Kris Wright is set to make his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut at Michigan International Speedway, piloting the No. 81 iHeartRadio entry for McAnally‑Hilgemann Racing.
While this will be his first NASCAR start on the two‑mile oval, Wright is no stranger to the Michigan venue, having contested three ARCA Menards Series races there earlier this year, a campaign that yielded a top‑five finish in 2024.
The team has been steadily climbing the championship ladder, currently sitting 22nd in the points standings, and sees the Michigan race as a chance to translate recent momentum into a higher placement.
Fans will be able to catch the action live on Fox Sports 1 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, a slot that promises a prime view of the competition.
A Track That Demands More Than Speed
Michigan International Speedway lies just 73 miles from downtown Detroit, making it one of the most accessible tracks for Midwest spectators.
The venue holds the distinction of being the sole two‑mile oval on the 2026 schedule, a unique attribute that adds a strategic layer to crew chief decisions.
McAnally‑Hilgemann Racing has a modest but notable history at the venue, having entered five NCTS events, four of which occurred during the track’s comeback to the schedule in 2025.
Echoes of Past Performance
Last season, the No. 81 car showed flashes of speed when Connor Mosack qualified eighth and captured third in Stage 1, a performance that set expectations for the upcoming run.
Wright himself posted a season‑best 17th at Dover Motor Speedway and has accumulated four top‑20 finishes throughout the year, underscoring his capacity to compete on diverse layouts.
With the combination of prior ARCA success, recent top‑20 consistency, and a track that rewards endurance, the No. 81 team enters the Michigan weekend with a realistic chance to break into the top‑15 and perhaps even contend for a stage win.