Last week, Front Row Motorsports announced Zane Smith would replace Todd Gilliland in the No. 38 Ford in six Cup Series races this season. Gilliland has now found a ride for five of those six races.
The second-year Cup driver will compete in a handful of races for Rick Ware Racing, piloting the No. 15 Ford. Gilliland’s first race for RWR will come next month at Phoenix Raceway, as he will also drive for the team at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Coca-Cola 600, Sonoma Raceway, Texas Motor Speedway and the Charlotte Roval. The only race he has to fill is the April event at Talladega Superspeedway.
“I’m going to run for Rick Ware Racing in the [No.] 15 car for five of the six,” Gilliland said during Wednesday’s Daytona 500 Media Day. “At Talladega, Riley Herbst is in the [No.] 15, so that’s a hopefully. Not set on that one yet.
“I’m really thankful for those guys to give me a chance. I’m excited to still be at the race track racing something.”
Gilliland has been working with Kevin Harvick Inc. to find open rides. He noted that the management company has been willing to call “anyone and everyone.”
“To be able to get me in to five of the six is pretty cool,” Gilliland noted.
Prior to joining Rick Ware Racing at Phoenix, Gilliland has three races with Front Row Motorsports. The first of which comes at Daytona International Speedway, and the last time the series visited a superspeedway in the fall at Talladega, Gilliland impressed with a seventh-place finish.
Ryan Bergenty, former car chief for Michael McDowell, will call the shots on the No. 38 car in 2023. Gilliland touted Bergenty’s work ethic and believes the team will build on finishing his rookie campaign strong.
“I’m really excited to grow on what we did last year,” Gilliland said. “Finishing the third most amount of laps last year is something to be proud of. I think all of that stuff gives me confidence going into this year.”
Gilliland finished 33rd and wrecked out of his debut in the Great American Race last season.
