McAnally-Hilgemann Racing has tapped Charles Denike – a two-time winner as a crew chief in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series — to join the organization as crew chief of the No. 19 Chevrolet Silverado, the team announced Saturday.
The move comes just days after GMS Racing announced that Jeff Hensley would take over Denike’s spot as crew chief of the No. 23 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Grant Enfinger.
As a result, Denike will move to alliance-partner McAnally-Hilgemann Racing to serve as crew chief of the team’s No. 19 Chevrolet Silverado, as Derek Kraus and team attempt to close in on a berth in the NASCAR Truck Series Playoffs.
“We’re excited to have Charles join our team,” said MHR co-owner Bill McAnally. “We’re confident that he will strengthen our overall team as we move ahead and help take full advantage of the opportunities we have available through or alliance with GMS Racing.”
Prior to this season, Denike worked with Tyler Ankrum and many other drivers, including Chase Elliott and Sam Mayer, who brought the long-time GMS Racing employee to his first victories as a crew chief.
“I am excited to join MHR and to work with Derek Kraus on the 19 team,” Denike said. “Derek is highly talented and we are looking forward to our first race together at Mid-Ohio. Over the next two races we will push hard to make the playoffs. MHR has built a great team with a strong foundation and I am thankful for the opportunity to help continue to advance their program.”
Shane Wilson had served as the crew chief of the No. 19 Chevrolet Silverado for the first 14 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events of the season.
Entering Mid-Ohio, Kraus sits 11th in series point standings, just 29 points below the cutoff for the NASCAR Truck Series Playoffs. At Mid-Ohio and Pocono, Kraus will look to close the gap on Matt Crafton and Grant Enfinger, who sit in the bottom two spots of the Playoff Grid.
