NASCAR Cup Series
Toby's Take: When One Door Closes, Another Opens
May 31, 2024
Todd Gilliland will remain with Front Row Motorsports in 2025 and beyond as the driver and team announced a multi-year contract extension on Wednesday morning. As Front Row Motorsports expands to three full-time entries in 2025, Gilliland will remain a driver of one of the team's Ford Mustang Dark Horses.
Gilliland expressed excitement over what the future holds for the FRM team.
"I want to be at Front Row Motorsports, and I want to be a part of what’s happening right now," said Gilliland. "This is the time to join as a partner, a fan, and watch our next chapter. It’s really cool to see it all happening, and I have to thank Bob Jenkins and Jerry Freeze for their commitment in taking the steps to make us a consistent winning and playoff organization. It’s never easy, but I feel confident in our direction. I’m excited to see what the future holds."
While Gilliland currently drives the No. 38 entry for the team, Front Row Motorsports says any announcements of car numbers and additional drivers will come at a later date. Gilliland, 24, has shown improvement in his average finish in each of his three NASCAR Cup Series seasons. The team is ready to see the young driver take the next step.
"Todd (Gilliland) and his family have been with my family and the team for a very long time," said Bob Jenkins, Owner, Front Row Motorsports. "We’ve watched him grow, mature, and show all his potential behind our truck and car. It’s now his time to lead us into our next phase of winning races and being a consistent playoff contender."
While the organization has never typically awarded multi-year contract deals, the team wants to continue building upon the foundation that has been set for Gilliland at Front Row Motorsports in the coming seasons.
"We want to build on his momentum, rising star power, and continue our partnerships and build new ones that will allow him to compete for wins," said Jerry Freeze, General Manager, Front Row Motorsports. "Announcing our recent intentions for our growth in 2025 and extending Todd’s contract for multiple years allows our focus to aggressively build an even better program for Todd."
Gilliland, who has led a career-high 101 laps this season, sits 22nd in the NASCAR Cup Series championship stanidngs after the opening 15 races of the 2024 season. If Gilliland can keep the pace up, he will have his career-best ranking in the championship standings at season's end.
Photo Credit: Jonathan McCoy, TobyChristie.com