'It's a different atmosphere': Todd Gilliland on being elder statesman of Front Row Motorsports

In just his fourth NASCAR Cup Series season, Todd Gilliland, 25, is the official elder statesman of Front Row Motorsports. 

Following the departure of 2021 Daytona 500 champion and veteran driver Michael McDowell after the 2024 season, Gilliland was handed the keys to the organization's flagship No. 34 car and was suddenly the longest-tenured driver on the team. 

With second-year driver Zane Smith coming back to Front Row after driving for Spire Motorsports in his rookie season and Noah Gragson joining FRM for his third Cup Series season, Gilliland was, at least from the perspective of seniority, the leader at Front Row. 

At a time when the organization is currently in the midst of a heated legal stand-off against NASCAR with 23XI Racing and is struggling to match results in previous years, that leadership is key. 

"I think there's always constant evolution of us as people and our roles," Gilliland said during a virtual news conference on Tuesday. "It's definitely switched a lot with Michael leaving. He was here for a long time and built a lot of great relationships."

Those relationships, Gilliland says, are the most important asset for Front Row to have for both on-track and off-track success. 

"For me, it's about getting relationships deeper with the guys here," Gilliland said. "Them trusting me, me trusting them, just going above and beyond in a lot of different ways. That's what Michael did here for a long time, and it definitely helped him out.

"I definitely trust my teammates a lot," Gilliland continued. "I think Noah and Zane are great. It's a different atmosphere here than in years past; just a younger feel of energy with everyone. I think we've all been good leaders this year. But being here the longest, it's been a fun role."

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.