Todd Gilliland took part in the trending ‘calling to say goodnight’ prank by ringing up his NASCAR colleague Ricky Stenhouse Jr., sparking a humorous exchange that was shared on NASCAR’s official Instagram. The prank unfolded as Gilliland first attempted to surprise Front Row Motorsports teammate Noah Gragson and others before turning his attention to Stenhouse Jr.
Initially, Gilliland called Noah Gragson, who warmly received the unexpected gesture. However, when Gilliland reached Zane Smith, Smith promptly sent the call to voicemail, catching Gilliland off guard. Undeterred, Gilliland then dialed Ricky Stenhouse Jr., aiming to catch him by surprise.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Turns the Tables in Goodnight Call
When Stenhouse Jr. answered Gilliland’s call, he immediately responded with a genuine goodnight wish, which led to a lighthearted back-and-forth between the two drivers. Stenhouse Jr. expressed his appreciation of the prank, noting how much he missed the call the previous night.
“I appreciate it. I missed it last night. I can’t believe you didn’t call me last night,” Stenhouse Jr. replied.
“Dude, i’ll start calling you every night,” Gilliland responded.
Stenhouse Jr. then humorously questioned why Gilliland was heading to bed so early, signaling a playful jab.
“Yeah, I mean I know how much I mean to you, so I appreciate it…but hey, the only question I have is why are you going to bed now.”
Gilliland responded with a cheeky invite, showing their easy camaraderie.
“I don’t know bro, when you get back, come see me. I’ll show ya,” he said.
Upcoming NASCAR Playoffs and Performance Context
The two drivers are preparing for Round 2 of the NASCAR playoffs at The Gateway. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has struggled to achieve top-10 finishes since the Chicago Street Race, whereas Todd Gilliland recently celebrated his best result of the season by finishing sixth at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This contrast highlights their current form heading into an important stage in the season.
Speculation Surrounds Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s Future with Spire Motorsports
NASCAR insider Jordan Bianchi recently addressed questions about potential driver changes at Spire Motorsports, particularly regarding Justin Haley’s seat. Bianchi identified Ricky Stenhouse Jr. as a possible replacement, despite his existing contract with Hyak Motorsports through 2026.
“While Haley may not be jettisoned before the season ends, there is no guarantee he’ll be back with Spire next year. The team continues to evaluate its options, with Daniel Suárez and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. as two possibilities. Suárez is a free agent, while Stenhouse has term remaining on his contract with Hyak Motorsports, which means a buyout would need to be negotiated,” he said, via The Athletic.
Stenhouse Jr. responded to these rumors by affirming his dedication to Hyak Motorsports, the team he has been with since 2020, following previous stints at Roush Fenway Racing and a one-off race with Wood Brothers Racing in 2011.
Currently ranked 29th in the points standings, Stenhouse Jr. has achieved three top-10 finishes this season and holds a multi-year contract with Hyak Motorsports, which rebranded from JTG Daugherty Racing in 2024.
Significance and What’s Next for Gilliland and Stenhouse Jr.
This friendly prank moment highlights the lighthearted side of drivers often focused on fierce competition. It also serves as a reminder of the tight-knit relationships that exist within NASCAR’s competitive environment. As the playoffs continue, both Todd Gilliland and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will be looking to improve their performances and make significant moves.
With playoff pressures mounting, the speculation around Stenhouse Jr.’s future also adds an intriguing layer to the sport’s driver market. Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely to see how his contract situation unfolds and what impact it might have on teams like Hyak Motorsports and Spire Motorsports going forward.
