TC Daily Pit Stop: Tyler Ankrum Returning to McAnally-Hilgemann Racing; Hamlin, Gibbs, Progressive Helping to Put Veterans in Driver's Seat
TC Daily Pit Stop: Friday, November 7, 2025
Tyler Ankrum Returning to McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in 2026
After a successful campaign this past season, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing and Tyler Ankrum are set to continue working together for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series campaign, the team announced on Thursday.
Ankrum, who advanced to the Championship 4 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs this season, will be returning to the driver’s seat of the No. 18 Chevrolet Silverado RST for a third consecutive campaign.
The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA!) will continue to serve as the anchor partner for Ankrum and McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in 2026, adorning the vehicle for 23 of the series’ 25 events in 2026.
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Hamlin, Gibbs and Progressive Help Put Veterans in the Driver’s Seat
While last Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race ended devastatingly for Denny Hamlin, who was three laps away from hoisting the Bill France Cup before a late-race caution changed everything, the 44-year-old driver took part in an uplifting ceremony on Thursday.
As part of Progressive’s Keys to Progress Program, which is celebrating its 13th year, Hamlin, along with Coach Joe Gibbs, handed keys to brand-new cars to Joseph Campbell and Martavius Woods, two veterans of the United States Army.
“It’s fantastic,” Hamlin said of his involvement with Progressive’s initiative in an exclusive interview with Racing America On SI. “And to kind of hear these veterans’ stories and kind of where they were stationed, and how awesome it was for Progressive to give them the keys to their new vehicle is fantastic. It’s just a great way for Progressive to give back to the community, and especially the veterans, the ones who keep our freedoms so intact each and every day.”
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Other NASCAR Headlines:
Jimmie Johnson Intends to Compete in NASCAR Cup Street Race at San Diego
Zilisch’s Bittersweet Ending: From Xfinity Heartbreak to a Missed WEC Opportunity
Denny Hamlin ‘Plans to’ Return in 2026, But ‘Is Going to Need Some Time’
Hendrick Motorsports Cements Legacy With 15th Cup Championship
AJ Allmendinger Competing in 2026 Rolex 24 with Meyer Shank Racing