Kris Wright Locks in Full-Time Return to Truck Series with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing
In the high-pace world of NASCAR, finding a permanent home is often just as difficult as finding the finish line. For Kris Wright, the journey through the ranks has been a mix of flashes of brilliance and the harsh reality of shifting team dynamics. But come 2026, the Pennsylvania native is finally dropping the anchor.
McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR) dropped the news on Tuesday that Wright will be piloting the No. 81 FNB Corporation Chevrolet Silverado RST for the entire 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season. For a driver who has spent the last few years jumping between series and manufacturers, this deal represents something every racer craves but rarely finds: stability.
A Reunion Built on Chemistry
This isn’t a blind date for Wright and the Bill McAnally-led organization. If you look back at the tail end of last fall, you’ll remember seeing Wright in the MHR stable for a two-race stint. He hopped into the No. 16 Chevy at the Charlotte ROVAL and the high banks of Talladega Superspeedway.
Those weren’t just seat-filler laps. At the ROVAL, a track that demands technical precision, Wright muscled his way to a P11 finish a career-best that turned heads in the garage. It was a statement drive that likely laid the groundwork for the ink drying on this 2026 contract.
“I’m really looking forward to next year and being a part of the MHR program,” Wright said regarding the announcement. “This is the biggest organization I’ve had the chance to race with, and it’ll be a great opportunity to put the resources to good use.”
The Strategic Return of Darren Fraley
Perhaps the most crucial piece of this puzzle is the man who will be sitting atop the pit box. MHR has tapped Darren Fraley to serve as crew chief for the No. 81 team. In a sport where the communication between driver and crew chief can make or break a race weekend, this pairing is a massive win for Wright.
The two have history. They worked together during a three-race run at Niece Motorsports back in 2022, and Fraley was the voice in Wright’s ear during those impressive runs last fall. Fraley knows what Wright needs in the truck to go fast, and Wright trusts Fraley’s calls.
Wright alluded to this comfort level, noting, “I felt really good about working with Darren in the two races we ran this fall. There’s a lot of familiarity there, so I’m really encouraged that we can have a strong season in 2026.”
Wright’s Road to the No. 81
To understand why this full-time ride matters so much, you have to look at where Wright has been. He isn’t a rookie, but he hasn’t had the luxury of a consistent, multi-year program in the trucks.Wright’s background is diverse. He’s a wheelman with a sports car pedigree, holding the 2018 IMSA Prototype Challenge LMP3 championship title.
Since shifting his focus to stock cars in 2020, he has logged starts in ARCA, Xfinity, and the Craftsman Truck Series. The 2025 season was a rollercoaster, starting with Our Motorsports in the Xfinity Series before that relationship dissolved and the team shuttered operations mid-year.
Despite having 49 career starts in the Craftsman Truck Series, Wright has never contested a full campaign with a single organization. That changes in 2026. This is his shot to build momentum week over week, rather than having to relearn a new team’s culture every few months.
MHR Solidifying a Strong Lineup
For team owner Bill McAnally, signing Wright rounds out a formidable lineup. Wright joins Tyler Ankrum in the No. 18 and Christian Eckes in the No. 91. With the No. 19 seat still to be confirmed, MHR is clearly positioning itself as a heavyweight contender for the championship.
“We’re glad we were able to run Kris in a couple of races before the end of the season and to have him on board in 2026,” McAnally stated. “With Darren leading the No. 81 team, we’re making sure Kris has a strong team behind him and is motivated to elevate his career in his first full-time season.”
All Eyes on Daytona
The garage area is always buzzing with “what ifs” during the off-season, but for Wright, the focus is now singular. There are no more questions about where he will be racing or who will be prepping the truck. The mission is clear.
The engines will fire up for the season opener at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 13, 2026. Under the lights at the World Center of Racing, Wright won’t just be another driver looking for a ride; he’ll be a key part of a championship-caliber organization, looking to prove that with the right equipment and the right people, he belongs at the front of the pack.
