Trackin’ Trucks: Tyler Ankrum Wins at Kentucky

Tyler Ankrum celebrates his first GOTS win in Victory Lane.
Credit: Brian Lawdermilk

Tyler Ankrum earned his first career Gander Outdoors Truck Series victory on Thursday night, leading 40 of 150 laps at Kentucky Speedway.

Ankrum was running second in the final laps when defending champion Brett Moffitt ran out of fuel. Ankrum, who took an extra can of fuel in his final pit stop, won by a 7.373 second margin-of-victory.

“I can’t believe it. This is a dream come truck,” said Ankrum. “One of my biggest faults is I’ve always doubted myself. Tonight, I kind of felt all that wash away.”

The 18-year old from San Bernardino, California won in his 12th GOTS start and gains a ticket to the playoffs, despite missing the first three races due to his age.

Moffitt finished seventh after leading 35 laps of the Buckle Up In Your Truck 225.

“All in all, we called a great race. We were just a lap short,” Moffitt said. “It’s tough. We had a good-sized lead there and a great handling truck.”

Stewart Friesen overcame starting in the back with a back-up truck to finish second. His primary No. 52 Chevrolet was confiscated by NASCAR hours before the event.

Harrison Burton finished third after a late race spin, Ross Chastain and Dylan Lupton rounded out the top five.

Spencer Boyd and Natlie Decker made contact on Lap 43 to bring out the second caution of the night. The two tangled and collected Jordan Anderson, who had nowhere to go.

Boyd and Decker argued about the incident in the garage soon after.

Polesitter and Stage 1 winner Grant Enfinger finished in the 24th position after spinning in Turn 4 with Brandon Jones.

“I just screwed up,” Enfinger said. “I got separated enough that I thought I could clear him but I didn’t. You can’t run side by side here, that’s all on me trying to make something happen. It’s hard racing.”

 “I would love to hear what he had to say about it.” Jones said, “But, we got to talk for a minute. I asked him if there were hard feelings about that restart because I just didn’t make it happen, but he took responsibility. We’re good, moving on.”

Austin Wayne Self finished sixth, Moffitt seventh, Spencer David eighth, while Jeb Burton finished ninth in his first start since Martinsville. Johnny Sauter finished 10th.

A Look Ahead

The Gander Outdoors Truck Series head to Pocono Raceway on Saturday, June 27th.

Three races remain before the conclusion of the regular season, four drivers are locked in to compete for the 2019 championship.

Who will lock themselves in at Pocono? Find out on June 27th at 1 p.m/ET on FOX.

Trackin’ Trucks: Tyler Ankrum Wins at Kentucky Trackin’ Trucks: Tyler Ankrum Wins at Kentucky Reviewed by Anonymous on Friday, July 12, 2019 Rating: 5