Full Breakdown
Tyler Ankrum Returns to McAnally-Hilgemann Racing for 2026 NASCAR Season
11/7/2025, 2:20:54 PM
Announcement of Return
McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR) has confirmed that Tyler Ankrum will return as the driver of the No. 18 Chevrolet Silverado RST for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season. This marks Ankrum's third consecutive year with the team, following a successful 2025 season where he advanced to the Championship 4 and finished fourth in the overall standings. The announcement was made on November 5, 2025, from Statesville, North Carolina.
Performance Highlights
In 2025, Ankrum achieved significant milestones, including his first victory in six seasons at Rockingham Speedway, breaking a winless streak. He recorded a career-high eight top-five finishes and 15 top-10 finishes, culminating in a 10.8 average finish across the season. Ankrum's performance in the playoffs was particularly notable, as he secured his place in the Championship 4 after a strong showing at Martinsville Speedway.
Sponsorship Continuity
The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA!) will continue as the primary sponsor for Ankrum and the No. 18 team, featuring their branding on the truck for 23 of the 25 races in 2026. Ankrum expressed gratitude for LiUNA!'s support, stating, “LiUNA has been such a big part of my racing career, and I would not have made it this far without the support our Union has provided me.” LiUNA's General President, Brent Booker, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Ankrum's embodiment of the union's values of strength, hard work, and solidarity.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Ankrum aims to build on his 2025 success and compete for the championship title in 2026. He stated, “This No. 18 team has come such a long way... and I am ready to do it again.” As he prepares for the new season, Ankrum remains optimistic about his and the team's potential for further achievements.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the positive outlook, some analysts have noted that Ankrum's performance in the championship race at Phoenix did not meet expectations, as he finished 14th after being involved in a late-race incident. This outcome raised questions about the team's competitiveness against stronger contenders like Corey Heim, who dominated the season with 11 wins.
Official Statements & Responses
MHR and LiUNA! have expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season. Brent Booker stated, “We’re thrilled to be riding with Tyler Ankrum for the 2026 season once again,” emphasizing the partnership's importance in both racing and community building.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am super pumped to return to MHR, especially after the 2025 season we just had.” — Tyler Ankrum, Driver, No. 18 Chevrolet Silverado RST
- “Tyler exemplifies everything LIUNA members bring to the job every day — strength, hard work, solidarity, and passion.” — Brent Booker, General President of LiUNA!
As the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season approaches, Tyler Ankrum's return to McAnally-Hilgemann Racing signals a commitment to continued growth and competitiveness in the series.
