(photo credit Leon Hammack)

McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR) announced today that Tyler Ankrum, 24-year-old San Bernardino, Calif. native, will return to the powerhouse NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) race team full-time in 2026. This will mark Ankrum’s third full-time season with MHR, coming off a career best season as he made his first appearance in the Championship 4 and came up just short with a fourth-place finish in the 2025 NCTS points ranking. Ankrum will continue to pilot the No. 18 Chevrolet Silverado RST with long-standing partner The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) returning to fill the primary position for 23 of the 25 NCTS events in 2026.

“I am super pumped to return to MHR, especially after the 2025 season we just had.” says Ankrum. “This No. 18 team has come such a long way and to have the opportunity to make it to the Final Four and run for a truck series championship title was just a dream come true, and I am ready to do it again.”

This multi-race partnership marks LIUNA’s eighth season working with the young driver in the NASCAR industry. LIUNA is a powerhouse of workers who are proud to build the United States and Canada. With over half-million members, they are united through collective bargaining agreements that help earn family-supporting pay, great benefits and the opportunity for advancement and better lives. Also, representing over 70,000 public employees, LIUNA public employees provide critical services from health care and sanitation to road maintenance and emergency response.

“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.” States the driver of the No. 18 Chevrolet. “I admire LIUNA’s goals and vision as a Union, and we have really proven this to be such a great partnership. I am very excited to have LIUNA on board again for another run and I hope we can achieve even more milestones together in 2026.”

“We’re thrilled to be riding with Tyler Ankrum for the 2026 season once again” says LIUNA General President Brent Booker. “Tyler exemplifies everything LIUNA members bring to the job every day — strength, hard work, solidarity, and passion. His determination and success on the track reflect the same drive and commitment that LIUNA members show in building stronger communities across North America. We’re proud to continue this partnership and look forward to another great year together.”

The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) represents more than half a million trained and dedicated working men and women across the United States and Canada. LIUNA members play a vital role in constructing and maintaining the nation’s infrastructure, including transportation systems, energy networks, public buildings, utilities, and environmental remediation projects. Through nationally recognized apprenticeship programs and comprehensive safety training, LIUNA ensures a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of the construction industry. In partnership with signatory contractors, LIUNA is committed to advancing worker protections, strengthening labor–management cooperation, and expanding access to family-supporting careers with fair wages, quality benefits, and lifelong training opportunities. As LIUNA continues its “March to a Million” membership initiative, the union remains focused on fostering economic growth, promoting workforce development, and building stronger communities across North America.

TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!