"I am SO happy we finally did it" - Todd Gilliland's wife Marissa shares heartfelt Thanksgiving experience volunteering with family
NASCAR driver Todd Gilliland's wife, Marissa Gilliland shared her family's first volunteering experience on Thanksgiving.
Todd, who is the son of former driver and team owner David Gilliland, has been making strides in his NASCAR career. The 24-year-old will drive the No. 34 car in the Cup Series for Front Row Motorsports next year. Todd and Marissa tied the knot in December 2023 in the Bahamas, a year after their engagement.
To switch things on Thanksgiving, Marissa convinced her family to volunteer this year. In an Instagram post on November 28, she reflected on the day with Mercy Chefs in Burnsville, North Carolina.
"Happy Thanksgivingš¦ The past few years Iāve told my family we should do something different and volunteer on Thanksgiving and this year we finally did!! My parents, sister, Todd and I along with many others and @mercychefs helped make Thanksgiving day a little more special for those in Burnsville, NC. I am SO happy we finally did itā¤ļø thank you @homeless_holmes for making it happen," Marissa wrote.
Marissa also thanked three-time West Series champion Eric Holmes' wife, Elle Holmes for helping with the arrangements.
"Itās now time to enjoy being home" - Marissa on Todd Gilliland's 2024 season
Todd Gilliland started racing in the Cup Series in 2022 with Front Row Motorsports, driving the No. 38 car. Last year, he split time between Front Row Motorsports and Rick Ware Racing and finished 28th in points.
Gillland completed his third Cup Series season with four top-10 finishes this year. He ended 22nd in the final standings. Marrisa celebrated the end of the season in a post on Instagram and wrote:
"Season 3 in the booksā¤ļø Time sure is flying. Todd and the entire 38 team have lots to be proud of this year!! So thankful for everyone who makes it all happen for my Hubbyš«¶š» itās now time to enjoy being home for a little."
It was confirmed last week that Gilliland will drive the No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Front Row Motorsports, the car his father raced during his NASCAR career. Talking about the move, Todd said (via Jayski):
āIt is really humbling to race the No. 34 Loveās Travel Stops Ford Mustang beginning next season. Itās just another cool moment in my career to race for a company that represented my father at FRM. The 34 Ford is what started FRM in the Cup Series and there is a lot of history with Loveās, FRM, and my family. I still remember watching my dad race the Loveās Ford."
Gilliland has 10 top-10 finishes in 108 Cup races.