NASCAR team extends 36-year partnership as driver return confirmed

A NASCAR team has made two exciting announcements this week, extending a 36-year partnership with one of their sponsors and confirming the return of one of their drivers for 2026.

In an official press release, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR) has confirmed a new landmark multi-year partnership extension with NAPA Auto Parts and several NAPA suppliers.

This means that next season will mark the NAPA brand's 36th season in partnership with team owner Bill McAnally.

As a result, the iconic blue, yellow and white colors are set to appear on the Nos. 19 and 91 cars, featuring at a total of 25 Truck Series races next year.

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MHR confirms Hemric return

As well as confirming the NAPA partnership extension, MHR also revealed that Daniel Hemric will be returning to the team in 2026.

The 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion drove for MHR full-time in the Truck Series in 2025, winning one race (Martinsville) and qualifying for the playoffs, where he reached the Round of 8.

Now, he's set to drive the No. 19 Chevrolet once again, starting at the season opener at Daytona.

“I’m incredibly appreciative of the opportunity to come back and drive this No. 19 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet again,” Hemric said in a team statement.

“We have a lot to build on after winning a race last year, but we didn’t make as big of a run as we wanted to in the playoffs. Working with Kevin [Bellicourt] for a second year will give us the consistency to keep developing and hopefully get to victory lane more often.

"Having the support from NAPA Auto Care, the store owners, and all their suppliers is incredible, especially going on 36-straight years. We want to do all we can to reward them with running up front and win races.”

Bill McAnally on 'amazing' NAPA renewal

Elsewhere, team owner McAnally added: “We celebrated 35 years with NAPA last year and that was a tremendous milestone, but to have NAPA Auto Care and suppliers support two of our trucks is amazing.

"We’ve had so many relationships for multiple decades, especially Gates Hydraulics, that continue to fuel our program. Terrepower, Old World Industries, and NGK have been so committed over the years to help us win races and championships, so this is an incredible step for our operation.

"Our drivers and teams make an impact within the NAPA system, and we hope we can celebrate more wins and a championship with the store owners and customers next November.”