Ankrum Scores Fourth-Most Points at Pocono and Gains on Cut Line

Venue: Pocono Raceway

FINISH: 14th

Start: 4th

Laps Led: 0

Stage Results: Stage 1- 3rd Stage 2 – 5th

NCTS Point Standings Position: 6th

Tyler Ankrum increased his margin to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) point standings cut line after his 14th-place result at Pocono Raceway. The driver of the No. 18 Liuna Chevrolet Silverado RST earned 37-points with two top-five stage result finishes. Ankrum now holds a 49-point margin from the NCTS provisional cut line with two races remaining in the regular season.

Ankrum’s day began by posting the 10th quickest time in practice. Qualifying was canceled due to weather which saw Ankrum starting in the fourth position per the rule book. With a quick jump at the start of the race he was able to find himself in second-place. Ankrum went on to finish out Stage 1 on lap 15 in the third position and earned eight points.

Crew chief Mark Hillman kept the No. 18 on track to maintain track position to begin the second segment of the race. Ankrum chose the inside lane putting him on the front row to begin the stage. Ankrum went on to finish in the fifth position to gain another six points at the conclusion of Stage 2 on lap 30.

While under the stage caution Ankrum was called into pit road for four tires, fuel, and a track bar adjustment to help with his balance. He went on to restart the final segment in 12th-place. Ankrum came back to pit road under caution on lap 46 for his final stop of the night and make an air pressure adjustment with four tires and fuel. Restarting in 20th position he made his way up to 16th when the caution flag for rain appeared on lap 62. With an extended red flag period, the field went back to action for a three-lap shootout on lap 68. Ankrum was able to find two more positions to cross the line for the CRC Brakleen 175 in the 14th position. With two races remaining on the regular season calendar, Ankrum holds a 49-point margin to the cut line.

Tyler Ankrum Quote: 

“We had great speed in our Liuna Chevy all day. We started the race well and earning those stage points was very important. Mark (Hillman) made a great call to keep us on track to give us the track position and earn more points. We know we had a faster truck than where we ended up finishing. With two races left before playoffs we want to keep pushing to earn as many points as we can to help us later on.”