Gifford is the first African-American driver to win a pole in the K&N East series and works in the shop of Team Dillon Racing.

[1][2] Gifford began his career in go-karts at the age of eight, competing in the World Karting Association from 2000 to 2004, winning two track championships, and finishing 3rd in national standings in his final season.

In 2005, at age 15, he transitioned to stock car racing in dirt late models, earning three poles and four top 5s in his first season.

[3][4][5] In 2010, Gifford was among eleven young drivers selected for NASCAR's recently revamped Drive for Diversity program and piloting the #2 Chevrolet in the K&N Pro Series East.

Gifford raced alongside future national series drivers Darrell Wallace Jr. and Paulie Harraka.

Gifford started 11th and worked his way to the front, beating Brandon Gdovic and Cole Custer on a late-race restart.

[11] In August 2013, Gifford made his national series debut at Iowa Speedway for Richard Childress Racing in their No.