Driver Information

Kristofer Cole Wright (born July 17, 1994) is an American professional stock car racing driver. He last competed part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 16 Chevrolet Silverado RST for McAnally–Hilgemann Racing, and also part-time in the ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series East, driving the No. 15 Toyota Camry for Venturini Motorsports. He has also previously competed in sports car racing, open-wheel racing, the Euroformula Open Championship, and NASCAR Xfinity Series. Wright is also the 2018 IMSA Prototype Challenge LMP3 class champion.
Full Name:
Kristofer Cole Wright
Date of Birth:
17 July 1994
Place of Birth:
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Nationality:
United States
Residence:
Wexford, Pennsylvania, USA
Gender:
Male
Profession:
Professional Racing Driver
Career Started (Year):
2020
Awards:
IMSA Prototype Challenge Rookie of the Year (Year - 2017), IMSA Prototype Challenge LMP3 (Year - 2018)
Primary Series:
Car Number:
16
Car Model:
Silverado RST

Kris Wright

Kris Wright Bio

Early Life and Background

Kristofer Cole Wright, born on July 17, 1994, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is an American professional stock car racing driver. Growing up in a family with a racing background, Wright was exposed to motorsports from an early age. Although his father was a racing driver, he encouraged Wright to pursue golf during his formative years. Wright attended Central Catholic High School, graduating in 2013, and later became a member of the golf teams at IMG Academy and Robert Morris University.

Path to NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

Wright began his racing career in 2015, competing in the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car A class with Kinetic Motorsports. He transitioned to open-wheel racing in 2017, participating in the Road to Indy ladder, and later moved to sports car racing, where he found success in the IMSA Prototype Challenge. His notable achievements in sports car racing included winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2017 and the LMP3 class championship in 2018. Wright made his debut in stock car racing in 2020, starting in the ARCA Menards Series West, where he quickly showcased his talent.

Kris Wright Career

Early Career (2020-2021)

Wright’s first significant foray into stock car racing began in the summer of 2020 when he participated in the ARCA Menards Series West doubleheader at Utah Motorsports Campus, achieving impressive finishes of second and third. He later joined GMS Racing, racing part-time in both the ARCA Menards Series and the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. His first ARCA and NASCAR Truck starts occurred at Michigan International Speedway and the Daytona International Speedway road course, respectively.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Breakthrough (2021-2022)

In 2021, Wright joined Young’s Motorsports for a full season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 02 truck. He also made his debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as a road course ringer for Sam Hunt Racing. Despite facing challenges, including a COVID-19 diagnosis that caused him to miss a race, Wright continued to develop his skills on the track. In 2022, he was announced to drive full-time for Niece Motorsports but left the team mid-season. He subsequently joined Brandonbilt Motorsports for the remainder of the Xfinity Series season.

McAnally–Hilgemann Racing Era (2023-Present)

In February 2023, Wright returned to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 02 truck for Young’s Motorsports. However, after a challenging start to the season with only three top-twenty finishes in the first eleven races, he and the team mutually agreed to part ways. Following this, it was announced on November 14, 2023, that Wright would compete full-time in the ARCA Menards Series in 2024 for Venturini Motorsports. He also joined McAnally–Hilgemann Racing’s Truck team for select races in 2025.

Race Car Driver Style and Strengths

Wright is known for his adaptability across different racing disciplines, showcasing a strong foundation in both open-wheel and stock car racing. His experience in sports cars has contributed to his strategic approach on the track, allowing him to navigate complex race situations effectively.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Wright’s career highlights include being named the IMSA Prototype Challenge Rookie of the Year in 2017 and winning the LMP3 class championship in 2018. His transition to stock car racing has seen him compete in various prestigious series, demonstrating his versatility as a driver.

Kris Wright Career Wins

Wright has yet to secure a win in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series, or NASCAR Xfinity Series. However, he has achieved notable podium finishes in his earlier sports car racing career.

Current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Highlights

As of 2025, Wright has competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, with his best finish being 26th in 2021. He continues to seek opportunities to improve his standings and secure his first win in the series.

Previous ARCA Menards Series Achievements

In the ARCA Menards Series, Wright has achieved a best finish of 3rd in 2024, showcasing his potential in the series with multiple top finishes.

Kris Wright Family

Family Background and NASCAR Lineage

Wright comes from a family with a racing background, which has influenced his career path. His father’s involvement in racing provided him with early exposure to the sport, although he initially pursued golf.

Personal Life

Details about Wright’s personal life remain private, with limited public information available beyond his racing career.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season has been a pivotal year for Kris Wright as he transitions back to the ARCA Menards Series, where he aims to build on his previous experiences. Competing with Venturini Motorsports, Wright is focused on improving his performance and securing strong finishes. His recent partnership with McAnally–Hilgemann Racing in the Truck Series adds another layer of opportunity as he seeks to establish himself further in the NASCAR landscape. With a commitment to growth and development, Wright is poised for an exciting season ahead.