Tyler Michael Ankrum Bio
Tyler Michael Ankrum, born March 6, 2001, is an American professional stock car racing driver competing full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He drives the No. 18 Chevrolet Silverado RST for McAnally–Hilgemann Racing. Ankrum made history as the first driver born in the 21st century to win a NASCAR national series race and secured the 2018 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship, marking DGR-Crosley’s first championship in any racing series.
Early Life and Background
Tyler Ankrum was born in San Bernardino, California, and grew up on a ranch in Southern California. Initially dreaming of becoming a professional bull rider inspired by Lane Frost, he quickly shifted his focus to racing after his mother discouraged the idea. He also considered professional golf, influenced by his father who had some racing experience. The family relocated to Mooresville, North Carolina, to support his racing ambitions. Ankrum attended and graduated from Lake Norman High School in 2019.
He began racing quarter midgets as a child before progressing to late models. At age fourteen, he won his first late model race at Caraway Speedway. He continued competing in super late model races nationwide, including a victory at Hickory Motor Speedway’s Fall Brawl in 2015 and a third-place finish in the 2018 Rattler 250. His early racing foundation was built on these regional successes.
Path to NASCAR
In January 2018, Ankrum signed with David Gilliland Racing (DGR) to compete part-time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. His schedule expanded to full-time as he demonstrated strong performance, winning his first race in his fourth start at South Boston Speedway. He then won three consecutive races mid-season, including a flag-to-flag victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and a combination East-West race at Iowa Speedway. These results secured him the 2018 K&N Pro Series East championship.
Following his championship, Ankrum debuted in the NASCAR Truck Series at Martinsville Speedway in 2018 with DGR-Crosley. Despite sponsorship challenges, he secured a full-time Truck Series ride in 2019, highlighted by his first Truck Series win at Kentucky Speedway. This victory also represented DGR-Crosley’s inaugural Truck Series win and qualified him for the playoffs.
Tyler Michael Ankrum Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Ankrum’s early career featured success in regional late model and super late model racing circuits. His 2015 Fall Brawl win and consistent top finishes established him as a rising talent. Transitioning to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2018, he quickly adapted to the national stage, capturing multiple wins and the series championship. His development was supported by DGR-Crosley, which provided a platform for his advancement.
K&N Pro Series East Breakthrough (2018)
In his rookie K&N Pro Series East season, Ankrum demonstrated remarkable consistency and speed. He won his first race at South Boston Speedway and followed with three consecutive victories, including a dominant flag-to-flag win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Clinching the championship before the final race, Ankrum established himself as a formidable competitor and earned recognition as a top prospect in NASCAR’s developmental ranks.
Craftsman Truck Series Era (2018–Present)
Tyler Ankrum made his Truck Series debut in late 2018, finishing eighteenth at Martinsville. In 2019, he secured a full-time ride with DGR-Crosley and earned his first Truck Series victory at Kentucky Speedway. Despite sponsorship challenges that year, he remained competitive and qualified for the playoffs. In 2020, Ankrum joined GMS Racing, continuing to develop his skills. He later drove for Hattori Racing Enterprises in 2022 before moving to McAnally–Hilgemann Racing for the 2024 season, piloting the No. 18 Chevrolet Silverado RST. His consistency in 2024 earned him a playoff berth, though he was eliminated in the Round of 8 at Martinsville. Early in the 2025 season, Ankrum ended a 130-race winless streak with a strategic fuel mileage victory at Rockingham Speedway.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ankrum is known for his adaptability across various track types and his strategic racecraft. His ability to manage fuel and tires effectively has contributed to key victories. Partnerships with experienced crew chiefs have enhanced his performance, allowing him to compete consistently at a high level in the Truck Series.
Notable Races and Milestones
His first Truck Series win at Kentucky Speedway in 2019 was a career milestone and a breakthrough moment for his team. Ankrum’s championship in the K&N Pro Series East and his historic status as the first 21st-century-born NASCAR national series winner highlight his rapid rise. His recent win at Rockingham in 2025 ended the longest winless drought in Truck Series history.
Tyler Michael Ankrum Career Wins
Tyler Ankrum’s career includes multiple wins in the K&N Pro Series East and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His victories reflect his progression from regional late model racing to national prominence.
K&N Pro Series East Highlights
In 2018, Ankrum won several races en route to the K&N Pro Series East championship. His first win came at South Boston Speedway, followed by a string of victories that demonstrated his dominance in the series. This championship was a significant achievement for both Ankrum and DGR-Crosley.
Craftsman Truck Series Highlights
Ankrum earned his first Truck Series win at Kentucky Speedway in 2019, marking a historic moment as the first driver born in the 21st century to win a NASCAR national series race. After a period of sponsorship challenges and team changes, he secured another notable win at Rockingham Speedway in 2025, breaking a lengthy winless streak and showcasing his resilience and skill.
Tyler Michael Ankrum Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Tyler Ankrum’s mother, Michelle Ankrum, has been a supportive figure throughout his career. His father, who had some involvement in racing, influenced Tyler’s early interest in motorsports. The family’s move from California to North Carolina was pivotal in advancing his racing career.
Personal Life
Ankrum resides in Mooresville, North Carolina, a hub for NASCAR drivers and teams. Outside of racing, he manages a 474-acre ranch, balancing his professional career with responsibilities on the property. He graduated from Lake Norman High School in 2019 and maintains a focus on his racing ambitions.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Tyler Ankrum continues to compete full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with McAnally–Hilgemann Racing. After a challenging start with a 34th-place finish at Daytona, he rebounded by winning at Rockingham Speedway, ending the longest winless streak in Truck Series history. His performance has demonstrated resilience and strategic acumen, positioning him as a strong contender in the season. Ankrum’s partnership with his team and crew chief remains a key factor in his ongoing development and competitiveness.
