Ankrum Finishes 15th at World Wide Technology Raceway - Speedway Digest

Tyler Ankrum holds the seventh position in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) points standings after finishing 15th-place at World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR). Ankrum used an aggressive strategy pit strategy to get him into the lead for the start of the final stage. Ankrum earned 22-points Saturday afternoon giving himself a 49-point gap to the cut line.

Ankrum put a time of 33.02 seconds in qualifying on Friday afternoon putting him 12th for the Gateway 200. The driver of the No. 18 LIUNA Chevrolet Silverado RST maintained his position thought the first stage and finished 11th on lap 35. Ankrum told crew chief Mark Hillman that he was too tight in turns one and two.

Under the stage caution Ankrum came to pit road and received four tires, fuel, and a wedge adjustment. Ankrum came out of pit road and started 16th position for Stage 2 on lap 41. The No. 18 found success in the long green flag runs and Ankrum was able to move up to 12th-place by the end of Stage 2 on lap 70.

Mark Hillman used the stage caution for an aggressive strategy of two right side tires and fuel only to give Ankrum track position. The plan paid off and Ankrum was able to start first for the final stage. Ankrum stayed in top-10 contention throughout the final stage when the green flag pit cycle began on lap 115. With an air pressure adjustment with four tires and fuel he cycled out 15th position. After a caution on lap 129, Ankrum’s forward progression was halted, and he finished his night in 15th. Heading into the three-week break, Ankrum holds the seventh position in the NCTS points standings with four races remain in the regular season.

Tyler Ankrum Quote:

“Mark (Hillman) had a great strategy for us and I thought it would pay off during the green flag pit cycle. Unfortunately, there is always that risk of a caution during that time and can really break up some momentum. Our No. 18 LIUNA Chevy had the pace we knew was there and it was good to be back in the front. We have a long break ahead of us and it is a great time to take a step back and go over things.”

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