by Crystal Clay, Chief Motorsports Correspondent
AVONDALE, Ariz.-- Christian Eckes, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Championship 4 driver, developed a deep understanding of how evolving as a competitor is rooted not just in individual performance but in his newfound deeper ability to rely on and trust his Chevy Silverado McAnally Hilgmann Racing team. He said it was the most important lesson learned throughout the 2024 season and playoffs.
“The ability of people, more than anything.”
Early season mechanical issues could have led to frustration or self-doubt but for an elite driver aiming to take it all at one of NASCAR’s highest levels, Eckes speaks to how his team persevered. It highlights both personal and collective resilience– learning how to push through adversity and maintain focus on the long-term goal, which is crucial for success in Friday's high-stakes battle.
“Starting the year it didn’t go very well. Four of the five first races, we had some sort of mechanical issues. Some of them didn’t really affect us but when you have that much mechanical failure it's easy to get down but our team really got together and really cranked out one of the most consistent years in the truck series.”
Personal growth in terms of mental fortitude and an increased confidence in the team’s capabilities to deliver a quality on-track product shows his growing understanding that winning a championship will require more than just his skills as a wheelman; it calls for a well-oiled, dependable group effort.
He said, “Just have more faith in people. Ya know?”
Lessons learned from early struggles like facing adversity, trusting the team, and maintaining focus, are now being applied to his championship pursuit where team cohesion and reliability will play a major role in securing the win.
Eckes entered Phoenix as the No. 2 seed with 4,000 points. This is the fourth time he has competed in the NCTS Playoffs and his first NCTS Championship 4 appearance. In his past three playoff runs he's been eliminated in either the ‘Round of 8’ or 'Round of 10'. When it comes to being the one to burn down the tires at the end of 150 laps on Friday night, he said he’ll lean into the deeper trust he has for his people more than anything.
“Just having the confidence to rely on them. That they're going to bring a quality product for me to race. It's a very tight-knit group we have and I have lots of faith in them for sure.”
WATCH Video: Christian Eckes talks to Racing Refresh on NCTS Championship 4 Media Day at Phoenix Raceway. November 07, 2024 Avondale, Arizona.
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