NASCAR driver Noah Gragson, currently racing for Stewart-Haas Racing, faces a significant career juncture as his team plans to shut down after the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. Amidst the uncertainty, Gragson, who is without a confirmed seat for 2025, expects his next career move to be announced within the coming weeks.
In an interview with Bob Pockrass from FOX Sports, Gragson shared insights into the mental challenge of navigating his future while trying to perform on the track.
“I think probably within the next week or two you’ll probably start hearing some stuff,” Gragson stated. His focus remains on the immediate races. “It definitely allows you the closer you get to focus more on just doing your job on the weekend [rather than] your mind wondering what’s gonna happen next year. Obviously, it’s easier said than done not to think about next year and focus on right now.
“It definitely is something that I feel like I can compete on Sundays with these guys. And hopefully, we get that opportunity.”
Noah Gragson told me yesterday he feels good that his 2025 Cup ride could be announced in next couple weeks. He has been primarily linked to filling one of the two open Front Row Motorpsorts seats for next year. pic.twitter.com/GL8nNNanwJ
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 7, 2024
Gragson has been linked to Front Row Motorsports, potentially filling one of the two spots opened due to Michael McDowell shifting to Spire Motorsports and a charter purchase from SHR. However, as of now, there has been no official confirmation about Gragson joining Front Row Motorsports.
James Gilbert/Getty Images
Reflecting on the fallout from the announcement of Stewart-Haas Racing’s impending closure, Gragson described the emotional toll it took on the team.
“It was definitely an emotional week, challenging week for our organization but the goal still stands,” he explained. Gragson has striven to keep team morale high: “I brought my team together and told them, ‘Hey, don’t burn a bridge. Don’t say something out of spite or whatnot and be frustrated. It’s gonna be a challenge today and I know how much this place means to you guys.’
“That, and the goal still continues of ‘let’s work hard’. And the harder we work, the better opportunity we have to build our stock as a team. And have an opportunity in the future.”
Reviewing Gragson’s performance in his final season with Stewart-Haas Racing, he is currently ranked 23rd in the points standings. Despite the challenges, he has managed six top-10 finishes and one top-five finish, occasionally being the fastest car for SHR.
The closure of Stewart-Haas Racing illustrates a tumultuous phase in NASCAR’s competitive landscape, impacting not just the drivers but the teams, too. For Gragson, finding a new seat means preserving his career momentum and continuing his progression in NASCAR’s elite.
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