In the high-stakes world of NASCAR, even the youngest drivers face immense pressure—but what happens when a 25-year-old becomes the 'elder statesman' of his team? Todd Gilliland, the seasoned yet youthful driver for Front Row Motorsports (FRM), finds himself in this unique position as he navigates the 2025 season alongside younger teammates Noah Gragson and Zane Smith. But here’s where it gets intriguing: despite three top-10 finishes this year, including a sixth-place result at the Brickyard 400, Gilliland’s journey has been anything but smooth. And this is the part most people miss: while his team battles legal drama with NASCAR, Gilliland remains laser-focused on refining his craft for 2026, proving that resilience is just as crucial as speed in this sport.
In a candid interview with Frontstretch’s Dalton Hopkins at Kansas Speedway, Gilliland opens up about the highs and lows of his season. When asked to grade his performance, he admits, ‘Compared to last year, I think we’ve had more bad luck—less speed, less consistency.’ He reflects on a summer slump marked by damage at Pocono and an early wreck at Chicago, which derailed his momentum. But here’s the controversial part: while some might blame external factors, Gilliland takes a hard look at his own performance, emphasizing the need for more speed and consistency. Is this self-criticism a sign of weakness, or the mark of a true competitor? We’ll let you decide.
Off the track, Gilliland’s life is just as dynamic. As a self-proclaimed golf enthusiast, he admits his game is ‘up and down,’ but it serves as a much-needed escape from the pressures of racing. Playing alongside legends like Jeff Burton and Steve Letarte, he jokes, ‘It makes me feel like I’m working a little bit,’ even though it’s mostly about camaraderie. But here’s where it gets controversial: when asked if he’s more nervous restarting in the top 10 with two laps to go or being one stroke away from beating Jeff Burton, Gilliland reveals it’s ‘almost exactly the same.’ Does this mean the thrill of competition transcends the sport itself? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
As the offseason approaches, Gilliland is eager for a break after a grueling 27-race stretch—the longest in NASCAR history. Unlike his rookie year, when he overplanned and felt exhausted by Daytona, he now embraces spontaneity, saying, ‘Whatever comes up, comes up.’ And this is the part most people miss: while fans see the glory, drivers like Gilliland are acutely aware of the sacrifices made by their teams, from truck drivers to mechanics. It’s a reminder that NASCAR is as much about teamwork as it is about individual skill.
So, as Gilliland looks ahead to 2026, one question lingers: Can he turn his self-awareness and resilience into a championship-winning formula? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—his journey is far from over, and we’ll be here to watch every twist and turn. What do you think? Is Gilliland’s approach the right one, or does he need to shake things up? Share your thoughts below!
