First Daytona Start Ends in Disappointment for Gilliland

Eighteen-year-old Todd Gilliland made his first NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series start at Daytona International Speedway, starting in third and remaining within the top-10 for most of the night before accidental contact with teammate Harrison Burton ended his evening early, resulting in a 19th-place finish in the No. 4 JBL Audio Toyota Tundra.
 
Stage One Recap:
  • After starting from third, Gilliland, fighting a tight handling condition, dropped back in the pack and finished the first stage in the 10th position. Following the first stage, he visited pit road and crew chief Marcus Richmond for fuel and adjustments.
Stage Two Recap:
  • Gilliland began the second stage in the fifth position. The eighteen-year-old reported that his JBL Audio Toyota Tundra was much better and he was leading coming to the stage end, but was shuffled back on the final lap and was in the eighth position at the end of the second 20-lap stage. He pitted on lap 45 for fuel and two right-side tires.
Stage Three Recap:
  • As the final 60-lap stage began, Gilliland reported that his Tundra was much better and the handling was mainly neutral.
  • He began the final stage in the fourth position, but was shuffled back to midpack.
  • After contact with another truck in the infamous “Big One,” on lap 55, Gilliland sustained slight damage to the right side of his vehicle, requiring a pit stop to attempt to clear the tires. After another pit stop on lap 80, Gilliland reported an issue with his machine, which turned out to be a loose left rear wheel.
  • With 10 laps remaining in the scheduled distance, Gilliland made contact with Kyle Busch Motorsports teammate Harrison Burton in an effort to provide a push to the front, and both drivers lost control. The No. 4 sustained damage, ending his night. 
KBM PR