Wright Looks to Build on Daytona Lessons in Atlanta
Superspeedway Similarities… Kris Wright delivered a promising performance in the season opener of his first full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) campaign before getting caught up in a spin coming to the white flag. The Pittsburgh, Penn. native showed patience and awareness throughout the night and will look to carry that same disciplined approach into this weekend at EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta). Reconfigured in 2022, the 1.54-mile quad-oval now carries many of the characteristics of a superspeedway, similar in style to Daytona International Speedway (DIS). While smaller in size than traditional superspeedways, the increased banking in the corners allows drivers to run more throttle, maintain higher sustained speeds and rely heavily on the draft to generate momentum and contend for the win. The tighter racing surface often creates intense pack racing and demands precision, patience and calculated decision-making. The No. 81 First National Bank (F.N.B.) Corporation Chevrolet Silverado RST team debuted with speed and promise to open the 2026 campaign and is eager to return to competition in Atlanta.
Driver/Crew Chief Chemistry… This Saturday’s FR8 Racing 250 at EchoPark Speedway marks the fifth NCTS event on the reconfigured 1.54-mile circuit. The pairing of Kris Wright and crew chief Darren Fraley proved effective in the season opener at DIS, where Fraley crafted a conservative and calculated game plan focused on discipline, awareness and fuel management. Wright executed that strategy with patience in the draft, positioning the No. 81 F.N.B. Corporation Chevrolet Silverado RST within striking distance of a top-10 finish before a late-race incident altered the outcome. Carrying momentum into Atlanta, the team is expected to lean on a similar measured approach while refining the small details necessary to capitalize when the opportunity presents itself.
Working Together… MHR opened the 2026 campaign with speed and competitiveness at DIS, demonstrating the organization’s strength on drafting-style tracks. As the series transitions to EchoPark Speedway, teamwork will once again be a critical factor. With Atlanta’s reconfiguration producing tight, high-speed pack racing, manufacturer alignment and coordinated drafting efforts can be pivotal to maintaining momentum and controlling lanes. Kris has two starts at Atlanta, highlighted by a top-15 finish in March of 2023. For the No. 81 team, continued collaboration and execution will be key components in converting early-season promise into a strong result on Saturday afternoon.
Tune In… Coverage from Hampton, Ga. begins on Friday afternoon with qualifying on FOX Sports 2 at 3:00 p.m. ET. FOX Sports 1 will have live coverage of the FR8 Racing 208 on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET. Stay connected with the No. 81 F.N.B. Corporation team by following @BMR_NASCAR on Twitter, @bmr_nascar on Instagram and Bill McAnally Racing on Facebook.
Kris Wright Quote:
“Daytona gave us a lot of confidence. Darren (Fraley, crew chief) gave us a solid, patient plan and we stuck to it all night with our First National Bank Chevrolet Silverado RST. We were right there in position when it mattered, which shows the strategy works. Atlanta races a little different, but it’s still a drafting track and you’ve got to be smart about how you move. If we can take what we learned last week, clean up the small stuff and put ourselves in the right lane late, I think we’ll have a shot to contend. I’m ready to get our No. 81 F.N.B. Corporation Chevy back out there and see what we can do.”