Todd Gilliland's 2017 NASCAR schedule expands with Truck races

Kyle Busch Motorsports announced Wednesday that the reigning K&N Pro Series West champion will compete in four Camping World Truck Series races with the organization in 2017 in its No. 51 Toyota.

Gilliland, who competed in seven Super Late Model races for KBM in 2016, will make his Truck Series debut in the June 17 race at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Ill.

Gilliland, 16, will also compete at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on Sept. 3, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sept. 23; and at Phoenix International Raceway on Nov. 10.

Earlier this month, Gilliland, the son of NASCAR veteran David Gilliland, revealed that he will also compete fulltime in both the K&N Pro Series East and West in 2017.

“Moving up into the top levels of NASCAR is going to be a learning experience, but I know that I'm getting behind the wheel of fast Tundras and with the staff that they have in place at KBM and the knowledge that Kyle can pass along I'm going to learn a lot and continue to grow as a driver,” Todd Gilliland said.

Behind six wins, Gilliland became the youngest champion in the history of any NASCAR national or touring series this season. He also competed in five K&N Pro Series East races in 2016, earning one win.

“Todd joined the driver lineup for our Super Late Model program this year and we liked what we saw with his competitive nature and strong work ethic, so we are looking forward to seeing him move up to the Truck Series program for 2017 and getting behind the wheel of our Tundras for four races," team owner Kyle Busch said.

“He proved by winning several races in the K&N Series, both East and West, and the West Series championship that he has the talent to succeed in bigger stock cars and he deserves a chance to compete at higher levels next season.”

Busch will drive five races in the No. 51 next season as well. Additional drivers will be announced at a later date.