By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer
Front Row Motorsports has announced they will expand to the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series full-time and naming Todd Gilliland as their driver.
The Mooresville, North Carolina based team further announced a technical alliance with DGR-Crosley.
Nineteen-year old Todd Gilliland will drive the teams No. 38 Ford F-150 full-time for the 2020 season.
Gilliland a third-generation racer will embark on his third full-time year in the Truck Series.
In 48 starts, he has one win, 12 top-five, 26 top-10 finishes and two pole awards with 280 laps led.
Previously Gilliland spent time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, running in both the East and West Series. In 53 combined starts the North Carolina native went on to win back-to-back Championships, and 20 wins.
In addition, Gilliland has also spent time in the ARCA Menard’s Series finding victory lane twice in nine starts and earning six top-five and eight top-10 finishes.
“I’m really looking forward to racing an F-150 in the Truck Series this year with Front Row Motorsports as part of the Ford family,” said Gilliland in a team press release. “I’ve been around Bob Jenkins and the whole Front Row crew for a long time growing up with my dad racing for them. The talent that they’ve brought in for my program is really exciting. I know or have worked with almost every person that’s on my team this year at some point in my career. That helps tremendously in building relationships and trust with each other.”
The No. 38 has a special meaning for the Gilliland family as it’s a number that Gilliland’s father David (Gilliland) piloted for a number of years for Front Row Motorsports in NASCAR’s Cup Series.
Furthermore, David’s father Butch (Gilliland) also raced the No. 38 where he won a Championship in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West in 1997.
“Car numbers are important to a driver because they are essentially your identity when you’re on track. It’s cool to think about a Gilliland being back in the No. 38, and I’m really proud to be able to drive the same number that my dad and grandpa did.”
“We’re all very excited for this expansion,” said FRM owner Bob Jenkins. “I’ve watched Todd grow up in this sport and have seen the talent he brings firsthand. Not only does he come from a racing family, but he’s got the natural ability of a winning driver. I’m confident that having him drive in our debut season will be a great success.”
The NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series 2020 season will begin on February 14 at Daytona International Speedway at 7:30 p.m. ET.