Matt Barndt joins McAnally-Hilgemann Racing as Truck crew chief

McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR) has announced its crew chief lineup for the 2027 NASCAR FedEx Freight Truck Series. Matt Barndt, previously car chief for Chase Elliott and the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the Cup Series, will be crew chief for Christian Eckes and the No. 91 team. The two organisations are linked through a shared sponsorship with NAPA Auto Parts.

Kevin Bellicourt, crew chief for Daniel Hemric in the No. 19, moves into a general manager role. Darren Fraley, from the No. 81 entry, replaces him. Edward "Dewey" Townsend will be crew chief for newly signed Nick Sanchez in the No. 18, having previously worked with the part-time No. 20 entry. Mark Hillman takes an operations manager role, and Stephen Poswiatowski becomes lead engineer.

MHR went winless in 2026 but finished as high as fifth in the final standings, with Eckes earning four runner-up finishes in the final six races. Team owner Bill McAnally said the team has high expectations of winning races and competing for championships.