Todd Gilliland Bio
Early Life and Background
Todd Jeremey Gilliland was born on May 15, 2000, in Sherrills Ford, North Carolina. He is the son of David Gilliland, a former NASCAR driver and current owner of Tricon Garage. Todd’s early exposure to racing began at the age of three when his parents bought him a modified Barbie Corvette, which sparked his interest in motorsports. He progressed to driving quarter midgets on a neighborhood dirt track, where he quickly made a name for himself by winning numerous championships.
In 2012, Gilliland excelled in the North Carolina Quarter Midget Association, securing victories and championships across various competitions. His early success laid the groundwork for his future in racing, as he transitioned to late model racing in 2014, claiming his first win later that year at Southern National Motorsports Park.
Path to NASCAR
Gilliland’s professional racing career began in earnest when he debuted in the ARCA Racing Series on May 17, 2015, just two days after his fifteenth birthday. He made history by becoming the youngest driver to compete in the series, winning his first race at Toledo Speedway. This victory marked the beginning of a series of accomplishments that would establish him as a formidable competitor in the sport.
In 2016, Gilliland joined the K&N Pro Series West, where he quickly made an impact by winning the championship in both 2016 and 2017. His success in the K&N series, combined with his early achievements in ARCA, positioned him for a transition to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and eventually the NASCAR Cup Series.
Todd Gilliland Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Gilliland’s early career was marked by significant achievements in the ARCA Menards Series and the K&N Pro Series. He became the youngest winner in ARCA history with his debut victory at Toledo Speedway. In the K&N Pro Series, he won multiple races and secured back-to-back championships, showcasing his talent and potential as a future star in NASCAR.
His performances caught the attention of major teams, leading to opportunities in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, where he made his debut in 2017. Gilliland’s early success set the stage for his ascent through the ranks of NASCAR.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Breakthrough (2018–2021)
Gilliland competed full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starting in 2018, driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports. He quickly established himself as a competitive driver, winning his first Truck Series race at Martinsville Speedway in 2019. Over the next few seasons, he continued to improve, securing multiple top-ten finishes and earning a reputation for his consistency.
In 2021, he won his second Truck Series race at Circuit of the Americas, marking his first victory with Front Row Motorsports. This win helped him qualify for the playoffs, although he was eliminated in the Round of 10. His performances during this period solidified his status as a rising star in NASCAR.
NASCAR Cup Series Era (2022–Present)
Gilliland made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at the 2022 Daytona 500, driving the No. 38 Ford Mustang for Front Row Motorsports. He faced challenges in his rookie season but demonstrated resilience and skill, finishing the season with four top-ten finishes and an average finish of 20.9.
As of 2025, Gilliland continues to drive the No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Front Row Motorsports. His performances have shown marked improvement, highlighted by leading laps in several races and consistently finishing in the top 20. His ongoing development as a driver suggests a promising future in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Gilliland is known for his strategic approach to racing, often displaying strong racecraft and the ability to adapt to changing track conditions. His experience in various series has honed his skills, making him a versatile driver capable of competing at a high level.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Gilliland’s career is highlighted by being the youngest winner in ARCA history and securing back-to-back championships in the K&N Pro Series West. His victories in the Truck Series further cement his reputation as a talented driver with a bright future ahead.
Todd Gilliland Career Wins
Gilliland has achieved notable success across several NASCAR series, including the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and NASCAR Cup Series. His career is marked by key victories that showcase his talent and determination.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
As of 2025, Gilliland has not yet secured a win in the NASCAR Cup Series but has recorded 15 top-ten finishes, indicating his competitiveness in the series. His best finish to date is 22nd in the 2024 standings, reflecting his growth as a driver and his potential for future success.
Previous NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Gilliland has three career wins, with his first victory coming in 2019 at Martinsville Speedway. His performances in the Truck Series included multiple top-ten finishes, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level.
Todd Gilliland Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Todd Gilliland comes from a family with a rich history in NASCAR. His father, David Gilliland, competed in the NASCAR Cup Series, while his grandfather, Butch Gilliland, was the 1997 NASCAR Winston West Series champion. This lineage has undoubtedly influenced Todd’s career and passion for racing.
Personal Life
Details about Gilliland’s personal life remain largely private, with a focus primarily on his racing career. His family background in motorsports continues to play a significant role in his professional journey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has shown promise for Todd Gilliland as he continues to drive for Front Row Motorsports. His early performances indicate improvement, with a career-high of leading laps at the Daytona 500 and a strong showing at Atlanta. Gilliland has maintained a streak of top-20 finishes, showcasing his consistency and ability to compete effectively.
As the season progresses, he aims to build on his previous successes and secure his first Cup Series victory. The dynamics within Front Row Motorsports, including crew chief and team strategies, will be crucial as Gilliland seeks to elevate his performance and achieve his goals in the NASCAR Cup Series.
