David Gililand was virtually an unknown this time last year. The only way you would know him is if you knew his father, Butch, a former Cup driver. His name started circulating June of 2006 at Kentucky Speedway when he became the first non cup driver to win a Busch Series race.
2 months later, Robert and Doug Yates were looking for a driver when Elliott Sadler made the switch to Ray Everham Motorsports. They decided to go with Gililand. Only making 15 starts in 2006, he had an average finish of 28th. He also won a Bud Pole at Talladega in October. Not bad for a rookie!
Next Sunday, David's name will go down in the record books when he leads 42 other drivers to the drop of the green flag at the 49th Daytona 500. This will only be David's second start at Daytona. The first coming recently at the Budweiser Shootout where he finished 2nd to Tony Stewart. Sure, a lot of people will forget who finished 2nd, but David and the entire 38 M&Ms team will remember.
David knows that Robert and Doug Yates took a big chance on him and he is grateful everyday for it. He can't wait to start a full season at RYR and to show the world what he is made of. I believe he will win a race this season. Will it be on Sunday? Guess we will all have to watch the 500. Good Luck David. Everyone is cheering you on!!!!
We Moved!!!
13 years ago
