NASCAR: Another seat has been taken for the 2022 season

The 2022 NASCAR Cup Series driver lineup is coming together piece by piece, and that process continued on Tuesday morning.

Earlier this month, just days after the conclusion of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season, it was announced that Anthony Alfredo, who competed for Front Row Motorsports as a rookie during the season, would not be back behind the wheel of the #38 Ford for 2022.

Todd Gilliland, who competed for the team in the Truck Series in each of the last two seasons, had been viewed as the most likely replacement candidate for Alfredo.

A few weeks after Alfredo’s departure, the team confirmed Tuesday that the 21-year-old Sherrills Ford, North Carolina native is, in fact, set to compete for Rookie of the Year honors behind the wheel of the #38 Ford next year.

Here is what Gilliland had to say about this opportunity.

"“I feel like I’ve found a home at FRM. I’ve been around the team when I was growing up and watching my dad [David] race. I joined the truck team here and it has been a good place for my career. I can’t wait to step up into the NASCAR Cup Series. I know the challenges ahead, but I’m planning to be here and help grow with this team for a long time.”"

Gilliland is set to make the jump to the Cup Series without ever having competed in an Xfinity Series race. He spent each of the last four seasons competing in the Truck Series, doing so in 2018 and 2019 for Kyle Busch Motorsports before making the switch to the Bob Jenkins-owned organization.

Additionally, while it had already been reported that Michael McDowell is set to return behind the wheel of the #34 Ford for what will be his fifth consecutive season with the team, Front Row Motorsports formally confirmed this as well.

Here is what the 2021 Daytona 500 champion had to say after this announcement.

"“I’m really looking forward to 2022 and the fresh start it brings across the sport. It’s an exciting time for the NASCAR Cup Series and for us at FRM. We have proven that we can win and now we want to find that consistency throughout the season to be even better.”"

As for Gilliland’s replacement in the Truck Series, Zane Smith is set to move to the #38 Ford after spending the last two seasons behind the wheel of the #21 Chevrolet for GMS Racing. He finished in runner-up in the championship standings in both years.

Here is what Smith had to say.

"“I competed against Front Row for wins this past season and I know how competitive the team is. Bob Jenkins has given me a wonderful opportunity to race for the Truck Series championship again. More importantly, there is an opportunity to grow with them in the future.”"

The 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season is scheduled to get underway on Sunday, February 20 with the Daytona 500. The 64th annual “Great American Race” is set to be broadcast live on Fox from Daytona International Speedway beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET.