Todd Gilliland, a third-generation racer and son of former Cup Series competitor David Gilliland, advanced directly from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to the Cup Series in 2022, bypassing the Xfinity Series, similar to Carson Hocevar’s route. Before making the leap, Todd had already established himself by winning back-to-back ARCA West championships in 2016 and 2017 and earning three victories in the Truck Series. Despite four seasons in the Cup Series, he has yet to secure a win at that level.
Experiences and Challenges with Kyle Busch Motorsports
Gilliland’s time in the Truck Series, where he spent six seasons, included stints with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) for three years, Front Row Motorsports for two, and a part-time role with his father’s team. His only win with KBM came in 2019, his final full season there, yet his relationship with team owner Kyle Busch was often strained. Reflecting on that period during an interview with Jeff Gluck, Gilliland expressed deep regrets:
“When I was in Trucks at (Kyle Busch Motorsports), I definitely wish I had some moments back at the end of my time there. (Actually) kind of the whole time at KBM. It was obviously very exciting to go there and get a great opportunity, but I didn’t make the most of it.”
He further explained the lessons learned and the challenges faced:
“I learned a ton of different lessons during that time period. I feel like if you do everything right there, you get to the next level, and then you still make some bad mistakes and learn other ways. So it’s hard to say. But I wish I would have handled things differently over the course of those two years,”
Kyle Busch Motorsports’ High Standards and Intense Environment
The intensity of Gilliland’s situation stemmed from KBM’s position as a powerhouse in the Truck Series. The team recorded 85 wins and dominated with 14 victories in 2014 alone, securing seven Owner’s Championships. KBM also developed champions such as Erik Jones in 2015 and Christopher Bell in 2017. Given this high bar, anything short of victories was viewed as falling short of expectations. As Gilliland went winless until his breakthrough in 2019, pressure mounted.
In a dramatic moment during that final season, after clinching his first KBM win at Martinsville Speedway with just three races remaining, emotions ran hot. Busch’s critical radio message to Gilliland was blunt: “Stay in your f**king motorhome.” This outburst echoed through the garage, reflecting the tension between them.
Aftermath and Personal Growth
Gilliland acknowledged that this moment was mishandled and later sought to de-escalate the situation by apologizing publicly, admitting that Busch’s frustration was justified given his performance. Despite the harsh exchange, he recognized it as part of the intense environment and the difficult pressures faced. Reflecting on the experience last year, Gilliland expressed mixed feelings about whether he would approach things differently but emphasized the personal growth the trials brought:
His time with Kyle Busch Motorsports, though challenging and at times overwhelming, became a crucible that forged resilience and wisdom. This tougher mindset now shapes his ongoing pursuit of a maiden Cup Series victory, driving him forward amid the competitive landscape.
This week's 12 Questions interview is with @ToddGilliland_. Always great to speak with The Toddfather. Free link: https://t.co/umkGI7jY4q
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) February 25, 2026
