McAnally Hilgemann Racing Overview
McAnally Hilgemann Racing, also known as Bill McAnally Racing, is a professional American stock car racing team competing full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series West. Founded in 1990, the team is based in Roseville, California, and Statesville, North Carolina. Owned by Bill McAnally alongside Mike Curb and William Hilgemann, the team fields multiple Chevrolet trucks and cars across NASCAR series. Known for its long-term sponsorship by NAPA, McAnally Hilgemann Racing has secured 12 drivers’ championships and over 119 race victories, primarily in the ARCA Menards Series West, making it one of the most successful owners in NASCAR’s touring series history.
Founding and Organizational Origins
Bill McAnally began his racing career in 1990 in the Late Model series at All American Speedway. Early on, he secured sponsorship from NAPA, which has remained with the team ever since. Initially, McAnally competed while maintaining a full-time job as a utility lineman, gradually building his racing operations. The team’s early years involved overcoming setbacks, including vandalism that destroyed equipment before the 1994 season opener, yet McAnally persevered to rebuild and compete full-time by 1995. The team’s foundation was built on resilience, local racing roots, and strong community and sponsor support.
Growth Into NASCAR Competition
McAnally Hilgemann Racing expanded from regional series into national NASCAR competition over the years. The team initially competed in the NASCAR Winston West Series, now known as the ARCA Menards Series West, before launching a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team in 2000. Key early drivers like Sean Woodside and Brendan Gaughan brought championship success, with Gaughan winning back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2001. The team steadily grew its technical capabilities and expanded its driver lineup, establishing itself as a competitive force in NASCAR’s touring series. The partnership with William Hilgemann in 2020 further strengthened the team’s presence in the Truck Series.
McAnally Hilgemann Racing Competitive Journey
McAnally Hilgemann Racing has progressed from local Late Model racing to becoming a dominant competitor in NASCAR’s regional and national touring series. The team’s journey includes multiple championships in the ARCA Menards Series West and a growing presence in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, marked by consistent driver development and strategic growth.
Early Seasons and Development (1990–1998)
The team’s formative years were marked by Bill McAnally’s personal racing efforts and gradual expansion. Starting in 1990, McAnally won the Late Model division championship at All American Speedway with NAPA sponsorship. Despite challenges such as equipment loss in 1994, the team rebuilt and competed full-time by 1995, finishing ninth in the championship standings in consecutive years. These early seasons laid the groundwork for future success, emphasizing perseverance and steady improvement.
Breakthrough in ARCA Menards Series West (1999–2021)
The breakthrough came in 1999 when Sean Woodside won the first race of the season and secured the series championship for McAnally Hilgemann Racing. Brendan Gaughan followed with back-to-back championships in 2000 and 2001, establishing the team’s winning tradition. Eric Holmes added titles in 2008 and 2010, while Chris Eggleston and Todd Gilliland secured consecutive championships in 2015 and 2016, with Gilliland winning again in 2017. These successes made McAnally the only owner in NASCAR history with eight touring series championships. The team’s competitive stability was supported by strong driver development, technical alliances, and strategic race execution.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2022–Present)
In 2020, the team partnered with William Hilgemann to form McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, expanding its full-time presence in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The team switched to Chevrolet in 2022, aligning with GMS Racing for technical support. Current Truck Series drivers include Tyler Ankrum (No. 18), Daniel Hemric (No. 19), Kris Wright (No. 81), and Christian Eckes (No. 91). The ARCA Menards Series West continues to be a focus, with drivers like Jack Wood and Daniel Hemric competing. The team emphasizes infrastructure improvements, manufacturer partnerships, and nurturing young talent to maintain competitive strength and pursue long-term success.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
McAnally Hilgemann Racing is defined by its commitment to driver development, technical excellence, and strategic race management. The team excels on short tracks and road courses, leveraging strong Chevrolet equipment and experienced personnel. Its long-standing partnership with NAPA reflects stability and mutual growth, while the team’s adaptability and resilience underpin its competitive identity.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key milestones include the team’s first ARCA Menards Series West championship in 1999, multiple consecutive titles in the early 2000s, and a record eight touring series championships. Notable moments include Todd Gilliland’s back-to-back championships and the 2020 partnership forming McAnally-Hilgemann Racing. The team’s consistent race victories and pole positions across series highlight its sustained excellence and historic impact on NASCAR’s regional and national racing landscape.
McAnally Hilgemann Racing Achievements and Results
McAnally Hilgemann Racing boasts an impressive record with 12 drivers’ championships and over 119 race victories, primarily in the ARCA Menards Series West. The team’s success is underscored by multiple championship runs and a strong presence in NASCAR’s touring series.
ARCA Menards Series West Achievements
The team has won 11 ARCA Menards Series West drivers’ championships between 1999 and 2021, establishing dominance in the series. It has secured 100 race victories and 83 pole positions, reflecting consistent front-running performance. The first championship in 1999 set the stage for continued success with drivers like Brendan Gaughan, Eric Holmes, Chris Eggleston, and Todd Gilliland contributing to the team’s legacy.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Achievements
McAnally Hilgemann Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, fielding multiple Chevrolet trucks. The team has achieved 10 race victories and 13 pole positions in the series. Recent efforts have focused on expanding competitiveness and driver development, with drivers such as Tyler Ankrum and Daniel Hemric contributing to the team’s growing presence and playoff appearances.
ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series East Achievements
While the team’s primary success is in the ARCA Menards Series West, it has also competed in the ARCA Menards Series East and the national ARCA Menards Series. The team has earned 9 race wins and 6 pole positions in the East series, supporting driver growth and gaining experience in broader NASCAR competition. These efforts complement the team’s regional dominance and national ambitions.