This weekend at Phoenix Raceway marks a pivotal moment for Todd Gilliland, who is determined to make an impact in the NASCAR Cup Series as he takes his first shot at the Arizona track in the 2026 season. With Long John Silver’s returning as primary partner and familiar backers like Frontline Enterprises, fresh energy surrounds Gilliland’s efforts as he embarks on a highly anticipated race weekend full of optimism and renewed opportunity. Todd Gilliland Phoenix Raceway news will be top of mind for fans as action unfolds.
Noah Gragson Highlights Fan-Focused Event at Phoenix
Noah Gragson returns to Phoenix Raceway with a history of competitive performances, having earned two top-15 finishes at the one-mile venue in his five NASCAR Cup Series starts, both resulting in 12th place this year with Stewart Haas Racing. His strong background includes an Xfinity Series win, three top-five, and five top-10 results at Phoenix, underscoring his consistency at the track.
This race weekend stands out, as Straight Talk Wireless is not only the main sponsor on Gragson’s No. 4 Front Row Motorsports entry, but also takes on the title sponsorship for the NASCAR Cup Series event, now named the Straight Talk Wireless 500. The event will immerse fans in nostalgia with activities such as driver meet-and-greets, airbrush giveaways, vintage gaming, and multiple photo ops, all designed to recapture the atmosphere of classic race weekends.
Additionally, Straight Talk Wireless is hosting the “Win to Wave” sweepstakes, which has awarded a lucky winner a VIP experience, including the opportunity to wave the green flag at the start of the race. The company’s commitment extends to the local community, as they are set to donate $10,000 to the NASCAR Foundation, supporting youth programming and Speediatrics Fun Day activities that benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley during the big weekend at Phoenix.
Straight Talk Wireless Expands NASCAR Involvement
The reach of Straight Talk goes beyond one race weekend. The brand’s NASCAR on Tour initiative will activate at more than 200 Walmart locations nationwide throughout the 2026 season, beginning with Phoenix. This program allows fans to meet pro drivers, try out race simulators, collect exclusive merchandise, and enter to win prizes, including race tickets and a 2026 Ford Mustang. This campaign reinforces Straight Talk’s dedication to delivering affordability and community engagement for customers, a hallmark of their 17-year partnership with NASCAR.
Gragson Shares His Excitement for Phoenix
“I love being out in Phoenix,”
said Gragson.
“It’s a great area and the fans are awesome, the campgrounds are always packed and it’s just a fun track to be at. I’m excited to get the opportunity to fly the Straight Talk banner, in the Straight Talk Wireless 500. It’s a sharp looking car and we’ve got a lot planned with the Straight Talk team. Phoenix is a track that I’ve always enjoyed going to and have had some success at in the past, winning in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. It will be a fun weekend for everyone that comes out to the track and I’m looking forward to getting out there.”
– Noah Gragson, Driver
Todd Gilliland’s Team Welcomes Long John Silver’s for Phoenix Challenge
Todd Gilliland is set to take on Phoenix Raceway for his first NASCAR Cup Series race at the circuit in the 2026 season. Long John Silver’s adorns his No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, making its debut as the car’s livery this year with its familiar blue and yellow colors. The combination signals a fresh chapter and a boost in visibility for Gilliland as the season moves into high gear.
Frontline Enterprises, a trusted Canadian automotive dealer, strengthens its ongoing support by backing Gilliland and the No. 34 team at Phoenix, continuing a five-year relationship. From their early days together in the ARCA Menards Series and through Gilliland’s progress with Front Row Motorsports and the No. 38 Ford F-150 in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Frontline Enterprises has remained a loyal partner.
“Frontline Enterprises is excited to be on board with Todd again this season, kicking off in Phoenix this weekend,”
said Brett Stevens, Owner, Frontline Enterprises.
“Todd is not only a great driver but also a great person and has become a longtime friend. We at Frontline look forward to many more years of partnership, and I look forward to many more years of beating him at golf.”
– Brett Stevens, Owner, Frontline Enterprises
Recent races have provided learning opportunities, with Gilliland describing the Circuit of the Americas as an event where potential went unrealized, but he was glad to finish cleanly. Looking ahead to Phoenix and the subsequent event in Las Vegas, Gilliland is content to enter this stretch on familiar tracks, giving his team a baseline to assess their competitiveness.
“COTA felt like a missed opportunity, but it was good to at least finish the race and bring the car home in one piece,”
said Gilliland.
“This weekend in Phoenix and next weekend in Las Vegas will be important for us, as they’ll give us a better look at where we stack up against the field and how we’ll race as these ‘normal’ tracks. It’s great to have Frontline Enterprises this weekend. Brett (Stevens) has been a longtime supporter of mine and it’s always nice having him at the track cheering me on.”
– Todd Gilliland, Driver
Zane Smith Begins ‘West Coast Swing’ with High Hopes
Zane Smith returns to Phoenix Raceway as the “West Coast Swing” gets underway for the NASCAR Cup Series. Smith brings a record of success at the track, tallying three top-five finishes and a victory from his four appearances in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, highlighted by clinching the championship there in 2022. In NASCAR Cup competition, Smith posted a career-best ninth-place result at Phoenix in March 2025.
As excitement builds, Aaron’s launches its Fastlane 5000 Sweepstakes, offering fans a chance at a $5,000 home upgrade alongside weekly prizes, with the contest running until March 31 across approximately 1,200 retail locations. This sweepstakes links the excitement of racing with ongoing engagement both in stores and online for enthusiasts nationwide.
“COTA didn’t pan out the way we wanted it to, but I’m happy with the speed we’re bringing to the track,”
said Smith.
“We had a solid run at Phoenix last Spring, so that gives the team and I confidence that we can leave Arizona with a decent result to regain momentum.”
– Zane Smith, Driver
The Road Ahead at Phoenix and Beyond
This weekend’s events at Phoenix Raceway are set against a backdrop of heightened team partnerships, new sponsor activations, and compelling driver storylines. For Todd Gilliland, Phoenix presents the stage for a breakthrough performance and the opportunity to showcase the combined strength of his partnerships with Long John Silver’s and Frontline Enterprises. Noah Gragson returns with a fan-first sponsor showcase, while Zane Smith demonstrates the continued promise of emerging stars in the Cup Series. As the season rolls towards Las Vegas and beyond, all eyes are on Phoenix for pivotal performances and momentum shifts that will shape the landscape of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series.
