Controlling the Field … Christian Eckes returns to Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) leading the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) standings and in control of the playoff field. The defending BMS winner is in full control of his playoff destiny entering race two of the first round with a 16-point lead over second, and a 60-point advantage over the provisional cut line. Eckes can mathematically advance to round two if he leaves BMS with a 61-point advantage on the cut line. “Thunder Valley” is a perfect place for him to advance as he has led 294 laps in the last two races at BMS, including a victory on March 16th and has captured two-consecutive pole positions.
Short Track Electrician … The driver of the No. 19 Adaptive One Calipers Chevrolet Silverado RST has continued his electric performance on short tracks this summer. Eckes closed out the regular season with a pair of second-place results at Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) and Richmond Raceway. The pair of runner-up’s have been part of his incredible current streak where he has posted six-straight podium finishes. Eckes most recently opened the playoffs with a third-place run at The Milwaukee Mile, which was his ninth podium finish in the last 10 races on tracks one mile and shorter. Dating back to IRP in 2023, Eckes has scored three wins, nine top-10’s and has finished sixth or better in the last 10 races at tracks one mile and under. If he can extend that streak on Thursday at BMS, Eckes can secure a position in the second playoff round.
Season to Date … Eckes has been a model of consistency and has led the NCTS championship standings after 10 of the 17 races as a result. He has led in all 17 races this season for a staggering total of 833 laps with an equally impressive average finish of 5.8. Since the 2023 season finale, Eckes has led 18-consecutive races and is closing in on the all-time consecutive NCTS races-led mark set by Mike Skinner (19). Through 17 races, Eckes has totaled a career-high 11 top-five finishes and 16 top-10’s, both of which lead all NCTS competitors. In four previous starts on BMS’ concrete, Eckes has pocketed one victory, two top-five finishes, three top-10’s and two pole awards.
Tune In … Coverage the “Last Great Colosseum” begins on Thursday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 2 with practice and qualifying, followed by the green flag at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1. Stay connected with the No. 19 Adaptive One Calipers team by following @BMR_NASCAR on Twitter, @bmrnascar on Instagram, and Bill McAnally Racing on Facebook.
Christian Eckes Quote:
On returning to Bristol:
“Our Adaptive One team did a good job at Milwaukee to start our playoffs with a good points day. We’re in a good spot going to Bristol, and we love going there. Even though we won in the spring, we still feel like there’s some unfinished business from the playoff race last fall. It’d be nice to get another sword, get some more playoff points and punch our ticket to the next round. We’ve had great speed at the short tracks this year and just need keep executing like we have been.”
McAnally Hilgemann Racing PR
