Tyler Ankrum, who has spent the last two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series seasons with GMS Racing, will officially move to Hattori Racing Enterprises for the 2022 season and will pilot their No. 16 truck.
The team made the announcement via a press release on Wednesday.
Ankrum, 20, joins Chase Purdy in the team’s stable for 2022, as HRE expands to a two-truck team next year.
“This is a great opportunity to join a tight-knit team with a really strong foundation”, Ankrum said. “I couldn’t be more excited to join HRE and return to the Toyota family. To be able to work with Scott Zipadelli and his team on the LIUNA Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is a big opportunity for me. I want to get back to victory lane, be a threat in the playoffs, and continue this team’s winning ways. I think we can do that together and I’m looking forward to putting in the work to make that happen.”
Ankrum scored a victory in his rookie NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season driving for DGR Racing in 2019, but he has come up short of victory lane in each of the past two seasons with GMS Racing.
Perhaps the change of scenery will return the California native to the winner’s circle. For Hattori Racing Enterprises, who have been legitimate championship contenders each year since 2018, replacing a proven winner Austin Hill in their No. 16 flagship entry was a top priority.
Ankrum brings a past that shows he can win, and he has experience in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoffs.
“Tyler has been through the playoffs and has a lot of Camping World Trucks experience,” team owner Shige Hattori said. “Scott (Zipadelli) and our entire team have been successful the last several years and we’re looking forward to seeing Tyler rejoin team Toyota. We want to get him back to victory lane and be a strong playoff contender.”
Ankrum brings sponsor LiUNA! over with him, as the company will adorn the No. 16 truck in 20 of the 23 races this season. Scott Zipadelli, a staple atop the pit box for HRE, will return as crew chief of the No. 16 truck in 2022.
Ankrum is the latest driver move confirmed for the 2022 silly season. To keep track of all the faces in new places for the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season, check out the TobyChristie.com Driver / Team Chart:
2022 NASCAR Driver / Team Chart: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
