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Todd Gilliland’s 2025 Reboot: The NASCAR Dark Horse Ready to Rise?

David Castro by David Castro
February 6, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Todd Gilliland’s 2025 Reboot: The NASCAR Dark Horse Ready to Rise?

Nov 9, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Todd Gilliland during qualifying for the Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Todd Gilliland has shown flashes of brilliance in the NASCAR Cup Series, but the consistency to break into the sport’s elite ranks has remained elusive. At just 24, he’s already proven he can lead laps at Daytona and Atlanta and muscle his way to top-10s on wildly different tracks—from the superspeedway chaos of Talladega to the technical challenge of the Chicago Street Course. But now, as he takes over Front Row Motorsports’ No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in 2025, the young driver is banking on a familiar face to unlock his full potential.

That face? Chris Lawson—his old crew chief from the Truck Series and a man who just might hold the key to Gilliland’s Cup Series breakthrough.

A New Ride, A Fresh Start—And A Crucial Reunion

Gilliland’s move to the No. 34 isn’t just about getting behind the wheel of a different car. It’s the first time in his Cup career that he’s had a real say in building his team from the ground up. And at the heart of that team is Lawson, a strategist who already knows what makes Gilliland tick.

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The duo’s history goes back to their Truck Series days, where they racked up one win, 13 top-fives, and 24 top-10s. Their partnership was built on trust and results—something that Gilliland believes can translate to success in the Cup Series.

“This has definitely been the most I’ve been involved in picking a team since our first Truck team at Front Row,” Gilliland said. “It’s the same crew chief and all that, so yeah, definitely some familiar faces. Chris Lawson becoming my crew chief again—it’s like old times, but with a new challenge.”

That challenge? Proving that Gilliland isn’t just a driver with potential—but a driver who can deliver week in and week out at the highest level.

Lawson’s Championship Pedigree Brings High Hopes

Lawson isn’t just a familiar presence—he’s a proven winner. He played a major role in Zane Smith’s 2022 Truck Series championship run and recently got a taste of Cup Series competition with Rick Ware Racing, where he helped guide Justin Haley and Corey LaJoie to top-10 finishes. Now, he and Gilliland are aiming to apply everything they’ve learned to Front Row Motorsports’ growing Cup program.

“I feel confident that me and Chris can hit the ground running,” Gilliland said. “But anytime you get a whole new group of people together, it takes a little time to get used to it.”

There’s one major advantage, though—Gilliland isn’t walking into a completely unfamiliar situation. Several of the No. 34 crew members were part of last year’s team, meaning that some crucial continuity remains. That chemistry could make all the difference in a sport where the smallest details separate winners from also-rans.

“We’re bouncing information off each other, and I think we’re building something strong,” Gilliland added.

Front Row Motorsports’ Bold 2025 Plans: More Than Just a Dark Horse

Gilliland’s move isn’t the only big shakeup at Front Row Motorsports. With veteran driver Michael McDowell heading to Spire Motorsports, FRM is undergoing a serious transformation—one that signals their intent to be more than just a mid-pack team.

The addition of Noah Gragson and Zane Smith alongside Gilliland gives FRM an aggressive, young lineup for 2025. But it’s not just the drivers making waves—the team has also secured an additional charter and is currently embroiled in a legal battle against NASCAR’s charter system, joining forces with 23XI Racing in an antitrust lawsuit.

That’s a bold move—one that underlines their ambition to establish themselves as a serious competitor in the Cup Series. They’re no longer content with being an underdog; they’re out to prove they belong in the big leagues.

Can Gilliland and Lawson Deliver?

For Todd Gilliland, 2025 isn’t just another season—it’s a proving ground. He’s stepping into a ride with real expectations, a team investing in its future, and a crew chief who already knows how to get the best out of him. Now, it’s up to him to turn that potential into something tangible.

Will this reunion with Lawson be the spark that ignites his Cup Series career? Can Front Row Motorsports finally take that next step and challenge the bigger teams? One thing is certain—this isn’t the same FRM, and Gilliland isn’t the same driver.

The pieces are in place. Now, it’s time to see if they can put it all together.

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