Tyler Ankrum Channeling Inner Cowboy for 1.5-Mile Debut

By: Zach Catanzareti, Staff Writer

Contrary to most assumptions, California racer Tyler Ankrum is no stranger to the ranch life. The 18-year-old walked into Texas Motor Speedway Friday sporting cowboy-esque dress boots. It’s a common sight in the state of Texas, however, quite often rare for the drivers who travel to race here.

“Everyone is surprised when they see the cowboy boots,” Ankrum said. “I’ve had them for a few years now. They’re dress boots.”

They’re more than just a show.

“Everyone is surprised when they hear — I wouldn’t call myself a cowboy — I grew up around the ranch life,” he said. “My grandpa had horses, we were all into team roping. We have a ranch in Mooresville, we have cattle and a good bit of land.

“I’ve probably driven past Texas [Motor Speedway] 20 times now. I’ve yet to race in Texas.”

That will change Friday when the 2018 K&N Pro Series East champion races the No. 17 Toyota for DGR-Crosley Racing in the Gander Outdoors Truck Series, his fourth career start and first on a mile-and-a-half.

“This is a really cool experience, I’ve always loved Texas,” he said. “You go to a place like Dover or Bristol, you feel the speed. I’ve always said the most terrifying track I’ve ever been on is Winchester in Indiana. Even though you’re going 150 mph versus 180, it’s so rough and violent. You feel the speed.

“[At Texas] tou dont feel the speed until you hit the corner.”

Ankrum got his first taste of the 1.5-milers when he tested early in the month at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“[The team] goes, ‘OK, you can hold it wide-open, don’t be scared to do it,'” he said. “You don’t feel the g-forces down the straightaway — you feel like you’re on the freeway because it’s so long and bouncing around. Then all of a sudden, ‘Oh my God, you’re in the corner!’ And then you got to turn. You just squished in the seat.”

Though alongside another rookie Anthony Alfredo as a teammate, Ankrum is leaning on team owner David Gilliland more than ever. Gilliland raced more than 100 1.5-mile races in his NASCAR career, including 19 starts at Texas in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

“He’s been to the top,” he said. “[Teammate Alfredo and I] can lean on each other for what our trucks are doing, but we don’t have the experience to give us tips. David has that experience to give us tips. There are a lot of things David does for me. He’s right 99 percent of the time. I can take his word for everything.”