Christian Eckes takes over No. 16 as AJ Allmendinger moves to full-time Cup Series role with Kaulig

Christian Eckes, an eight-time NASCAR Truck Series race winner, will join Kaulig Racing, teaming up with Josh Williams and Daniel Dye in 2025.

Kaulig Racing have announced that they have added Christian Eckes to their NASCAR Xfinity Series team for next season. Eckes will drive the No. 16 Chevrolet as part of a multi-year deal. He currently races the No. 19 Chevrolet for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Christian Eckes recently won the Truck Series regular-season championship. He is one of 10 drivers currently battling in the Round of 10.

Kaulig Racing President Chris Rice praised Eckes for his strong performances and maturity. Eckes, who has won eight Truck Series races and leads this year's playoffs, will focus on finishing the Truck Series season before starting with Kaulig Racing.

"Matt Kaulig and I have invested a lot of time thinking and planning for what the future of Kaulig Racing looks like. We’re continuing to improve our Xfinity program, and we are making decisions to help us do that. Christian [Eckes] 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," Rice said.

Kaulig Racing also recently announced that Daniel Dye will join their team in 2025. With Eckes joining, Kaulig will have three full-time Xfinity drivers next season: Dye (No. 10), Josh Williams (No. 11) and Christian Eckes (No. 16).

Previous No. 16 Xfinity driver, AJ Allmendinger will move to the Cup Series full-time in 2025. Shane van Gisbergen, who drives the No. 97 Chevy and has three wins, will also move to the Cup Series, driving the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet.

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"A long time coming" - Christian Eckes on joining Kaulig Racing as Xfinity driver

Christian Eckes, the 2019 ARCA Menards Series champion, previously worked as a development driver for JR Motorsports and Toyota. He started racing Legends Cars at 13, then moved to late-model stock cars and super late models. He won the Snowball Derby in 2016.

Eckes joined McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in 2023. The 23-year-old has won eight Truck Series races and earned 21 top-five finishes and 29 top-10 finishes for the team. He finished fifth in last season's standings and currently leads the standings in the Truck Series playoffs.

Eckes is excited to join Kaulig Racing and work with his new teammates in 2025.

"Just super excited for this opportunity. This is something I feel like it’s been a long time coming, and to do it with Kaulig Racing, Chris, Matt (Kaulig, team owner) and so many great teammates as well is something that I’m really looking forward to. Obviously, have a lot to achieve this year still, but very excited for the future. Just ready to get to work,” said Eckes.

Before joining Kaulig Racing for the 2025 Xfinity Series, Christian Eckes will hope to win this season's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series title.