By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
Kyle Busch Motorsports announced Tuesday that Todd Gilliland will return to their organization full time in 2019.
Due to age restrictions imposed by NASCAR for the Truck series, Gilliland was able to compete with the organization for 19 of 23 races in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series in 2018.
“I’m excited to be returning to the seat of the No. 4 Tundra at Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2019 and looking to build on the momentum that we had going at the end of 2018,” Gilliland said in a press release.
“Last year we definitely had some high points and low points, so my goal is to be more consistent throughout the season. After being so close a couple of times last year, I’m confident that I’ll be able to find victory lane this year and once that happens more wins will follow. I’m ready to reward everyone at JBL, Mobil 1, Toyota and TRD for their continued support.”
“There was a lot of pressure on Todd last year early in the season after he had to miss four of the first six races due to age restrictions and then needed to get a win to become eligible for the playoffs,” Kyle Busch said.
“I think maybe he was pushing a little too hard to try and dig himself out of that hole. While it was unfortunate that he didn’t make the playoffs, at the end of the year he did a much better job and if it wasn’t for a few unfortunate endings he should’ve won two races. We’re looking for him to continue the progress that he made at the end of last year and be a contender for the championship this season.”
JBL and Mobil 1 will be returning as primary sponsors on the No. 4 Truck in 2019.
In 2018, Gilliland collected six top-five, 12 top-10s and one pole.