NASCAR’s return to Kansas Speedway on Sunday showcased intense competition and surprising results, especially for Todd Gilliland and Hendrick Motorsports. The event, marked by strong performances from Toyota teams, saw Gilliland deliver an honest assessment of his race despite finishing 12th, matching his best result at Kansas.
Todd Gilliland’s Honest Reaction to a Challenging Race
The Ford teams struggled to keep pace compared to their performance at New Hampshire, while Joe Gibbs Racing’s Toyotas dominated qualifying. Chase Briscoe secured his seventh pole of the season, with Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell also posting impressive times. Notably, no Ford driver cracked the top 10—only Gilliland in the No. 34, Chris Buescher in the No. 17 (P15), and Brad Keselowski in the No. 6 were among the top 15.
Starting 23rd on the grid, Gilliland faced a tough night with his Front Row Motorsports (FRM) car lacking the speed to challenge the frontrunners consistently. However, the team’s solid pit stops and strategic calls helped him build momentum throughout the 400-mile race, allowing him to finish 12th, tying his spring Kansas finish after starting from a similar position.
Gilliland expressed his frustration and resilience on social media after the race, sharing,
“Holy smokes. We sucked all day but got a bit better for the end and came home P12.”
Performance Trends and Future Outlook for Gilliland
Despite early setbacks and being outrun initially, the North Carolina native maintained focus and capitalized on pit strategies alongside the leaders. He currently sits 31st in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, amassing 490 points with three top-10 finishes this season. Over 31 NCS events, Gilliland has led a total of 11 laps, trying to gain ground in a fiercely competitive field.
Following solid finishes of 19th and 12th, Gilliland and the No. 34 squad are now turning their attention to the upcoming race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, aiming to improve their position. Gilliland’s prior success at Kansas, particularly in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series where he earned one top-five and three top-10s in five starts, adds hope for stronger performances moving forward.
Holy smokes. We sucked all day but got a bit better for the end and came home p12. https://t.co/mXarkWfKZR
— Todd Gilliland (@ToddGilliland_) September 28, 2025
