In 2022, Todd Gilliland faced a challenging shift in his NASCAR career when he had to adjust to sharing a garage and even cars with a new teammate, Zane Smith, at Front Row Motorsports. This change came during Gilliland’s second year with the team and tested his ability to navigate the complexities of working closely alongside a newcomer under evolving team strategies. The adjustment involved sharing the No. 38 Ford Mustang throughout the 2023 season, an uncommon situation for drivers who typically have dedicated vehicles.
Gilliland’s Early Success and the Arrival of Zane Smith
Gilliland had shown promise in his first season with Front Row Motorsports, securing notable finishes such as fourth place at the Indianapolis Road Course and seventh at Talladega. He was one of the drivers to complete the most laps during that season, indicating both reliability and skill. However, the team’s decision to bring in Zane Smith and alternate car assignments created a unique challenge. Smith drove the No. 38 Mustang for six races in 2023, forcing Gilliland to either switch to the No. 36 car or compete with Rick Ware Racing on those weekends.
Turning Challenges into Learning Opportunities
Rather than letting frustrations affect his performance or relationship with Smith, Gilliland chose to view the situation as a learning opportunity. He explained in an interview with Jeff Gluck how observing Smith’s approach provided him insight into the Next Gen car from a different angle.
“You can really get down a certain path and think it’s the right way, but once you go somewhere else, I feel like you can broaden your horizons a lot,”
Gilliland shared, highlighting how the experience expanded his understanding of the vehicle’s capabilities.
Maintaining a Professional Relationship Amid Awkward Moments
While the switch to sharing cars created some tension, Gilliland emphasized that the issues were never personal between him and Smith.
“Between Zane and me, it was awkward at times. But we kind of knew it wasn’t really between us personally. It took a couple of months, but we got past it,”
he recounted, reflecting a mature approach to a potentially uncomfortable situation that required time and communication to resolve.
Current Status of Gilliland and Smith at Front Row Motorsports
Continuing his tenure with Front Row Motorsports, Gilliland is now in his fifth season with the team. Zane Smith, after joining Spire Motorsports in 2024, returned to Front Row Motorsports in 2025. Both drivers are now teammates again but with distinct roles, as Smith drives the No. 38 car and Gilliland pilots the No. 34. This arrangement allows them to compete independently while maintaining their professional partnership within the team.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Todd Gilliland’s NASCAR Career
The experience of sharing cars and navigating the transition with Smith has likely strengthened Gilliland’s adaptability and perspective within NASCAR’s competitive environment. His ability to handle an intense and somewhat anxious team dynamic without allowing it to hinder his growth demonstrates resilience. As Gilliland and Smith continue their careers together yet separately within the same organization, their evolving teamwork will be crucial for both drivers as they seek success in future races.
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
