Kris Wright Bio
Early Life and Background
Kristofer Cole Wright was born on July 17, 1994, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. He grew up in a family with a racing background, as his father was also a racing driver. Despite this, his father encouraged him to pursue golf, leading Wright to become a member of the golf teams at IMG Academy and Robert Morris University. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh in 2013 and even qualified for the district championship of the Remax World Long Drive Championship in 2014.
Wright’s early exposure to racing came through his father’s influence, but he initially focused on golf before transitioning to motorsports. His journey into racing began in earnest in 2015 when he joined Kinetic Motorsports in the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car A class.
Path to NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Wright’s racing career took a significant turn when he entered the ARCA Menards Series West in 2020, where he made a strong impression by finishing second and third in his debut doubleheader at Utah Motorsports Campus. This success led him to join GMS Racing, where he raced part-time in the ARCA Menards Series and the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. His first starts in these series came at Michigan International Speedway and the Daytona International Speedway road course.
In 2021, Wright joined Young’s Motorsports for a full season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 02 truck. His transition to stock car racing was marked by a series of challenges, including a COVID-19 diagnosis that caused him to miss a race.
Kris Wright Career
Early Career (2015–2019)
Wright began his racing career in sports cars, achieving notable success in the IMSA Prototype Challenge. In 2017, he was awarded Rookie of the Year and finished second in the Prototype Challenge standings, securing a victory at Watkins Glen International. The following year, he won the LMP3 class championship, solidifying his reputation in sports car racing.
In open-wheel racing, Wright competed in the Road to Indy ladder, starting with the U.S. F2000 National Championship in 2017 and later moving to the Pro Mazda Championship. He also participated in the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship and the Euroformula Open Championship, gaining valuable experience before fully transitioning to stock car racing.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Breakthrough (2020–2021)
Wright made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2020 at the Daytona Road Course. His first full season came in 2021 with Young’s Motorsports, where he faced a steep learning curve. Despite the challenges, he managed to secure a few top-twenty finishes and gained valuable experience in the competitive environment of NASCAR.
In 2022, he was announced to drive for Niece Motorsports but left the team mid-season. He then joined Brandonbilt Motorsports for the remainder of the Xfinity Series season, showcasing his adaptability and determination to succeed in various racing formats.
McAnally–Hilgemann Racing Era (2023–Present)
In 2023, Wright returned to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 16 Chevrolet Silverado RST for McAnally–Hilgemann Racing. His season began with high hopes, but he faced difficulties, managing only three top-twenty finishes in the first eleven races. As a result, he and the team mutually agreed to part ways before the race at World Wide Technology Raceway.
Looking ahead, Wright has announced plans to compete full-time in the ARCA Menards Series in 2024, driving the No. 15 Toyota for Venturini Motorsports. This move indicates his commitment to continue developing his skills and pursuing success in stock car racing.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Wright is known for his adaptability across different racing formats, showcasing a strong foundation in both sports car and open-wheel racing. His experience in various series has equipped him with a diverse skill set, allowing him to approach races with strategic insight and a competitive edge.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Wright’s notable achievements include being named the IMSA Prototype Challenge Rookie of the Year in 2017 and winning the LMP3 class championship in 2018. These milestones highlight his talent and potential within the motorsports community.
Kris Wright Career Wins
As of now, Kris Wright has not secured any wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series, or NASCAR Xfinity Series. However, he has a strong background in sports car racing, where he achieved significant success in the IMSA Prototype Challenge.
Current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Highlights
In the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, Wright’s performance has seen him compete in various races, with a best finish of 26th in 2021. He continues to seek his first win in the series while driving for McAnally–Hilgemann Racing.
Previous ARCA Menards Series Achievements
In the ARCA Menards Series, Wright has demonstrated his competitiveness, finishing third in the standings in 2024. He has participated in multiple races, showcasing his potential to secure wins in the future.
Kris Wright Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Wright comes from a family with a racing background, as his father was also a racing driver. This familial connection to motorsports has influenced his career path and passion for racing.
Personal Life
Details about Wright’s personal life remain private, with a focus primarily on his racing career. His early involvement in golf and subsequent transition to racing highlight his diverse athletic background.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a challenging one for Kris Wright in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Competing for McAnally–Hilgemann Racing, he has faced stiff competition and has yet to secure a top finish. The team dynamics and crew chief strategies will be crucial as the season progresses, with Wright aiming to improve his standings and secure his first win in the series. As the season unfolds, he remains focused on building momentum and achieving success in the upcoming races.
