NASCAR
Christian Eckes Takes Second Career Win in Atlanta
HAMPTON, GA. – After being oh so close to a win in the Daytona season-opener, Christian Eckes put it all on the table in Atlanta. After starting fourth, the Napa No. 19 Chevrolet led wire-to-wire in Stage 1, only to have a pit road speeding penalty set him back. After numerous restarts, Eckes was in position late to take the lead at the white flag and be out front when a race-ending caution flew. Atlanta marks the second Truck Series triumph for Eckes, but the first for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing.
The opening Stages would be relatively calm, being dominated by Christian Eckes and veteran Matt Crafton.
A Truck Series Atlanta record 11 cautions defined the day, with nobody safe from trouble. Just after taking the lead late, Jack Wood spun after contact from John Hunter Nemechek.
A tough break for @DriverJackWood who spins from the lead! https://t.co/BLPRU4a7mM pic.twitter.com/RjGQ3LnEEG
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) March 18, 2023
Narrowly avoiding the spinning 51 truck was the 19 of Eckes, who restarted second in with two to go and muscled his way to the point. As trucks went sliding everywhere in turn four on the last lap, the 19 was scored ahead as the big winner.
Here's a look at the final lap from @ATLMotorSpdwy.
The No. 19 was the leader at the time of caution. pic.twitter.com/1lD1HaLYz2
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) March 18, 2023
“It’s been a tough offseason,” said Eckes, who is in the midst of his first year with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing after being with ThorSport Racing in 2022. “I’m driving harder than I ever have—I have a lot to prove. The people know who they are.”
“I’m really happy. Thanks to (crew chief) Charles (Denike), everybody on this team. They work so damn hard. This is what makes it all worth it. I’m pumped. It’s going to be a really good year.”
Behind Eckes, top-10 finishers were: Nick Sanchez, John Hunter Nemechek, Bayley Currey, Ben Rhodes, Matt DiBenedetto, Chase Purdy, Timmy Hill, Matt Crafton, and Jack Wood. Hear from some of these drivers below.
.@Nicksanchez080 could taste the win, but brings the No. 2 home in 2nd. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/ZbTv0UWbhm
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) March 18, 2023
.@JHNemechek apologizes to the 51 team for turning @DriverJackWood from the lead late.
After leading the most laps, JHN finishes 3rd. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/PUYZmytmjL
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) March 18, 2023
.@BayleyCurrey is excited after his first-ever NASCAR top-five in Atlanta, finishing 4th with @NieceMotorsport. pic.twitter.com/fJdItgNkLV
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) March 18, 2023
.@mattdracing recaps his sixth-place day with @Rackley_WAR, and says his team is still looking for funding for the remainder of the year. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/4bw3pWqRhu
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) March 18, 2023
Up next for the Craftsman Truck Series is the twists and turns of COTA. The XPEL 225 will go green Saturday at 2:00 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. The Austin, Texas road course has been won each season by the 38 team, can anyone else take victory this year?
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Photo by Peter Stratta/TSJSports
