Something unexpected happened at Rockingham Speedway on April 18, 2025. After years without a win, Tyler Ankrum finally reached the front again. The race was full of changes, and one smart choice made all the difference. It was not about being the fastest. It was about timing, planning, and holding on. Tyler Ankrum had a plan, and it worked. Who finished behind him, and how did the final laps unfold?
Key Highlights
- Tyler Ankrum won the Black’s Tire 200 at Rockingham Speedway on April 18, 2025.
- The victory ended Tyler Ankrum’s 2,108-day winless streak in NASCAR’s Craftsman Series.
- Tyler Ankrum led the final 29 laps after a strategic pit stop and excellent fuel management.
- Chandler Smith and Jake Garcia finished second and third, respectively, behind Ankrum.
- Ankrum’s win moved him to third in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series standings.
Tyler Ankrum’s Victory and Race Context
In the world of racing, where fortunes can change faster than a pit stop, Tyler Ankrum’s victory at Rockingham Speedway felt like finding a long-lost artifact map in grandpa’s attic.
After 2,108 days of chasing that elusive checkered flag, Tyler ultimately saw his name back in lights on April 18, 2025. It wasn’t just any race; it was the historic return to “The Rock,” a track that holds more tales than a traveling bard.
Ankrum, a young firecracker from San Bernardino, California, took charge in the final 29 laps of the Black’s Tire 200.
“It’s strange, I didn’t know where Victory Lane was at.”
“I can’t thank these guys enough, with the way this day started and going a lap down and Mark [Hillman] making the pit call to get the track position back, just saving fuel man. Coming to six to go, I knew that was the number, I knew we were five short I was hoping we saved enough, and we did.” – Tyler Ankrum
With the precision of a master watchmaker, he managed his fuel like a squirrel hoarding acorns before winter, ensuring every drop counted.
Early Struggles and Strategy Play
Racing through the stormy seas of early struggles, Tyler Ankrum’s expedition at Rockingham Speedway was like a tale of a scrappy underdog challenging the odds.
It was a race where speed seemed to have taken a detour, leaving Ankrum and his McAnally-Hilgemann crew adrift outside the top-20 for the initial two stages. At one point, Ankrum found himself staring at the rear bumpers of the lead lap cars, a sight that would make any racer’s stomach churn.
But like any good yarn, there’s a twist. Ankrum and crew chief Mike Hillman played a strategy so cunning, it belonged in a folk song. They pitted one caution earlier than the rest, a move that stretched their fuel and fortunes alike.
Ankrum quipped post-race about not knowing Victory Lane’s whereabouts, a reflection of the day’s rollercoaster. With Hillman’s pit call, they turned fuel-saving into a victorious art form.
Final Laps, Race Results, and Top Performers
As the dust settled from Ankrum’s tactical gambit, the final laps at Rockingham Speedway unfolded like a high-stakes poker game under the old Southern sun.
Ankrum, with his tank running on fumes, watched as Chandler Smith, hot on his trail, ran out of gas, leaving Ankrum to cross the finish line with a 6.657-interval lead.
Jake Garcia, who led 43 laps, delivered a spirited performance, clinching runner-up—a career-best that left fans yearning for more.
Daniel Hemric, wrestling his machine through the chaos, snagged bronze, while Rajah Caruth and Grant Enfinger lurked and pounced into fourth and fifth.
Kaden Honeycutt, who had a taste of the lead, secured sixth, leaving Jack Wood to celebrate a career-best seventh.
Corey Heim, after a fuel hiccup, held onto eighth, with Connor Mosack and Gio Ruggiero rounding out the top 10.
Layne Riggs, despite leading 24 laps, finished a humble 11th.
Points Standings and What’s Next
While the echoes of engines still lingered over Rockingham, the points standings took center stage like an old-timey barn dance. Corey Heim still led the hoedown, twirling atop the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series standings with a 22-point lead over Chandler Smith, who was trying to lasso that top spot.
Tyler Ankrum’s remarkable victory had him scooting up to third position, a well-deserved nod after his long drought. Meanwhile, Daniel Hemric and Layne Riggs held their own, keeping the top five as lively as a square dance.
As the dust from Rockingham settled, the drivers set their sights on the Lone Star State. Texas Motor Speedway beckons on Friday, May 2 at 8:00 PM ET.
Fans can tune in via FS1, NASCAR Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The stage is set for another exhilarating contest, as racers swap paint and chase glory under the Texas stars.
News in Brief: Tyler Ankrum NASCAR Victory
Tyler Ankrum’s victory at Rockingham wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. After years of setbacks and near-misses, he capitalized on smart strategy and determination to end a 2,108-day drought. The historic return to “The Rock” added extra weight to his triumph, making it one of the most memorable moments of the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. With momentum on his side and confidence renewed, Ankrum now stands poised for a serious title run this season.
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