USA Today via Reuters
Oct 3, 2020; Lincoln, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Chase Briscoe (98) leads NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Noah Gragson (9) at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 3, 2020; Lincoln, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Chase Briscoe (98) leads NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Noah Gragson (9) at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Noah Gragson has been in fine form over the past couple of races. The 22-year old is currently locked in a battle with Chase Briscoe and Austin Cindric in the Xfinity playoffs. Gragson finished 2nd in Las Vegas, followed by 4th place at Talladega. Of course, that became third place when Michael Annett got disqualified.
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Heading into the coming weekend’s race at the Charlotte road course, Gragson has been confirmed as the pole-sitter. Alongside him in the front row is Talladega race winner, Justin Haley. This hands Gragson a massive advantage in the playoff battle, especially with Chase Briscoe and Austin Cindric down the order.
Gragson on Xfinity pole, Haley joins him on front row for race Saturday on the Charlotte road course: pic.twitter.com/KPXFvAeAIN
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 7, 2020
Behind Gragson and Haley, Daniel Hemric lines up 4th alongside Brandon Jones and Ross Chastain, completing the Top 5. Ryan Sieg and Brandon Brown add two more obstacles for playoff leader, Chase Briscoe. Meanwhile, Harrison Burton and Justin Allgaier separate Briscoe from Austin Cindric. Finally, Kaz Grala lines up next to Cindric, ahead of Riley Herbst and Michael Annett.
Can Noah Gragson bag a victory at the Charlotte Roval?
The 22-year old already has two wins at Daytona and Bristol under his belt and will want to add a third. Since Darlington, Gragson has consistently finished in the Top 10, going no lower than 8th.
On Sunday, there was a minor incident involving Gragson and Chase Briscoe. Apparently, Gragson tried to give the latter a helping hand, courtesy a bump draft. Unfortunately, he underestimated his approach and Briscoe paid the price.
Fortunately, Briscoe did not hold it against him and insisted that Gragson simply tried to pass him. His own job was to try and block him as much as possible. In his eyes, it was a pure racing incident and there was no harm done to either driver in the process.
He tweeted, “Hard racing for the win! No shame by Chase Briscoe. We’re both trying to win! Hell of a race. On to the next one! Respect!”
Now, Gragson will be hoping to convert the pole position to. a victory. However, Justin Haley and the other playoff racers will definitely keep him on his toes.
