K&N East champ Tyler Ankrum to move up to Trucks in 2019
Recently crowned NASCAR K&N Pro Series East champion Tyler Ankrum is moving up to the Truck Series in 2019.
Tyler Ankrum, DGR-Crosley Toyota Tundra May's Hawaii / Crosley Brands / DGR CROSLEY
Barry Cantrell / NKP / Motorsport Images
Ankrum, 17, will compete next season for DGR-Crosley, driving the team’s No. 17 Toyota in the Gander Outdoors Truck Series.
Due to age restrictions, Ankrum will miss the first three races of the season before he turns 18 on March 6. He will make is 2019 debut at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway and compete in the series’ remaining events.
“It’s crazy to think that something I’ve been a fan of for so long, I’m now going to be a part of it. It’s even more special that I get to stay at DGR-Crosley and progress within their organization,” Ankrum said.
“Everyone on our team collaborates really well together, and there’s not a single person there that I don’t enjoy being around and learning from. Being surrounded by a group of people that I’m comfortable with will help in the transition and learning curve of moving up to the Truck Series.
“I’m really thankful for this opportunity, thankful to David (Gilliland, team co-owner) for believing in me and especially grateful for all those that have supported me throughout my entire career.”
In his rookie season in K&N Pro Series East, Ankrum won four races and had nine top-five and 12 top-10 finishes in 14 races while capturing the series championship. He also competed in two Truck races in 2018, finishing 18th at Martinsville and sixth at ISM Raceway near Phoenix.
“We started working with him when he was racing Late Model Stock cars a few years ago, and obviously he had a phenomenal season with us this year in the K&N East with four wins and a Championship,” Gilliland said of Ankrum.
“It’s really special to watch him grow and develop as a driver. Tyler has proven that he knows how to win, and we’re excited to take the next step with him.”
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