris Wright, every lap at Daytona is a chance to set an early pace, establish a rhythm, and demonstrate why his campaign is one to watch in 2026.
