Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 team face a pivotal challenge this weekend at the Daytona International Speedway, where they must win to clinch their place in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Having started second alongside pole sitter and teammate Michael McDowell at last year’s 2.5-mile superspeedway event, Gilliland has demonstrated strong skill and reliability as a drafting partner on superspeedways like Daytona, Atlanta, and Talladega.
Grillo’s Pickles Returns as Sponsor with Special Race Design
For this 160-lap race, Grillo’s Pickles is proud to continue its partnership with Gilliland and the No. 34 team, marking the pickle company’s third sponsorship of the season. The iconic brand will feature a unique twist on its traditional design, with “Speed Pickles” cleverly integrated into the Ford Mustang Dark Horse’s livery as it races on Daytona’s high banks. Fans interested in Grillo’s products and merchandise can visit the company’s website for more.
Gilliland’s Commitment Beyond the Track: Supporting Conservation Efforts
Off the racetrack this weekend, Gilliland will turn his focus to fishing, collaborating with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s TrophyCatch program. A passionate angler, he encourages both novice and experienced fishermen to participate in the citizen-science initiative that rewards the documentation of largemouth bass weighing eight pounds or more. Since its inception, TrophyCatch has recorded thousands of trophy bass across Florida, aiding scientists in tracking the state’s bass population while offering anglers opportunities to win prizes ranging from fishing gear to a Phoenix Bass Boat.
“TrophyCatch is all about celebrating the thrill of a big catch while protecting our fisheries for future generations,”
said Gilliland.
“It’s like racing—big skill, big passion, and all about the thrill.”
—Todd Gilliland
Anglers can register for free at TrophyCatch.com, acquire a fishing license, and submit photographic or video proof of their catches to increase their chances of winning prizes.
Partnership Highlights Conservation and Community Engagement
Roger Young, Executive Director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, emphasized the importance of this collaboration.
“We’re proud to partner with NASCAR and bring Florida’s conservation story to one of the largest audiences in American sports,”
he said.
“This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to connect with outdoor enthusiasts and highlight the importance of protecting our state’s world-class fisheries and wildlife.”
—Roger Young
Gilliland Reflects on the Season and Focuses on Race Execution
Reflecting on the current season, Gilliland acknowledged the team’s challenges but remains optimistic about their chances.
“Our season hasn’t gone the way we hoped,”
he admitted.
“We know what’s at stake, and I believe this team has everything it takes to win—it’s just about executing from start to finish and making the most of our potential. I always feel confident going into the superspeedways; we just need to run a clean race and be in position at the end.”
—Todd Gilliland
Looking Ahead: The Race’s Significance for Playoff Positioning
With the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs on the line, this Daytona event represents a defining moment for Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 team. Success here could propel them into the postseason, highlighting their growth and perseverance throughout the year. The combination of on-track determination and off-track conservation efforts demonstrates Gilliland’s dynamic presence both as a driver and community contributor, raising anticipation for his performance at the superspeedway.
