Ankrum’s Daytona Night Stung by Mechanical Issue

Venue: Daytona International Speedway

FINISH: 34th

Start: 36th

Stage 1: 17th

Stage 2: 12th

Laps Led: 0

NCTS Point Standings Position: 30th

The NASCAR CRAFSTMAN Truck Series (NCTS) season opener at Daytona did not go as planned for Tyler Ankrum, driver of the No. 18 LiUNA! Chevrolet Silverado that started with an unfortunate issue during qualifying that relegated the young driver to start the Friday night event at the tail end of the field. Ankrum knew what he had to do and wasted no time finding his line and charging to the front. A quick caution in the opening laps allowed the driver of the No. 18 Chevrolet Silverado RST to come down pit road to top off on Sunoco fuel. Under the stage brake, crew chief Mark Hillman called to stay out which led Ankrum to restart Stage Two fifth in line.

As the green flag dropped, teammates Daniel Hemric and Jack Wood quickly found Ankrum and lined up on the top lane together for majority of the run. As speedway racing prevails, the trio fell to the middle lane and started to lose the draft. Ankrum held on strong for a 12th-place stage finish and cruised down pit road for four fresh tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment. The team picked up multiple spots on pit road and rolled off sixth to start the final quest to the finish.

Soon after the restart on the closing laps of the Fresh From Florida 250, the No. 18 LiUNA! Chevrolet Silverado RST saw smoke in Turn 1. Due to an unfortunate mechanical issue with the engine, Ankrum was forced back to the garage and ended his night early with a 34th-place finish at Daytona.

Tyler Ankrum Quote:

“Tonight just was not our night and not exactly how we wanted to start off the 2025 season but I am super proud of this team and all the hard work they put in this off season. I am confident that we will unload a solid No. 18 LiUNA! Chevrolet Silverado next week in Atlanta and see some results.”