If you’ve paid any attention to the NASCAR Xfinity Series over the past four years, then you need no introduction to Noah Gragson.
Through his on-track prowess (eight wins, two Championship 4 appearances), his multi-layered victory celebrations (catching the track on fire, climbing the fence, shotgunning a beer, throwing up), his feuds with other drivers and teams or his Tim Richmond-esque look and demeanor, Gragson has made a name for himself in the series.
He’s got diehard fans and diehard haters, but they all can agree that the 24-year-old has talent.
That talent was rewarded last week with a NASCAR Cup Series ride. Gragson will drive the No. 42 for Petty GMS Motorsports in 2023, replacing Ty Dillon.
“I think it’s not only the hard work that I put in, but it takes a lot of people to get to this point of my career and to go get to the Cup level,” Gragson told Frontstretch. “The different members of different teams, it takes everybody that’s been involved since my first race. … Every single person that’s been a part of it, couldn’t have done it without each and every one of them.
“So it’s really not about me, it’s about the journey and the process and everybody’s hard work. And it takes a village to be able to get to this point in anyone’s racing career. And it takes a lot of people and a lot of support from partners and a lot of sacrifice from a lot of people. So I guess I kind of get the credit. But really, those people should be getting just as much credit, if not more, because none of this would be possible without each and every person involved.”
Gragson was probably the top Xfinity prospect on the market who didn’t have a clear-ish path to Cup like Ty Gibbs or Austin Hill. Though it would’ve made complete sense had he signed to drive the No. 16 for Kaulig Racing in Cup, since he’s already driving that car part time this year. Gragson said he and Kaulig had tried to make that happen.
“I would love to have [driven for Kaulig next year],” Gragson said. “I love this race team. I love every single person in the organization. We actually talked to Kaulig about putting a deal together for next year to run the Cup Series for them.
“Just all the puzzle pieces didn’t align, but it wasn’t a lack of anybody’s effort. It’s just, this is a business, and they have to do what’s right for them. And vice versa, we have to do what’s right for…
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