Gates Hydraulics Returns for 27th Season with MHR

McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR) announced today that Gates Hydraulics, a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions, will return for five races as the primary partner on board Christian Eckes’ No. 19 Chevrolet Silverado RST in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS). MHR and Gates Hydraulics began their 27th year of partnership, dating back to 1998, at Daytona International Speedway in February as the brand adorned the tail of Eckes’ No. 19.

Gates Hydraulics is returning as the primary partner with MHR and Eckes by debuting a new paint scheme at Texas Motor Speedway on Friday, April 12th. Gates Hydraulics will also feature a soon-to-be-announced throwback paint scheme at Darlington Raceway on Friday, May 10th. The newly redesigned Gates Hydraulics scheme will also be driven at World Wide Technology Raceway (June 1st), Kansas Speedway (September 27th), and Martinsville Speedway (November 1st).

In addition, Gates Hydraulics will continue to be featured on the tail of Eckes’ No. 19 entry for all remaining races, and on the tail of Jack Wood’s No. 16 Chevrolet for all ARCA Menards Series West events.

The relationship between MHR, team owner Bill McAnally, and Gates Hydraulics dates to 1998 in the NASCAR Winston West Series. Canada’s Gary Smith drove McAnally’s No. 16 entry to victory at Portland Speedway in the first year of the partnership. Fast forward 25 years, and Gates Hydraulics pulled into victory lane for the first time in NCTS competition when Eckes scored a signature victory at Darlington Raceway, a feat he’ll look to accomplish for a second-consecutive year.

“Our relationship with Gates has been tremendous,” McAnally said. “People make partnerships special, and to have their continued support for 27 years has been incredible. Winning races on the track and the cross promotion with Gates and NAPA and their ownership groups to drive sales off track has been important for our program and we’re excited to continue that this season.”

“Throughout its history, Gates has supported motorsports teams that drive and inspire innovation and excellence,” said Christian Karner, Gates Hydraulics’ Vice President of Marketing and Customer Experience. “Our decades-long partnership with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing has built a foundation of success through countless wins on and off the track that cement Gates’ leading reputation for performance in the most demanding conditions.”

Eckes will debut the new Gates Hydraulics scheme Friday, April 12th at Texas Motor Speedway on FOX Sports 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET.