Todd Gilliland was convinced his Front Row Motorsports career was going to end until he signed the contract extension

Todd Gilliland has improved his average finish from 23rd to 21st in the 2023 Cup season.

Todd Gilliland was convinced his Front Row Motorsports career was going to end until he signed the contract extension

Todd Gilliland (Credits: Motorsports.com)

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) has announced its 2024 driver lineup, and Todd Gilliland will return to drive the No.38 Ford Mustang. The organization has also retained his teammate and 2021 Daytona 500 champion, Michael McDowell. FRM announced on Wednesday that they will bring back their drivers for the 2024 season. This will be Todd Gilliland’s third season with them. 

The 23-year-old got candid with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio about returning to Front Row Motorsports. He revealed that he thought his Cup career with them was over and is thankful for his contract extension. Although, Gilliland explained that there is plenty of progress to be made. The North Carolina native is happy to be back as a full-time Cup driver next season. 

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Todd Gilliland told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, “Honestly when I signed the deal to do I guess 30 points races this year with Front Row. I was like, ‘Oh my god man, the writing’s probably on the wall […] this is probably it for me.’ And I’m thankful to have this, but I need to go out and do well and see what else is out there. So Uhm, that was kind of my mentality going in.” 

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Todd Gilliland claims it is ‘awesome’ to be back for the 2024 Cup season

Todd Gilliland (Credits: Terry Renna: AP)
Todd Gilliland (Credits: Terry Renna: AP)

Gilliland added, “And Jerry and Bob and everyone said, ‘This doesn’t have to be the end; it’s business sometimes.” Thankfully we had to go out and do a lot better this year. At least get off to a better start. There is still a lot of progress to be made. But yeah, even to have me back for the full season next year is awesome.” Bob Jenkins, the owner of FRM, revealed that Michael McDowell and Todd Gilliland are like family to him. 

Jenkins believes the FRM drivers are determined to help the team move forward and will fight for it. He stated he was proud of them, and the focus will now be on the remainder of the 2023 season. FRM will also prepare for 2024 with McDowell and Gilliland. The latter spent his rookie year in the No.38 two top-10 and one top-five finish.

Todd Gilliland’s contract extension with Front Row Motorsports has given him certainty in his career. He has three top-ten finishes this year. The 23-year-old also improved his average finish from 23 to 21 this season. He has been consistent and delivered top-15 finishes. It is safe to say that Gilliand has improved and grown as a NASCAR driver this season, and the team is happy with him. Hence, it makes sense why they retained him.

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