NASCAR Truck Series: Todd Gilliland to return to Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2019

After missing four races as a result of his age in the 2018 NASCAR Truck Series season, Todd Gilliland is set to drive full-time for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the 2019 season.

After driving in six races for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the 2017 NASCAR Truck Series season, two as the driver of the #46 Toyota and four as the driver of the #51 Toyota, Todd Gilliland drove in 19 of the 23 races on the 2018 Truck Series schedule for the team as the driver of the #4 Toyota.

Gilliland was forced to sit out four of the season’s first six races because of the fact that they were contested on tracks 1.5 miles or more in length and he had not yet turned 18 years old by the time they were held. After turning 18 years old on May 15, 2018, he competed in all 17 of the remaining races on the 2018 schedule.

Now for the first time in his career, the 18-year-old Sherrills Ford, North Carolina native is set to compete in all 23 races on the Truck Series schedule in the 2019 season. He is set to continue to drive the #4 Toyota.

Here is what Gilliland had to say about the opportunity to drive full-time for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the 2019 Truck Series season, according to NASCAR.

"“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. 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 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.”"

Here is what Kyle Busch Motorsports team owner Kyle Busch had to say about Gilliland being set to return to the team for the 2019 season, according to NASCAR.

"“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. 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.”"

Gilliland was granted a waiver to become eligible for the playoffs in the 2018 season despite the fact that he missed four of the season’s first six races. However, he was unable to qualify for the playoffs, as he was unable to earn his first career victory before they began.

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Gilliland ended up finishing the 2018 season without a victory, but he came close multiple times. Most notably, he was spun out by teammate Noah Gragson in the final turn on the final lap of the August race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park while leading, and he ran out of fuel on the final lap of the November race at Texas Motor Speedway while leading as well.

After recording an average starting position of 9.2 and an average finishing position of 11.2 with two top five finishes and three top 10 finishes in the first six races of his Truck Series career in the 2017 season, Gilliland finished the 2018 season with four top five finishes, nine top 10 finishes, one pole position, 208 laps led, an average starting position of 6.9 and an average finishing position of 12.5. He also earned his career-high finish, a second place finish, in the June race at Gateway Motorsports Park.

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How will Todd Gilliland perform in his first season driving full-time for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the 2019 NASCAR Truck Series season? The season is scheduled to get underway in just over three weeks with the NextEra Energy 250 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. This race is scheduled to take place on Friday, February 15.

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