Christian Eckes is set to move up the NASCAR ranks as he will join Kaulig Racing for the 2025 Xfinity Series season.
The Truck Series championship contender will take over the No. 16 Chevrolet Camaro as AJ Allmendinger moves back to the Cup Series. Eckes will contend for Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year while helping Kaulig go trophy hunting.
As Kaulig Racing noted, this deal is for multiple years.
"Matt Kaulig and I have invested a lot of time thinking and planning for what the future of Kaulig Racing looks like," said team president Chris Rice in a press release.
"We're continuing to improve our Xfinity program, and we are making decisions to help us do that. Christian has proven himself in the Truck Series and we're excited to have him take the next step in his career and be a part of our program beginning in 2025."
Starting in 2025, @christianeckes will take over our Xfinity Series No. 16 Chevrolet full-time!@NASCAR_Xfinity | @TeamChevy pic.twitter.com/haq0DmqZOl
— Kaulig Racing (@KauligRacing) August 31, 2024
The move to Kaulig Racing includes the opportunity to continue working with a familiar face. Eckes will drive the No. 16 while his current McAnally Hilgemann Racing teammate Daniel Dye will take over the No. 10 Chevrolet for Kaulig.
Eckes does not have Xfinity experience. He has made 108 starts in the Craftsman Truck Series, and he has celebrated eight wins. This includes three this season as Eckes has posted a career-best finish of 5.8.
As Rice explained during a Saturday morning press conference, the Truck Series driver will not make any starts in Xfinity before moving over to Kaulig Racing.
The goal is to have Eckes focus on pursuing a championship with McAnally Hilgemann Racing. He will do a rookie test and take part in other preparation steps during the offseason.
"I'm extremely thankful and grateful for Matt Kaulig, Chris Rice, and everyone involved for the opportunity to be a part of Kaulig Racing," Eckes said in a press release.
"What they have been able to do as a company in just a few short years has been incredible. I'm looking forward to adding to that success in 2025 and beyond."