The NASCAR world is getting shaken up again after Tyler Ankrum announced he won’t return to his No. 18 seat with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in 2027. This leaves him facing a new chapter as the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series season nears its end. Ankrum confirmed the shocking news to reporters Friday at Charlotte Motor Speedway ahead of the Ecosave 200. However, as of right now, there is no news regarding where he will land next.
The announcement leaves Ankrum with an important decision in the coming weeks as the young driver looks beyond the remaining races on this year’s schedule. After three seasons with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, the California native must decide where he can keep developing as a driver and position himself to compete for more victories. Until his next destination becomes clear, the focus remains on what he can accomplish before the current season ends.
Ankrum has spent the past several years building experience in the Truck Series, facing different challenges as he works to establish himself among the championship contenders. His time with the No. 18 team has included some of his career’s strongest results, particularly in 2025, when he advanced to the Championship 4 and finished fourth in the final standings. Getting that close to a title gave Ankrum a chance to show what he could do over a full season.
That campaign also included a win at Rockingham Speedway, adding another win to his Truck Series record. Those results set expectations for what the team could accomplish together, making the upcoming split a significant development for both Ankrum and the organization. However, the 2026 season has brought different circumstances. Ankrum has once again reached the championship Chase, extending his run of consecutive postseason appearances to three.
The LiUNA partnership has also played a major role in the picture surrounding Ankrum’s time in the Truck Series, adding another layer to the changes that could come with his departure from McAnally-Hilgemann Racing. As the 2027 season approaches, questions remain about how his next career move could affect those existing relationships and what opportunities may be available moving forward.
The opportunity keeps him in the championship picture, though the road ahead is far from simple, as the remaining races will determine who advances and who falls short. For McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, the announcement opens the No. 18 Chevrolet as the team begins preparing for the 2027 campaign. Finding the right driver will be key, especially as the organization looks to stay competitive in a series where small differences can shape an entire season.
Even so, Ankrum’s focus remains on finishing the 2026 season before looking ahead. He still has a chance to make the most of his remaining races with MHR before the partnership ends. He hasn’t announced his next move, but the offseason will give him a chance to decide where his career goes from here. For now, the final stretch of 2026 gives him one more chance to leave the No. 18 team with something to build on.
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