Daniel Hemric Returning to MHR; NAPA Expands Long-Standing Partnership

Dirk Bizub, TobyChristie.com

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McAnally-Hilgemann Racing has reached a landmark multi-year partnership expansion with NAPA Auto Parts and several of NAPA’s supplier partners, the organization confirmed in an official announcement on Wednesday.

The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series campaign will mark the 36th season in which the iconic auto parts brand has been in business with team co-owner Bill McAnally. As part of this new agreement, NAPA Auto Care will adorn the No. 19 and No. 91 in a combined 25 events.

Daniel Hemric will return to McAnally-Hilgemann Racing for a second season in 2026, driving the No. 19 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet Silverado RST. Kevin Bellicourt, who joined the team for the back half of last season, will continue to call the shots for the organization’s flagship truck.

A former champion of the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Hemric collected his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory at Martinsville Speedway, his fifth outing with the McAnally-Hilgemann Racing organization.

“I’m incredibly appreciative of the opportunity to come back and drive this No. 19 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet again,” Hemric said. “We have a lot to build on after winning a race last year, but we didn’t make as big of a run as we wanted to in the playoffs. Working with Kevin [Bellicourt] for a second year will give us the consistency to keep developing and hopefully get to victory lane more often. Having the support from NAPA Auto Care, the store owners, and all their suppliers is incredible, especially going on 36-straight years. We want to do all we can to reward them with running up front and win races.”

Christian Eckes, who has rejoined McAnally-Hilgemann Racing for his third year with the organization, will also be piloting a primarily blue No. 91 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet in multiple races for 2026.

“As part of our long-standing and productive partnership with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, we are excited to support Daniel and Christian as they embark on another successful season as members of the NAPA Racing family,” said Katherine Wooten, NAPA Director of Partnerships.

NAPA suppliers will also be showcased on Hemric and Eckes’ Chevrolets throughout the season, including Gates Hydraulics as they continue their support of MHR for the 29th consecutive year. The unmistakable Gates Hydraulics hose will adorn the rear bumpers of both the No. 19 and No. 91 throughout the entire NASCAR Truck Series campaign.

Adaptive One Calipers will be on board the No. 91 Chevrolet in three NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events in 2026, marking a 10-year milestone in the partnership that began in 2016 with an ARCA West title. Old World Industries’ (OWI) NAPA Nightvision brand of lamps and headlights will be featured for multiple events on the No. 91 Chevrolet, driven by Christian Eckes.

Finally, NGK Spark Plugs will elevate their partnership with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing to include a primary paint scheme on Hemric’s No. 19 Chevrolet Silverado at Michigan International Speedway on June 6.

“We celebrated 35 years with NAPA last year and that was a tremendous milestone,” team owner Bill McAnally stated. “But to have NAPA Auto Care and suppliers support two of our trucks is amazing. We’ve had so many relationships for multiple decades, especially Gates Hydraulics, that continue to fuel our program. Terrepower, Old World Industries, and NGK have been so committed over the years to help us win races and championships, so this is an incredible step for our operation. Our drivers and teams make an impact within the NAPA system, and we hope we can celebrate more wins and a championship with the store owners and customers next November.”

The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series campaign will begin on Friday, February 13 at Daytona International Speedway. Coverage of the event will be live on FOX Sports 1 at 7:30 pm ET.

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