Todd Gilliland is set to make his inaugural NASCAR Cup Series appearance at the Phoenix Raceway this weekend, marking a significant milestone in his career. Partnered with Long John Silver’s, which will debut its distinctive blue and yellow livery on Gilliland’s No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, the entry signals a fresh chapter for the driver in the 2026 NASCAR season.
Supporting Partners Enhance Gilliland’s Race Weekend Experience
Longtime sponsor Frontline Enterprises continues to back Gilliland at Phoenix, extending a five-year partnership across multiple NASCAR series. The Canadian automotive dealer has been integral to Gilliland’s progression from the ARCA Menards Series to his current Cup Series campaign. Brett Stevens, owner of Frontline Enterprises, shared the enthusiasm for the collaboration:
“Todd is not only a great driver but also a great person and has become a longtime friend. We at Frontline look forward to many more years of partnership, and I look forward to many more years of beating him at golf.”
Stevens’ comment highlights both personal and professional bond supporting the driver during this key weekend.
Reflecting on recent performances, Gilliland expressed optimism after a challenging outing at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
“COTA felt like a missed opportunity, but it was good to at least finish the race and bring the car home in one piece,”
he said. He emphasized the importance of upcoming races:
“This weekend in Phoenix and next weekend in Las Vegas will be important for us, as they’ll give us a better look at where we stack up against the field and how we’ll race as these ‘normal’ tracks. It’s great to have Frontline Enterprises this weekend. Brett (Stevens) has been a longtime supporter of mine and it’s always nice having him at the track cheering me on.”
Noah Gragson Looks to Build on Past Success at Phoenix Raceway
Another driver generating excitement this weekend is Noah Gragson, returning for his sixth NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway. Over five prior starts at this one-mile venue, Gragson has achieved two top-15 finishes, placing 12th in both 2024 races for Stewart-Haas Racing. His smaller track experience extends to eight Xfinity Series starts, boasting one victory, three top-five finishes, and five top-10 results.
Gragson’s No. 4 Front Row Motorsports entry features primary sponsorship by Straight Talk Wireless, which also titles the event as the Straight Talk Wireless 500. Fans attending the weekend’s festivities can expect throwback-themed activities, including driver appearances, airbrush giveaways, retro gaming, and photo opportunities. Straight Talk’s engagement includes the “Win to Wave” sweepstakes offering the winner VIP race access and the chance to wave the green flag to signal race start. In addition, the brand is donating $10,000 to the NASCAR Foundation to support youth initiatives, specifically the Speediatrics Fun Day benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley.
Expressing enthusiasm about the race, Gragson said,
“I love being out in Phoenix. It’s a great area and the fans are awesome, the campgrounds are always packed and it’s just a fun track to be at. I’m excited to get the opportunity to fly the Straight Talk banner, in the Straight Talk Wireless 500. It’s a sharp looking car and we’ve got a lot planned with the Straight Talk team. Phoenix is a track that I’ve always enjoyed going to and have had some success at in the past, winning in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. It will be a fun weekend for everyone that comes out to the track and I’m looking forward to getting out there.”
– Noah Gragson, NASCAR driver.
Zane Smith Heads into Phoenix with Momentum and Competitive Confidence
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series west coast schedule kicks off at Phoenix Raceway, where Zane Smith aims to capitalize on prior achievements. Smith has logged three top-five finishes in four CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at Phoenix, including a championship-clinching victory in 2022. In the Cup Series, he earned a career-best ninth-place finish at the track during the 2025 race.
Smith’s sponsor, Aaron’s, currently operates the Fastlane 5000 Sweepstakes through March 31, offering fans a chance to win a $5,000 home upgrade and additional weekly prizes. This campaign connects race excitement with Aaron’s nationwide presence, featuring nearly 1,200 locations.
“COTA didn’t pan out the way we wanted it to, but I’m happy with the speed we’re bringing to the track,”
Smith noted.
“We had a solid run at Phoenix last Spring, so that gives the team and I confidence that we can leave Arizona with a decent result to regain momentum.”
– Zane Smith, NASCAR driver.
Wide-Ranging Fan Engagement Opportunities Throughout the Season
Sponsorship efforts extend beyond the racetrack, with Straight Talk Wireless emphasizing fan experiences throughout the 2026 season. The NASCAR on Tour program launches at Phoenix, bringing interactive events to over 200 Walmart locations in key race markets. Fans can meet drivers, access exclusive swag, participate in simulators, and enter contests to win tickets or a 2026 Ford Mustang. This commitment connects affordability with community engagement, reinforcing Straight Talk’s 17-year tradition of delivering value while supporting NASCAR youth programs.
Similarly, Aaron’s sweepstakes engage consumers nationwide both online and in-store, enhancing race weekend enthusiasm across a broad customer base. These comprehensive activations highlight the growing intersection between NASCAR competition and brand-driven fan experiences.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect From Phoenix Raceway and Beyond
This weekend’s race at Phoenix Raceway offers a pivotal moment for Todd Gilliland to measure his progress against seasoned competitors and further establish his presence in the Cup Series. With strong sponsorship partnerships and valuable community connections, Gilliland’s debut represents both a personal milestone and a source of excitement for fans and stakeholders alike.
For Noah Gragson and Zane Smith, Phoenix provides an opportunity to build on previous successes and gain momentum as the season accelerates. The combination of strong performances on the track and vibrant fan engagement initiatives indicates a promising and action-packed NASCAR season unfolding from Az Arizona’s one-mile oval to tracks nationwide.
