David Gilliland is 37th in the points right now. In 2008, he finished 27th in the Cup Standings and 26th in 2006.
I never heard of him until he won that “Nationwide” race where he dusted the field in his un-sponsored black car. But should a man be immortalized for a car that unloaded in perfect match up with the track? Or was this a cursed sort of good luck?
He does have some background that made me think he’s got what it takes, aside from that one night.
He won a track championship at Perris Auto Speedway in 1999. In 2004 he was the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series Rookie-of-the-Year.
His win at Kentucky made him the first non-Cup driver to win a “Nationwide” race in 2006. Later in 2006 he replaced Elliott Sadler in the M&M’s car.
Now he finds himself driving for multiple teams when they have a ride / seat available.
He seemed on the hot track but never pulled the trigger, so to speak.
As much as I’d like to see guys come from nowhere to make a name for themselves, David has either had the crappiest of luck or other factors that have kept him from making it a noticeable effort in Cup, on his part.
From NBaP, we say good luck while others say make room for those coming up in the ranks.
What say you?
