McAnally-Hilgemann Racing has announced the return of two drivers ahead of the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Videos by FanBuzz
According to a press release, Christian Eckes and Daniel Hemric will both be back with the team for the 2027 FedEx Freight Truck Series season. Eckes will continue to drive the No. 91 Chevrolet while Hemric will continue to drive the No. 19 Chevrolet.
Both drivers will seek wins and championships are each making the Chase this season, and they will both have NAPA as a primary partner in 2027.
"Our No. 19 team and the company certainly got stronger as the year progressed", Hemric said. "All our partners, NAPA, Motion, and Columbia Bank have given us a great chance to build together in 2027.
"There is plenty of hunger internally to build the right culture and prepare the right way for a strong start next year."
Hemric, the 2021 O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, has driven the No. 19 Chevrolet since the 2025 season. He has made the postseason both times while winning once — spring Martinsville in 2025.
Hemdric finished ninth in the standings last season, and he enters this year's finale in the eighth position. He is just ahead of teammate Tyler Ankrum, who said he will move on to a new team next season.
Eckes previously drove for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing during the 2023 and 2024 seasons while winning eight combined times. He spent one season in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series with Kaulig Racing before returning to the Truck Series.
Eckes said before the season that this would be an opportunity to take care of unfinished business. This referenced him falling short of the championship in 2024.
This season has not progressed as Eckes hoped. He is fifth in the championship standings, but he has gone winless in 24 races. He has an average finish of 12.5, marking a drastic decrease from 5.4 in 2024
"It's nice to have 2027 planned out already", Eckes said. "We want to accomplish much more in '27 than we did this year and feel strong about the plan we have in place to do it.
"The speed we've generated in the second half of this season has given us a lot of confidence to start next year strong and make the most of the opportunity with NAPA, Columbia Bank, and Motion."
