RICHMOND, Va. — McAnally-Hilgemann Racing heads to Richmond Raceway with plenty on the line as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series enters the final stretch of the regular season. With just two races remaining before the playoffs, Tyler Ankrum and Daniel Hemric are battling around the postseason cutline, while Kris Wright celebrates a career milestone and Mason Massey makes his MHR Truck Series debut.

The Black’s Tire 250 presented by BTS Rewards marks the 17th race of the 2026 Truck Series season and could play a decisive role in shaping the 10-driver playoff field.

Ankrum Chasing Playoff Spot at One of His Best Tracks

Tyler Ankrum enters Richmond as one of the drivers with the most at stake.

The driver of the No. 18 LIUNA Chevrolet Silverado RST sits 11th in the Truck Series standings, just eight points below the playoff cutline currently occupied by Stewart Friesen. With Richmond and New Hampshire serving as the final opportunities to secure a postseason berth, every point will matter.

Fortunately for Ankrum, Richmond has been one of his stronger venues. In six previous Truck Series starts at the 0.75-mile short track, he has collected two top-five finishes and three top-10s, highlighted by a third-place finish in the 2021 event.

Fresh off a ninth-place finish at Indianapolis Raceway Park, the California native believes the No. 18 team is capable of making up ground quickly.

“There is a lot riding on this No. 18 team for the next two weeks, that is for sure,” Ankrum said. “It has been a struggle of a season but it is not over yet. These guys have been working really hard over the last two weeks and I have a ton of confidence in this team.

“We are going to go out there and gain as many points as we can over the course of Richmond and New Hampshire and give it our all.”

Adding extra motivation, more than 60 guests representing sponsor LIUNA and local contractor Saiia are expected to attend Friday night’s race.

Eckes Looking to Convert Speed Into Victory

Christian Eckes enters Richmond fourth in the Truck Series standings and appears to be closing in on his first win of 2026.

The driver of the No. 91 CRC Brakleen Chevrolet Silverado has posted five top-five and five top-10 finishes through 16 races while collecting three stage victories and leading 173 laps. His series-leading plus-275 pass differential underscores the speed the No. 91 team has shown throughout the season.

Eckes has also established himself as one of the series’ premier short-track racers. Since joining MHR, he has recorded three short-track victories, 10 top-five finishes and 11 top-10s.

Richmond has been particularly kind to the New York native. He finished second in the 2024 event after leading 64 laps and returns believing the No. 91 team is close to breaking through.

“Richmond is one of those places where we’ve been good, just not quite good enough over the years,” Eckes said. “We had a really good truck in ’24, led some laps, but just needed to finish the night with a better balance.

“I know we have all the tools to win soon. I’ve got a lot of confidence in this team. I definitely think we can put our CRC Brakleen Chevy at the front on Friday.”

Hemric Looking to Secure His Place in the Playoffs

While Ankrum is trying to climb into the playoff field, Daniel Hemric is focused on protecting his position above the cutline.

The No. 19 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet driver enters Richmond ninth in the standings with a 14-point cushion over the final transfer spot. Through 16 races, Hemric has recorded two top-five finishes, six top-10s and a stage victory at Watkins Glen.

Short-track racing has become a strength for Hemric and MHR. Since joining the organization, Hemric has earned a Truck Series victory at Martinsville Speedway along with three top fives and four top-10 results on short tracks.

Richmond has also been a successful venue for both driver and team. Hemric owns one pole, three top-five finishes and five top-10s at the track in NASCAR Xfinity Series competition, while MHR placed all four of its entries inside the top 10 during the organization’s standout Richmond performance in 2024.

“There’s an added importance on short tracks this year with the way the schedule lays out,” Hemric said. “Tire management is always key at Richmond and that’s an area where we can excel this weekend.

“We need to put together a smooth night and put ourselves in position to score some stage points to build a little cushion.”

Wright Reaches 100-Start Milestone

Friday’s race will be especially meaningful for Kris Wright.

The Pittsburgh native will make the 100th NASCAR national series start of his career when he takes the green flag in the No. 81 F.N.B. Corporation/iHeartRadio Chevrolet Silverado RST.

Wright enters Richmond looking to continue improving on short tracks. This weekend marks his 15th career Truck Series short-track start and fifth of the 2026 campaign. His best short-track finish across NASCAR’s national touring divisions came with a ninth-place result at Martinsville Speedway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Through 16 Truck Series races this season, Wright sits 22nd in the championship standings with six top-20 finishes and a season-best 13th-place effort at Naval Base Coronado.

“I’m excited to take another crack at Richmond,” Wright said. “I’ve only raced there once before, but we’ve been working on our short-track stuff to find the speed we need to go up there and compete up front.

“We’ve got nine more chances to go make a statement.”

Massey Begins Truck Opportunity with MHR

Mason Massey will make his McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Truck Series debut this weekend behind the wheel of the No. 20 Mongoose Power Solutions Chevrolet Silverado RST.

Although it will be his first Truck Series start for MHR, Massey is already familiar with the organization through its ARCA Menards Series West program. The Georgia driver competes full-time for Bill McAnally and has already scored two victories this season while pursuing the 2026 championship.

Richmond represents the next step in that relationship as Massey expands his role with the organization.

The Douglasville, Ga., native brings previous experience at Richmond, including two prior Truck Series starts and three Xfinity Series appearances at the historic Virginia oval.

“I am super stoked about the truck debut this weekend with MHR,” Massey said. “We have been on a really high note in the ARCA West program and I am really thankful to Bill and the No. 20 guys for letting me jump in and hopefully give them a good run.

“Racing for this organization has been such a blast this season and I am looking forward to proving my talents in the coming truck events.”