Todd Gilliland, known for being a third-generation driver and the son of former racer David Gilliland, has opened up about his challenging period with the Kyle Busch Motorsports NASCAR team. As he moved directly from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to the Cup Series in 2022, skipping the Xfinity Series, Gilliland reflected on what he wishes he had done differently during his tenure with one of the sport’s most successful truck teams.
Gilliland’s Racing Path and Early Successes
Before reaching the top tier of NASCAR competition, Todd Gilliland had already made a name for himself in the racing community. He secured back-to-back championships in the ARCA West Series in 2016 and 2017. By the time he was ready for Cup racing, he had earned three victories in the Truck Series but, as of four Cup seasons, had yet to score a win. His notable achievements in ARCA helped pave the way to NASCAR’s national stages, but the transition was anything but easy.
Experiences With Kyle Busch Motorsports
Between 2017 and 2019, Gilliland spent three crucial seasons with the Kyle Busch Motorsports NASCAR team, splitting his time later with Front Row Motorsports and briefly racing for his father’s team. While Gilliland managed to capture a Truck Series win for KBM during his first full-time campaign in 2019, his relationship with team owner Kyle Busch was marked by tension and unmet expectations. The pressure was high at KBM, given the team’s history of 85 Truck Series wins, seven Owner’s Championships, and its role in developing champions like Erik Jones in 2015 and Christopher Bell in 2017.
Reflecting on Missed Opportunities and Lessons Learned
In an interview segment with Jeff Gluck, Todd Gilliland candidly shared his regrets and the lessons he learned during his challenging stretch with KBM.
“When I was in Trucks at (Kyle Busch Motorsports), I definitely wish I had some moments back at the end of my time there. (Actually) kind of the whole time at KBM. It was obviously very exciting to go there and get a great opportunity, but I didn’t make the most of it.”
— Todd Gilliland, Driver
He continued to express how those years shaped his approach to racing and personal growth:
“I learned a ton of different lessons during that time period. I feel like if you do everything right there, you get to the next level, and then you still make some bad mistakes and learn other ways. So it’s hard to say. But I wish I would have handled things differently over the course of those two years,”
— Todd Gilliland, Driver
High Expectations and Public Tensions
The Kyle Busch Motorsports NASCAR team, with its record-breaking seasons and elite alumni, set a high bar for all its drivers. When Gilliland struggled to deliver consistent wins, especially during his earlier seasons, Kyle Busch did not hesitate to voice his dissatisfaction. In 2019, with only a few races remaining in his KBM tenure, Gilliland broke through with a pivotal win at Martinsville Speedway. In a moment of frustration that echoed around the garage, he made a cutting radio comment: “Stay in your f**king motorhome.” The outburst underscored the heated nature of their partnership.
Realizing the impact of his words, Gilliland quickly recanted once in Victory Lane, admitting that his frustrations had overtaken better judgment. He also acknowledged the validity of Busch’s critiques and recognized that higher performance was expected of him. Gilliland later took responsibility by issuing a public apology, recognizing the moment for what it was — an intense but instructive point in his career.
Growth Through Adversity and Looking Ahead
Reflecting on those experiences, Gilliland now admits that, if given another chance, he might have handled the pressure and setbacks differently. Despite the difficulties, he views his time with the Kyle Busch Motorsports NASCAR team as formative, believing it was a crucible that made him a stronger competitor and more resilient individual. With these lessons in mind, he continues his pursuit of a first Cup Series victory, using his tough KBM years as motivation.
Todd Gilliland’s journey underscores the challenges that can arise when promising talent meets lofty expectations, especially within powerhouse organizations like KBM. As he moves forward with renewed resolve, his experiences provide insight into the pressures young drivers face and how adversity can foster long-term growth in NASCAR’s most competitive arenas.
This week's 12 Questions interview is with @ToddGilliland_. Always great to speak with The Toddfather. Free link: https://t.co/umkGI7jY4q
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) February 25, 2026
