Riding high with 13 victories and several top-10 finishes in the Xfinity Series, the former No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driver carved out a reputation to be reckoned with. His prowess in NASCAR’s secondary circuit led him from JR Motorsports to the doors of Beard Motorsports and, subsequently, Legacy Motor Club, for his ultimate Cup Series journey.

However, recent times have seen a shift in the wind. After a breach of Section 4.4.D. in the NASCAR Rule Book, the former LMC driver finds himself at a crossroads. But all hope isn’t lost. His previous mentor and boss, Dale Earnhardt Jr., conveyed his enduring faith in the driver on his podcast while also touching upon the current challenges faced by the team post his departure.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. remains optimistic about his former driver’s trajectory in the racing world

While the NASCAR community has been largely tight-lipped regarding Gragson’s recent controversies, Earnhardt Jr., his former mentor, holds unwavering faith in him.

To recap, on August 5th, Noah Gragson faced an indefinite suspension from NASCAR and LMC due to a behavioral breach after he endorsed a distasteful meme related to the unfortunate demise of George Floyd on social media. While he quickly expressed remorse online, by August 10th, Gragson had officially communicated his wish to sever ties with Jimmie Johnson’s LMC, redirecting his focus on regaining his standing in the racing realm.

The air has been silent since, with no updates on Gragson’s next steps or any teams showing interest. Yet Earnhardt Jr., Gragson’s prior team owner during his stint in the Xfinity Series, is confident of his pride’s potential return to the tracks. Earnhardt Jr. confidently states, “I think Noah can get back. I think he is good enough. He has won enough races in Xfinity Series. He has got it all together in his head, on his shoulders; he can be of a pretty good value for a team.”

However, Earnhardt Jr. also candidly admits his unawareness of Gragson’s current emotional landscape. He wonders if Noah Gragson is grappling with the typical emotions drivers experience when they see another at the wheel of their former car or if his focus lies elsewhere. One thing Earnhardt Jr. is certain of is the tumultuous times Jimmie Johnson’s team is navigating, facing both manufacturer changes and the loss of a pivotal driver.

Intriguingly, amidst this backdrop, NASCAR insiders, too, seem to harbor hope for Gragson’s return under certain conditions.

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Could Noah Gragson’s racing career see a renaissance?

During a recent deliberation on Gragson’s suspension, the DBC pundits hinted at a glimmer of hope for him, contingent on his sponsors standing firm. Freddie Kraft, on his podcast, optimistically remarked that Gragson’s racing tale might still unfold.

Candidly, Kraft voiced, “To this point, if these sponsors back away and they say Hey! We don’t want any part in this either; there’s a good chance you don’t see him again.” In his view, Gragson’s pathway hinges on financial backing.

Read More: Noah Gragson’s Suspension Could Be a Blessing in Disguise for Joe Gibbs Racing

Fans rooting for Gragson’s return draw hope from endorsements by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the DBC ensemble. Buzz suggests that his sponsors are still on board, possibly paving the way for a fresh start with another team and a triumphant return to the race. Yet, only time will unveil Gragson’s next chapter.

Watch This Story: Dale Earnhardt Jrs Pride Fired From Cup Series Hms Icon Replaces Him