Todd Gilliland, who inked a multi-year contract extension with Front Row Motorsports in June, will have to go through some changes in the 2025 season. Since his move to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2022, Gilliland has been behind the wheel of the #38 Ford Mustang. Next season, however, he will switch to the organization’s #34 Ford Mustang, previously driven by his teammate Michael McDowell.
Advertisement
Discussing the transition and the challenge of stepping into McDowell’s shoes — a driver who has clinched two major races including the Daytona 500 in 2021 — Gilliland shared his thoughts on SiriusXM NASCAR:
“It’s easy to say I’d love to fill those shoes. I don’t know that any one person is going to be able to fill Michael’s shoes… I think the culture has changed so much over the last 5 to 10 years at Front Row Motorsports. It’s going to be easy, but at the same time, it’s never gonna be easy.”
Gilliland also commended his crew chief, Ryan Bergenty, saying that he is an exceptional leader who drives progress in the shop. Yet, the new #34 driver acknowledged that it will take a broader team effort after McDowell parts ways with the team, stating, “It’s really hard to pinpoint on one person, but we’ve got a lot of really good people that I think are going to be able to step up and carry that weight.”
.@Mc_Driver's departure leaves big shoes to fill at @Team_FRM.
Does the new driver of the No. 34 @ToddGilliland_ see himself as the new leader of the team?
🗯️ “I don’t think it’s gonna come from one person.”
More → https://t.co/MKhd9eLXG8 pic.twitter.com/2RlLqm20GJ
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) November 23, 2024
He expressed admiration for his former teammate, Michael McDowell, calling him a great guy and an excellent teammate. Meanwhile, McDowell is set to join Spire Motorsports, aiming to spend his remaining years in the sport in a more competitive position.
When Gilliland said he takes superspeedway lessons from McDowell
Gilliland has demonstrated a knack for superspeedway racing and mastering the draft early in his Cup Series career. The whole Front Row Motorsports team has consistently shown prowess on drafting tracks.
Gilliland has also sought guidance from his former teammate Michael McDowell, and his father, David Gilliland, on how to endure and strategically position himself for a strong finish in these demanding races.
Saying that he takes advice from McDowell, Gilliland shared, “Michael is probably the main point of advice whether it’s any race track… As far as superspeedways, we’ve really been working on, probably last year and a half, taking care of each other out there…”
“If someone’s in trouble, letting them back in line, trying to stick together… And it’s funny, sometimes it works out better than others, but it’s just good to have that game plan, at least.”
This season at Talladega Superspeedway, Gilliland secured a P8 finish, and at Indianapolis Speedway, he crossed the line in P6 place. While he has yet to claim a victory, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him win at a superspeedway race next season, given his growing expertise on the tracks.
