In the high-stakes world of NASCAR, even the youngest drivers face immense pressure—and Todd Gilliland is no exception. At just 25, he’s already the elder statesman of Front Row Motorsports, guiding teammates Noah Gragson and Zane Smith through the twists and turns of the 2025 season. But this year hasn’t been smooth sailing. Despite three top-10 finishes, including a sixth-place result at the Brickyard 400, Gilliland missed the Cup Series playoffs. And that’s not even the most dramatic part. His team, alongside 23XI Racing, has been entangled in a legal battle with NASCAR—a controversy that’s hard to ignore.
In an exclusive interview with Frontstretch at Kansas Speedway, Gilliland opened up about his 2025 performance, his evolving role within the team, and how he’s preparing for 2026. But here’s where it gets controversial: How much does the ongoing lawsuit really affect a driver’s focus on the track? Gilliland insists he and his teammates block it out, but is that even possible in today’s hyper-connected world?
When asked to grade his 2025 season compared to 2024, Gilliland didn’t hold back. ‘We’ve had more bad luck, less speed, and less consistency,’ he admitted. Last year, the team enjoyed a summer stretch of solid top-15 and top-20 finishes—mediocre by their standards, but a reliable baseline. This year? Not so much. ‘We fired off strong at Daytona, COTA, and EchoPark, but then hit a slump in May and June,’ he explained. Wrecks at Pocono and Chicago derailed their momentum, leaving them struggling to recover. And this is the part most people miss: Even in a sport as fast-paced as NASCAR, one bad stretch can bury a team’s entire season.
Despite the challenges, Gilliland’s camaraderie with Gragson and Smith has been a bright spot. ‘We’re friends off the track, so racing conversations come naturally,’ he said. But does that mean they see him as a mentor? ‘Not exactly,’ he laughed. ‘We bounce ideas off each other, but it’s more about teamwork than advice.’
Off the track, Gilliland finds solace in golf—though it’s not always relaxing. ‘I was playing with Jeff Burton and Steve Letarte recently, and my heart was pounding on the last hole,’ he recalled. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Why do drivers like Gilliland feel more confident behind the wheel of a 200-mph racecar than on a golf course? Is it the pressure of competition, or something deeper?
As the offseason approaches, Gilliland is looking forward to unwinding—but don’t expect him to plan a lavish vacation. ‘My rookie year, I tried to schedule everything, and I ended up just as tired,’ he said. Now, he prefers to take it easy, letting opportunities come naturally. But is this laid-back approach the best way to prepare for 2026, or should he be pushing harder?
What do you think? Does the NASCAR lawsuit distract drivers more than they admit? And is Gilliland’s relaxed offseason strategy a recipe for success or a missed opportunity? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
