During Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series event at Kansas Speedway, Todd Gilliland’s Kansas race reaction caught attention for its open candor, especially after a physically and mentally demanding day that saw surprises from frontrunners like Hendrick Motorsports and Chase Elliott. As the field battled on the 1.5-mile oval, Gilliland’s straightforward remarks stood out, reflecting his experience during a race filled with changes in momentum and competition from major teams including Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota’s strong presence.
Challenges for Fords Amid Toyota and Hendrick Dominance
Early in the race, Toyotas from Joe Gibbs Racing established clear control during qualifying; Chase Briscoe locked up another pole position, while Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell recorded impressive laps. Ford cars, including the entries from Front Row Motorsports (FRM), struggled to keep pace, with no Fords showing up in the top 10 and Toyota claims to six of the top positions. Despite beginning deep in the field at 23rd, Gilliland’s No. 34 was one of just three Ford cars to finish in the top 15, joined by Chris Buescher’s No. 17 and Brad Keselowski’s No. 6.
Gilliland’s Day: Difficult Start, Steady Progress
The race proved tough for the No. 34 team, as their equipment lagged behind the front-runners. However, Gilliland and his FRM crew adapted, taking advantage of tactical pit stops and steady race strategy to gradually improve their standing. The effort delivered results, as Gilliland matched his previous best at Kansas, holding on for a 12th-place finish—identical to his spring performance despite the same starting position.
After the race, Gilliland took to social media to candidly share his feelings, resharing a message from his team with the comment,
Holy smokes. We sucked all day but got a bit better for the end and came home P12.
Todd Gilliland, Driver
Looking Ahead After a Gritty Finish
Gilliland began the day hopeful, aiming for a stronger result. While outpaced early by competitors, especially Toyotas and Hendrick Motorsports, he remained committed and executed precise pit stops to stay competitive. Now holding 31st in the overall standings with 490 points and three top-10 finishes across the season, the North Carolina native continues to battle with the FRM team, having led 11 laps in the 31 Cup Series races so far this year.
With a string of solid finishes, including P19 and the recent P12, Gilliland and his team are preparing for the next stop at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Kansas track has also been a scene of past success for Gilliland in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, notching a top-five and three top-ten finishes from five starts.
As Gilliland’s blunt Kansas race comments earn attention from fans and followers, the determination and transparency highlight his drive to build on each performance. NASCAR’s competitive landscape remains as intense as ever, and for drivers like Gilliland, every honest reaction becomes a testament to their passion and pursuit of progress in the series.
Holy smokes. We sucked all day but got a bit better for the end and came home p12. https://t.co/mXarkWfKZR
— Todd Gilliland (@ToddGilliland_) September 28, 2025
