Nobody knew how far Front Row Motorsports (FRM) and 23XI Racing could go in NASCAR until they filed an antitrust lawsuit. Out of 15 teams, only these two challenge the monopoly of the stock car racing giants, questioning its charter system and the revenue distribution model. They stood up for their rights and ignited a firestorm against what they saw as an unfair foundation that jeopardized the financial stability of their race teams. Going ahead, amidst the ongoing legal battle, FRM’s prominent driver sighed as he shared some relief. 

Todd Gilliland, a third-generation driver for Front Row Motorsports (FRM), has been progressing in his NASCAR Cup Series career since his debut in 2022. Despite his team’s involvement in a chaotic situation, Gilliland has remained calm and reflected on his positive endeavors with them.

How is Todd Gilliland taking NASCAR’s raveling situation?

FRM knew that took a gamble in fighting for their rights going against NASCAR. After all, the sanctioning body had control over the charters, and they were at risk of being cast out of the sport. Without the charters, the teams are lifeless as they do not get a guaranteed spot on the grid along with the financial incentives. This scenario was frightening for Todd Gilliland, who had transitioned into the role of senior driver for his team. But, thankfully the courts came to their rescue and with the injunction they have found their mojo back.

“I think the injunction was probably a big thing, obviously, right, to kind of get back to focusing on racing. At least being around the shop. Right? Being around the front row employees. You know, now that we can go to the racetrack as charter teams, it feels like at least our business is gonna be, you know, more usual. So, that was the biggest thing to me. Right? You try and sell that to the employees and keep everyone calm and focused pushing in the right direction.” Gilliand shared this while speaking to Bob Pockrass.

It wouldn’t be wrong to say the initial phase of the lawsuit wasn’t easy for the teams. Initially, the first judge sided with NASCAR. However, the tables turned when Judge Kenneth Bell took over the suit. Things improved when Judge Bell denied NASCAR’s motion to dismiss the case, further stating, “The answers must be found when the parties have a full opportunity to pursue discovery of the relevant facts and then at trial, where the jury will be able to weigh the evidence and assess the credibility of the witnesses.” This, along with the preliminary injunction that allowed the teams to compete in 2025 and acknowledged the charter transfers from Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), provided significant relief to the teams.

“It’s very easy with social media to get, you know, very turned in a direction you don’t wanna be. But, that’s been kind of my objective all off-season is just keep everyone pointed in the right direction.” Gilliland said, “And I feel like now, at least to start the season and, you know, things can change very quickly in all this. But, at least for now, I feel like it’s business as usual for the race team and employees, drivers, you know, everyone as far as that stuff go. I think there’s a little bit.”

The injunction ruling was indeed huge for Front Row Motorsports as it allowed them to continue with their plans. Just like 23XI Racing, FRM had also expanded to a three-car operation for the 2025 season. Going by the latest trends, they might had to cough up some $20-25 million to get hold of the third charter. They had already made this investment prior to filing the lawsuit against NASCAR. Had it not been for the injunction, they would’ve taken a huge financial hit and possibly lost out on their key sponsors or even drivers.

But they braved the tough times and on-boarded talented driver Noah Gragson. While they also reunited with their former driver, Zane Smith who was ousted by Trackhouse Racing. Unlike Smith, Gragson had to endure tough times before securing the injunction.

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Noah Gragson was unbothered about his future at FRM

Now Gragson was in a desperate situation after he came to know about Stewart Haas Racing‘s plans to shut down at the end of 2024. Interestingly, this was supposed to be his big breakthrough after he fell out of favor at Legacy Motor Club after the 2023 season. Well, he did find a new seat at Front Row Motorsports, a fellow Ford team but little did he know that his future could be at risk before even starting a race for his new team.

Rather than hitting the panic button, Gragson remained calm as he was aware of the plans his team had for him. But, a lot of that depended on the injunction, which luckily favored them. “There’s a little hesitation. I try not to get my hopes swinging in one way or the other. I know that [Front Row owner] Bob Jenkins and [general manager] Jerry Freeze — they have us drivers and the people working at Front Row Motorsports — they have our best interests in mind. Us going racing — I didn’t have any concern on that. But being chartered or unchartered definitely could have swung either way.” He said this an in interview with Bob Pockrass.

Well, FRM is primed and ready for the new challenge of the year 2025. The lawsuit will play a big part in the background, but as far as racing is concerned, they can compete as a charted team at least until the end of this year.