The Ups and Downs of a NASCAR Season: Todd Gilliland's Story
In the fast-paced world of NASCAR, Todd Gilliland, a rising star in the Cup Series, has had an eventful journey since his rookie days. Now, at just 25, he finds himself as the veteran of his team, Front Row Motorsports, guiding his younger teammates, Noah Gragson and Zane Smith. But 2025 hasn't been without its challenges, and Gilliland is here to share his experiences and insights.
A Season of Contrasts
Gilliland reflects on the year, noting the contrast between the strong start and the mid-season slump. "We fired off really strong at the beginning," he says, citing impressive runs at Daytona, Circuit of the Americas, and EchoPark Speedway. However, as the season progressed, the team hit a rough patch, with damage at Pocono Raceway and an early wreck at Chicago, leading to a series of disappointing finishes.
He attributes some of these struggles to bad luck and a lack of consistency, especially compared to the previous year, where they had a solid stretch of top-15 finishes. "It's hard to put it on that, but it doesn't help," Gilliland admits, emphasizing the need for more speed at the racetrack.
The Team Dynamic
Despite the challenges, Gilliland praises the team dynamic, especially with his younger teammates. "We're just really good at talking to each other about everything," he says. The camaraderie extends beyond the racetrack, with Gilliland noting that they discuss non-racing topics as friends. This open communication, he believes, has been a key factor in their success.
Comparing his experience with Michael McDowell, last year's teammate, Gilliland acknowledges the change but highlights the positives and negatives of both situations. "It's definitely a lot of fun this year," he adds, emphasizing the enjoyment he finds in the current team setup.
Navigating the Legal Storm
Amidst the racing, Gilliland and his team have had to navigate a legal battle with NASCAR, a situation that could distract even the most focused driver. When asked how he blocks out the lawsuit, Gilliland reveals his strategy: "Keep our team focused." He understands that the legal matters are out of their control, so they focus on what they can do - racing and making the most of every opportunity.
"We're here because we love to do it," he says, emphasizing the importance of staying true to their passion.
Golf, a Welcome Distraction
When not racing, Gilliland turns to golf, a sport that both relaxes and challenges him. He describes a recent game, where he was up against Jeff Burton and Steve Letarte, among others. "It was a close match, and I was super nervous," he admits. Golf, he says, is a welcome distraction, a way to take his mind off racing and just enjoy the game.
Looking Ahead: The Offseason and Beyond
As the season winds down, Gilliland is ready for some much-needed downtime. With 27 races, the longest in NASCAR history, he acknowledges the toll it takes on everyone involved. "It's more than a full-time job," he says. For the offseason, Gilliland plans to relax and let things come naturally, learning from his rookie year experience where he felt he overbooked himself.
"I'm excited for these guys to be able to take a break," he adds, showing his appreciation for his team's hard work.
A Season of Growth
Todd Gilliland's 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, but through it all, he's maintained a positive outlook and a focus on improvement. As he prepares for 2026, one can't help but wonder: What new challenges and triumphs await this young NASCAR star?
And this is the part most people miss... How do you think Gilliland will fare next season? Share your thoughts in the comments!
