Tyler Ankrum
Tyler Ankrum (born March 6, 2001) is an American professional stock car racing driver who competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 18 LiUNA!-sponsored Chevrolet Silverado RST for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing.[1][2] Hailing from San Bernardino, California, Ankrum began his racing career in various junior formulas before rising through the ranks of stock car racing.[1][2] He captured the 2018 ARCA Menards Series East championship as a rookie, marking his first major title in the sport.[2] In 2019, Ankrum transitioned to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with GMS Racing, where he earned the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award and secured his first series victory at Kentucky Speedway.[1][2] Ankrum's career has seen him compete for multiple teams, including a stint with Hattori Racing Enterprises in 2020, where he claimed the pole position at Circuit of the Americas.[2] Joining McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in 2024, he achieved his first Truck Series playoff berth in four seasons, recording career-best marks of six top-five finishes and 12 top-10 finishes that year.[1] In the 2025 season, Ankrum has continued his strong form with one victory at Rockingham Speedway in April, alongside eight top-five and 15 top-10 results through 25 races.[1]Biography
Early life
Tyler Ankrum was born on March 6, 2001, in San Bernardino, California.[1] He grew up on a ranch in Southern California as the son of Rick Ankrum, a former quarter midget racer, and Michelle Ankrum.[3][4] The demands of ranch life, including chores and participation in local rodeos, fostered a strong work ethic in Ankrum, emphasizing perseverance and dedication to completing tasks.[3] Ankrum's initial exposure to motorsports occurred through his family's involvement; at age seven, while browsing a family photo album with his grandmother in California, he encountered a picture of his father competing in a quarter midget race.[4] This discovery ignited his passion for racing at age seven, prompting him to pursue the sport actively.[4]Personal life
Ankrum resides in Mooresville, North Carolina, on a 474-acre farm that he manages alongside his family, a lifestyle that echoes his ranch upbringing in Southern California.[3] The property includes livestock such as 15 cows, and Ankrum actively participates in daily farm tasks, including tractor operation and yard maintenance, which keep him grounded during off-seasons.[5] He has expressed a preference for this rural routine, noting that it provides a sense of purpose and physical engagement beyond his professional commitments.[4] His family plays a central role in his personal life, with strong ties to both parents and his sister. Ankrum's father, Rick, serves as president of Modern Meat, Inc., in San Bernardino, California, and shares a close bond with his son through shared interests in ranching and outdoor pursuits; the two once collaborated on building a zipline on their property.[3][4] His mother, Michelle, oversees the North Carolina farm operations and emphasizes a disciplined, farm-centered routine that helps maintain family stability.[3] Ankrum's sister, Lauren, remains based in California with their father, contributing to the family's bicoastal dynamic since their partial relocation to North Carolina in 2014. Outside of farm duties, Ankrum pursues hobbies centered on outdoor activities, including fishing and hunting, which allow him to unwind in nature near Lake Norman, just minutes from his home.[6] He also maintains a fitness regimen, incorporating workouts at local ranches, and has shown interest in equestrian elements from his family's history, such as roping, though he avoids high-risk pursuits like bull riding at his mother's insistence.[5][3]Racing career
Early racing career
Tyler Ankrum began his racing career at the age of nine in 2010, competing in USAC Quarter Midgets based out of San Bernardino, California.[7] During his four years in the series, he amassed multiple victories, broke several track records, and captured five championships in a single season, establishing himself as a standout junior driver.[7] These accomplishments highlighted his early talent in the compact, high-speed world of quarter midget racing, which emphasized precise control and quick reflexes on both dirt and pavement tracks.[6] Following his quarter midget tenure, Ankrum progressed in 2014 to full-size USAC Ignite Midgets, a step up in open-wheel racing that introduced him to faster machinery and more demanding regional competition.[6] He spent one year honing his skills in this series, focusing on dirt track events that built his adaptability across surfaces.[8] From there, he transitioned to late model and super late model racing around 2015, relocating to Mooresville, North Carolina, to compete in regional stock car developmental events.[9] This phase allowed him to adapt to heavier cars and oval track strategies, marking his shift toward stock car foundations.[4] Throughout his early career, Ankrum drew initial guidance from his father, Rick, a former quarter midget racer himself, who played a key role in introducing him to the sport and fostering a strong work ethic.[8] The discipline gained from his family's agricultural background in California further supported his rigorous training regimen during these formative years.[7]K&N Pro Series East
Tyler Ankrum entered the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2018 as a 17-year-old rookie, marking his first season in national stock car competition with the DGR-Crosley team driving the No. 15 Toyota.[10][6] Competing against established talents such as Tyler Dippel and Ruben Garcia Jr., Ankrum quickly adapted to the series' demands, securing his debut victory at South Boston Speedway in May after starting from the pole.[11][12] He followed with a dominant performance at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in July, leading all 70 laps from the pole position.[13] Additional triumphs came at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, where he overcame a post-qualifying penalty to win from the rear, and at Iowa Speedway in a combined East-West event.[14][15] Ankrum clinched the 2018 championship with one race remaining at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in September, finishing 13th but maintaining a 50-point lead over Dippel to secure the title by 84 points overall.[16] In 14 starts, he recorded four wins, two poles, nine top-five finishes, and 12 top-10 results, earning Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors and becoming the sixth Toyota driver to claim the East Series crown.[12][15] This breakthrough championship solidified Ankrum's reputation as a rising star, paving the way for his full-time promotion to the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series with DGR-Crosley in 2019.[10]ARCA Menards Series
Tyler Ankrum has made two starts in the ARCA Menards Series over his career, with his debut coming after success in the ARCA Menards Series East. He did not compete in the series in 2019.[1]| Year | Date | Race | Track | Starting Position | Finishing Position | Laps Completed | Status | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | August 6 | Clean Harbors 100 at The Glen | Watkins Glen International | 10 | 22 | 30/41 | Running | 0 |
| 2023 | July 7 | Zinsser SmartCoat 150 | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course | 2 | 1 | 42/42 | Running | 21 |
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Tyler Ankrum competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 18 Chevrolet for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing since 2024. He began his Truck Series career in 2019 with GMS Racing, where he earned Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors after posting competitive results, including a victory in his fifth start at Kentucky Speedway.[1] In 2020, Ankrum moved to Hattori Racing Enterprises and secured his lone career pole position at Circuit of the Americas. He continued with the team through 2023, achieving consistent top-10 finishes despite challenges in winless seasons. Returning to a competitive ride with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in 2024, Ankrum made the playoffs and recorded multiple top-five results. In 2025, he won at Rockingham Speedway and finished with strong performances, including a playoff appearance. As of the end of the 2025 season, Ankrum has made 159 starts in the Truck Series, with 2 wins, 24 top-five finishes, 64 top-ten finishes, and 1 pole position.[19]NASCAR Xfinity Series
As of November 2025, Tyler Ankrum has not competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.[1]Year-by-Year Statistics
The following table summarizes Tyler Ankrum's performance in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from 2019 to 2025, including starts, wins, top-5 finishes, top-10 finishes, poles, average start position, average finish position, and playoff participation.[19]| Year | Starts | Wins | Top 5s | Top 10s | Poles | Avg. Start | Avg. Finish | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 20 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 11.0 | 15.3 | Yes |
| 2020 | 23 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 8.6 | 13.4 | Yes |
| 2021 | 22 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 15.9 | 19.8 | No |
| 2022 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 14.1 | 14.6 | No |
| 2023 | 23 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 19.2 | 19.2 | No |
| 2024 | 23 | 0 | 6 | 12 | 0 | 13.2 | 13.4 | Yes |
| 2025 | 25 | 1 | 8 | 15 | 0 | 11.9 | 10.8 | Yes |
Career Totals
As of the 2025 season, Ankrum has accumulated 159 starts, 2 wins, 24 top-5 finishes, 64 top-10 finishes, and 1 pole position in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, with career averages of 13.5 for starting position and 15.1 for finishing position.[19] His victories include the 2019 Buckle Up in Your Truck 225 at Kentucky Speedway and the 2025 Black's Tire 200 at Rockingham Speedway.[1][20]Track-Specific Bests
Ankrum's wins highlight his strength on intermediate ovals, particularly 1.5-mile tracks like Kentucky Speedway, where he secured his first series victory in 2019 by leading the final 21 laps.[1] His 2025 triumph at the 1.017-mile Rockingham Speedway demonstrated proficiency on slightly shorter ovals, achieved through superior fuel mileage in the closing stages.[20]2025 Season Breakdown
In 2025, Ankrum competed in all 25 races, securing 1 win at Rockingham Speedway, 8 top-5 finishes, and 15 top-10 results, while achieving multiple stage victories en route to a fourth-place finish in the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway.[19][20]Motorsports career results
Year-by-Year Statistics
The following table summarizes Tyler Ankrum's performance in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from 2019 to 2025, including starts, wins, top-5 finishes, top-10 finishes, poles, average start position, average finish position, and playoff participation.[19]| Year | Starts | Wins | Top 5s | Top 10s | Poles | Avg. Start | Avg. Finish | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 20 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 11.0 | 15.3 | Yes |
| 2020 | 23 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 8.6 | 13.4 | Yes |
| 2021 | 22 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 15.9 | 19.8 | No |
| 2022 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 14.1 | 14.6 | No |
| 2023 | 23 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 19.2 | 19.2 | No |
| 2024 | 23 | 0 | 6 | 12 | 0 | 13.2 | 13.4 | Yes |
| 2025 | 25 | 1 | 8 | 15 | 0 | 11.9 | 10.8 | Yes |
Career Totals
As of the 2025 season, Ankrum has accumulated 159 starts, 2 wins, 24 top-5 finishes, 64 top-10 finishes, and 1 pole position in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, with career averages of 13.5 for starting position and 15.1 for finishing position.[19] His victories include the 2019 Buckle Up in Your Truck 225 at Kentucky Speedway and the 2025 Black's Tire 200 at Rockingham Speedway.[1][20]Track-Specific Bests
Ankrum's wins highlight his strength on intermediate ovals, particularly 1.5-mile tracks like Kentucky Speedway, where he secured his first series victory in 2019 by leading the final 21 laps.[1] His 2025 triumph at the 1.017-mile Rockingham Speedway demonstrated proficiency on slightly shorter ovals, achieved through superior fuel mileage in the closing stages.[20]2025 Season Breakdown
In 2025, Ankrum competed in all 25 races, securing 1 win at Rockingham Speedway, 8 top-5 finishes, and 15 top-10 results, while achieving multiple stage victories en route to a fourth-place finish in the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway.[19][20]NASCAR Xfinity Series
Tyler Ankrum has made four starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, recording 0 top-10 finishes and an average finish of 21.3.[1]| Year | Date | Race | Track | Starting Pos. | Finishing Pos. | Car No. | Team | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | August 22 | Hygienix 150 | Iowa Speedway | 25 | 23 | 26 | GMS Racing | Sigma1 |
| 2021 | February 20 | Raptor King of Tough 200 | Daytona International Speedway | 26 | 17 | 26 | Sam Hunt Racing | Coble Enterprises |
| 2023 | October 28 | Dead on Tools 250 | Martinsville Speedway | 27 | 25 | 02 | Our Motorsports | Whelen Engineering |
| 2023 | November 4 | NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship | Phoenix Raceway | 24 | 20 | 02 | Our Motorsports | Whelen Engineering |
NASCAR K&N Pro Series East
In the 2018 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season, Tyler Ankrum made 14 starts, capturing the drivers' championship with 574 points after finishing 84 points ahead of runner-up Tyler Dippel.[21] He secured four victories—at South Boston Speedway, Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and Iowa Speedway—while posting nine top-five finishes, 12 top-10 finishes, two pole positions, and 299 laps led across the season.[22][15] No stage points were awarded in the series that year. The following table summarizes Ankrum's race-by-race results:| Race | Date | Track | Start | Finish | Laps Led | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feb 11 | New Smyrna Speedway | 25 | 5 | 0 | Running |
| 2 | Apr 14 | Bristol Motor Speedway | 4 | 4 | 32 | Running |
| 3 | Apr 28 | Langley Speedway | 2 | 3 | 1 | Running |
| 4 | May 12 | South Boston Speedway (1) | 3 | 1 | 76 | Running |
| 5 | May 12 | South Boston Speedway (2) | 6 | 3 | 1 | Running |
| 6 | Jun 2 | Memphis International Raceway | 1 | 2 | 54 | Running |
| 7 | Jun 16 | New Jersey Motorsports Park | 4 | 9 | 0 | Running |
| 8 | Jul 14 | Thompson Speedway | 13 | 1 | 7 | Running |
| 9 | Jul 21 | New Hampshire Motor Speedway | 2 | 1 | 70 | Running |
| 10 | Jul 27 | Iowa Speedway | 4 | 1 | 48 | Running |
| 11 | Aug 3 | Watkins Glen International | 1 | 7 | 2 | Running |
| 12 | Aug 24 | World Wide Technology Raceway | 16 | 6 | 0 | Running |
| 13 | Sep 22 | New Hampshire Motor Speedway | 4 | 13 | 0 | Running |
| 14 | Oct 6 | Dover Motor Speedway | 3 | 11 | 8 | Running |
ARCA Menards Series
Tyler Ankrum has made two starts in the ARCA Menards Series over his career, with his debut coming after success in the ARCA Menards Series East. He did not compete in the series in 2019.[1]| Year | Date | Race | Track | Starting Position | Finishing Position | Laps Completed | Status | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | August 6 | Clean Harbors 100 at The Glen | Watkins Glen International | 10 | 22 | 30/41 | Running | 0 |
| 2023 | July 7 | Zinsser SmartCoat 150 | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course | 2 | 1 | 42/42 | Running | 21 |