Christian Eckes, a rising star in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, might be gearing up for a big move. Rumor has it that Eckes could step up to the Xfinity Series next season, a notable progression in his racing career. He’s been a dedicated competitor in the Truck Series for the past seven years, driving the #19 Chevrolet for McNally-Hilgemann Racing.
Eckes has proven himself on the track, boasting eight race wins since his debut, with his first victory coming at the 2021 Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 while racing for ThorSport. Beyond his Truck Series success, the 23-year-old also has an impressive track record in the ARCA Menards Series, where he’s clinched seven wins in just 46 starts.
As the NASCAR silly season—when driver changes and team moves become hot topics—heats up, Eckes’ potential move to the Xfinity Series is gaining traction. Renowned journalist Bob Pockrass from Fox Sports has hinted that Eckes could be making this transition at the end of the current season, setting the stage for an exciting 2025.
Adding to the buzz, there’s talk that Kaulig Racing has been eyeing Eckes. Meanwhile, speculation suggests that Trackhouse Racing might secure a third charter for the 2025 season, possibly promoting Xfinity driver Shane van Gisbergen to the Cup Series. This scenario would leave a coveted seat open in the Xfinity Series, with Eckes emerging as a strong candidate to fill it.
Currently, Eckes is leading the Truck Series standings, sitting in first place with 673 points. This season, he’s racked up three wins, including a recent triumph at Nashville Superspeedway. Alongside his victories, he’s amassed 14 top-ten finishes, nine top-five finishes, and two pole positions, showcasing his consistency and skill. With an average finish of 6.2, Eckes is making a compelling case for moving up the NASCAR ranks.
The 2024 season has also seen a thrilling rivalry between Eckes and Corey Heim, the #11 driver for Tricon Garage. The two are neck-and-neck in the standings, with only 50 points separating them. While Heim has two more wins than Eckes, his inconsistency has allowed Eckes to maintain a slim lead. Their competition reached a high point at the CRC Brakleen 165 at Pocono, where Heim took the victory and Eckes finished third.
In a post-race interview at Pocono, Eckes shared his thoughts on this intense rivalry. He acknowledged the unpredictability of the upcoming playoffs, saying, “For the next two weeks? Sure. Everything changes once you get into the playoffs, and everything resets. Anything is possible. It’s me versus him (Heim) right now, for sure. Potentially in the playoffs too, but you never know what can happen.”
As the season progresses and the potential for big moves looms, Christian Eckes remains a driver to watch. Whether he stays in the Truck Series or ascends to the Xfinity Series, his career trajectory is one of the most exciting storylines in NASCAR today.
