Todd Gilliland Bio
Early Life and Background
Todd Jeremey Gilliland was born on May 15, 2000, in Sherrills Ford, North Carolina, United States. He grew up in a family with a rich racing heritage; his father, David Gilliland, is a former NASCAR driver and current owner of Tricon Garage. Todd’s early exposure to racing began at the age of three when he started driving a modified Barbie Corvette, which was later followed by competitive quarter midget racing. By 2012, he had already won multiple championships in various quarter midget competitions, concluding his quarter midget career with an impressive 34 wins.
In 2014, Gilliland transitioned to late model racing, achieving his first victory in a limited late model race at Ace Speedway. His early successes laid a strong foundation for his future in professional racing.
Path to NASCAR Cup Series
Gilliland made his ARCA Racing Series debut on May 17, 2015, just two days after his fifteenth birthday, becoming the youngest driver to compete in the series. He won his debut race at Toledo Speedway, marking a significant milestone in his career. In the following years, he competed in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, where he captured back-to-back championships in 2016 and 2017, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the sport.
His success in the K&N Pro Series led to opportunities in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, where he made his debut in 2017. Over the next few years, he continued to develop his skills and gain valuable experience in various NASCAR series, ultimately leading to his full-time entry into the NASCAR Cup Series.
Todd Gilliland Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Gilliland’s early career was marked by a series of impressive performances in the ARCA Menards Series and the K&N Pro Series. He became the youngest winner in ARCA history with his victory at Toledo Speedway in 2015. In the K&N Pro Series West, he quickly established himself as a dominant force, winning multiple races and securing championships in consecutive seasons.
His transition to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series began in 2017, where he competed in select races and continued to showcase his talent, culminating in a championship title in the K&N Pro Series West.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Breakthrough (2018–2021)
Gilliland competed full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starting in 2018, where he aimed for Rookie of the Year honors. He achieved his first Truck Series victory at Martinsville Speedway in 2019, marking a significant achievement in his career. Over the next few seasons, he continued to build on this success, securing a second Truck Series win at Circuit of the Americas in 2021.
His performance in the Truck Series included multiple top-ten finishes and playoff appearances, further establishing him as a competitive driver in the NASCAR ranks.
Front Row Motorsports Era (2022–Present)
In late 2021, Gilliland was announced as the driver of the No. 38 car for Front Row Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series, bypassing the Xfinity Series. He made his Cup Series debut at the 2022 Daytona 500, where he faced challenges but gained valuable experience. In 2023, he transitioned to the No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, continuing to compete full-time in the series.
As of the 2024 season, Gilliland has shown improvement in his performance, achieving multiple top-ten finishes and finishing 22nd in the standings. His ongoing development as a driver has garnered attention, and he signed a multi-year extension with Front Row Motorsports, indicating confidence in his potential.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Gilliland is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic approach to racing. His ability to adapt to various track conditions and his experience in different series contribute to his competitive edge on the track.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Among his notable achievements, Gilliland is recognized as the youngest ARCA Menards Series race winner and a two-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Champion. His victories in the Truck Series also highlight his growth as a driver in NASCAR.
Todd Gilliland Career Wins
Gilliland has achieved significant success across various NASCAR series, with a total of five wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and two wins in the ARCA Menards Series.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
As of the end of the 2024 season, Gilliland has recorded zero wins in the NASCAR Cup Series but has secured 15 top-ten finishes. His best finish to date in the series is 22nd, achieved in 2024. He continues to seek his first Cup Series victory as he develops his skills further.
Previous NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Gilliland has achieved three wins, with his first victory coming in 2019 at Martinsville Speedway. His most recent win was in 2021 at Circuit of the Americas, showcasing his capability to compete at a high level in the series.
Todd Gilliland Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Todd Gilliland comes from a family deeply rooted in motorsports. His father, David Gilliland, has competed in the NASCAR Cup Series, while his grandfather Butch Gilliland was the 1997 NASCAR Winston West Series champion. This lineage has played a significant role in shaping Todd’s racing career and aspirations.
Personal Life
Details about Gilliland’s personal life remain private, with a focus primarily on his racing career. His family background in racing has undoubtedly influenced his journey in the sport.
2025 Season Performance
As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season progresses, Gilliland is aiming to build on his previous performances. With a focus on consistency and improving his race craft, he has shown potential with several strong finishes early in the season. His team dynamics with Front Row Motorsports and crew chief Ryan Bergenty are crucial as they work together to enhance the car’s performance. Gilliland’s goal for the season is to secure his first Cup Series victory and continue climbing the standings, building on the momentum from the previous year.
