Ankrum Returns to “The Last Great Colosseum” as Playoff Combatant
Venue: Bristol Motor Speedway
Event: UNOH 200
Date: Thursday, September 19th
Location: Bristol, TN
Track Description: 0.533-mile oval
Distance: 200 laps, 106.6 miles (8:00 p.m. ET – FOX Sports 1, Motor Racing Network)
Back To Bristol… Tyler Ankrum makes his return to Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) this weekend for the UNOH 200. It’s been three weeks since the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) kicked off the 2024 playoffs at The Milwaukee Mile. The driver of the No. 18 LIUNA Chevrolet Silverado RST earned his career-best playoff result after finishing in sixth-place, scoring 36-points, and earned his third consecutive top-10 result. Ankrum is now tied for the fifth position in the NCTS standings and sits 13-points above the provisional cut line entering BMS. He has become a consistent front runner after scoring four finishes of sixth or better in the last five races.
Tennessee Gladiator… Earlier this season, Ankrum held the NCTS points lead and was part of a significant accomplishment in MHR’s history. After qualifying in the top-10 for the fourth consecutive race, Ankrum finished fifth for his best BMS result and posted his fourth straight 40-point plus race. He joined teammates Christian Eckes and Zane Smith in the top-five as MHR claimed three of the top-five finishers for the first time in the organization’s history. Ankrum has made one previous NCTS playoff appearance at BMS in 2020 where he led 53 laps and finished seventh.
2024 Short Track Stats… Ankrum has proven to be a short track specialist in 2024 by finishing inside the top-10 in all five short track events. He has an average finish of 5.6 in the five short track races this season, second-best among all NCTS competitors. With the exception of qualifying being canceled due to inclement weather at North Wilkesboro Speedway, the 23-year-old driver has started each short track race this season inside the top-10. In terms of his points, Ankrum has been able to score 206 total points and has earned 40 or more points in four of the five races.
Tune In …Coverage from the “Last Great Colosseum” begins on Thursday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 2 with practice and qualifying, followed by the green flag at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1. Stay connected with the No. 18 LIUNA team by following @BMR_NASCAR on Twitter, @bmrnascar on Instagram, and Bill McAnally Racing on Facebook.
Tyler Ankrum Quote:
On keeping the momentum into Bristol:
“I felt we had a great start to begin our playoff run this year. Milwaukee was a big race for not only myself but for LIUNA as well, and to get another top-10 result is a huge boost of confidence. Last time we were at Bristol we were leading the points and felt that we were in a great spot as a team. It seems to be that short tracks have been really good for us this year. Hopefully we can have another strong run on Thursday and finally break through for a win.”