Todd Gilliland, driving the No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, is set to compete in the highly anticipated Clash at Bowman Gray, the first race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series. Scheduled for Sunday, February 1, at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, this 200-lap exhibition event will test drivers on the iconic quarter-mile short track as the team aims to make a strong season debut.
Partnerships Highlight Local Roots and Racing Heritage
Gilliland’s No. 34 team has joined forces with longtime North Carolina partners Dairi-O and Jerry Hunt Supercenter for the Bowman Gray race. Established in 1947, Dairi-O is a family-friendly restaurant brand known for its fresh, made-to-order menu and deep community involvement across the state. Jerry Hunt Supercenter brings decades of expertise in used car sales coupled with a rich racing legacy at Bowman Gray Stadium, spanning from the 1960s with Jerry Hunt to today’s involvement by Chase Hunt. The Hunt family boasts over 25 track championships, emphasizing their commitment to grassroots racing and the storied significance of Bowman Gray as a proving ground.
Team and Sponsor Perspectives Ahead of the Clash
Jeff Speaks, owner of Dairi-O, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration:
“We’re proud to partner with Jerry Hunt Supercenter in sponsoring Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports team for The NASCAR Clash,”
said Jeff Speaks, owner of Dairi-O.
“With our shared North Carolina roots and commitment to community, this event is especially meaningful. Bowman Gray Stadium is close to where Dairi-O began, making this race feel like home. We look forward to supporting Todd Gilliland on the NASCAR Cup Series stage.”
Todd Gilliland conveyed optimism and focus:
“I think the whole team is excited for the season to start,”
said Gilliland.
“We made a few key changes that I think will really make a difference this season. The Clash really tests your patience. There’s not a lot of room to pass and a ton of beating and banging. Hopefully we can start the season off with a strong finish.”
Experienced Road Crew Supports Gilliland’s Championship Bid
Todd Gilliland’s race-day efforts are supported by a skilled crew with diverse expertise. Crew Chief Chris Lawson from Medway, Ohio, leads the team, with Joe Marra of Somers, New York, serving as Car Chief. Engineering support comes from Marc Rullo of Ringwood, New Jersey, and Kevyn Rebolledo from Mooresville, North Carolina. Spotter duties are handled by Brit Andersen of Branford, Connecticut.
The mechanical team includes Underneath Mechanic Michael Brookes from Columbus, Ohio, Interior Mechanic Ethan Deguevara of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Tire Specialist Billy John from Pitman, New Jersey. Engine tuning is overseen by Kyle Moon from Troy, New York, while transportation logistics are managed by co-drivers Randy Bernier of Mooresville, North Carolina, and Rick Grissom from Bakersfield, California.
About Dairi-O: A Family Tradition of Fresh Food and Community Support
Since opening as a small hamburger and hot dog stand in 1947, Dairi-O has evolved into a beloved family restaurant known for quality ingredients and an open-kitchen experience. Catering to guests of all ages, it blends classic drive-in favorites with healthier menu options, maintaining a reputation for freshness and quick service. The brand emphasizes hospitality, employee development, and ongoing community contributions through education and nonprofit support, guided by its core values of Genuine, Family, Service, and Spiritual.
Jerry Hunt Supercenter’s Legacy at Bowman Gray Continues
Founded in 1982, Jerry Hunt Supercenter is a family-run dealership distinguished by its customer-first approach, lifetime powertrain warranties, and no-haggle pricing. Its roots in Bowman Gray racing trace back over sixty years, crossing multiple generations of the Hunt family who have consistently supported local motorsport competition. The business prioritizes integrity, urgency, commitment, and continuous learning, reinforcing its stature as a pillar of the North Carolina racing community.
Front Row Motorsports: A Proven Contender in NASCAR Competition
Front Row Motorsports (FRM) operates from Mooresville, North Carolina, managing leading NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck teams including the No. 34 driven by Todd Gilliland. Owned by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, FRM has earned noteworthy accolades such as the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championships. The organization is recognized for its competitive spirit and strong presence both on the track and in NASCAR’s broader community.
Significance of the Bowman Gray Race for the Season and Local Fans
The Clash at Bowman Gray offers a testing ground where the intense short-track environment challenges driver skill and team strategy. For Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 team, this race represents not only the season opening but also a chance to honor their strong regional connections and committed partnerships. As the NASCAR Cup Series progresses, performances here can set the tone for the months ahead, amplifying support from fans and sponsors alike. Given the deep heritage tied to Bowman Gray Stadium and the community-focused sponsors involved, this event holds both competitive and cultural importance in the NASCAR calendar.
