Eckes’ Atlanta Afternoon Spoiled Early
Christian Eckes returned to EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Ga., as one of the favorites for the second round of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (NCTS) season. However, the driver of the No. 91 NAPA Nightvision Chevrolet Silverado RST was credited with a 36th-place finish after suffering a broken driveshaft on the second lap.
Eckes clocked in 15th-quickest in Friday afternoon’s qualifying session, tucked in behind MHR teammate and NAPA brethren Daniel Hemric. After the duo worked the bottom lane on the opening lap, Eckes pulled to the apron on lap two with a broken drive shaft and also lost third and fourth gears. Despite the early exit, Eckes is 10th in the NCTS standings entering next week’s inaugural event on the St. Petersburg, Fla., street circuit.
“Unfortunate to say the least. This obviously cost us a lot of points and we need to focus on responding at St. Pete next week and put NAPA Nightvision, NAPA Auto Care, Gates Hydraulics up front again and get back at it. Hopefully we can move on from this and be better in the next few weeks.”
Start / Finish: 15 / 36
Points Standing / Total: 10th / 47 pts. (-56)
Next Race: Saturday, February 28th, Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
How to Watch or Listen: 12:00 p.m. ET on FOX or SiriusXM
NAPA: @NAPARacing
Christian Eckes: @christianeckes
Bill McAnally Racing: @BMR_NASCAR
McAnally-Hilgemann Racing View All
McAnally-Hilgemann Racing is focused on the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) championship in 2025 with four full-time drivers and teams. Daniel Hemric, NASCAR Cup Series veteran and 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) champion, has joined MHR to drive the No. 19 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet Silverado RST in the organization’s 35th season in partnership with NAPA. Crew chief Josh Graham also joins MHR in 2025 to serve as the team’s crew chief and brings NXS experience to the operation. The duo will look to continue MHR’s winning ways and return to the playoffs to make a run for the organization’s first NCTS title.