REVEALED: The Roaring Message from Noah Gragson’s Crew Chief That Powered Him to Martinsville Victory
On Sunday at Martinsville, Noah Gragson did what he needed to do to keep his Last 4 hopes alive; win the race. But this wouldn’t have been possible without key advice from his crew chief, Dave Elenz.
In a tweet posted by Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, he revealed Elenz’s reply to Gragson’s question about the strategy.
Why did Noah Gragson take the outside of the front row instead of lining up behind Daniel Hemric on the inside? He asked crew chief Dave Elenz and Elenz said, "Winners take the front row." So he did.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) October 31, 2021
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With his victory on Saturday, Gragson joined Austin Cindric, AJ Allmendinger, and Daniel Hemric for the final showdown in Phoenix.
How the action unfolded for winner Noah Gragson
Heading into the race, the JR Motorsports driver could have only advanced to the final stage of the series with just one outcome, which was taking the chequered flag.
Prior to the race, Gragson himself had confidently claimed he’d win the race.
As the action unfolded, the driver from Las Vegas spun the race leader Ty Gibbs on Lap 201 and took the lead.
But Daniel Hemric took the lead back from Gragson with 19 laps to go and just as Hemric thought he’d win, a caution sent the race into overtime.
At the restart, Gragson chose the outside of the front row on the restart.
This was much to everyone’s surprise, as taking the inside is usually more ideal to make a pass, but Gragson took his chief’s advice.
Going into Turn 4, side by side, the 23-year-old driver made a move on Hemric from the outside lane and reclaimed the lead of the race.
In the second overtime, Gragson held off Austin Cindric behind him and took the victory with a record margin of .064 seconds at the thrilling finish at Martinsville Speedway.
“We’re going to the Final Four, baby!”- Noah Gragson’s message
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Naturally, the driver advancing to the finale in Phoenix was jubilant and emotional.
Gragson wasn’t afraid to show his emotions in a post-race interview.
“I’m getting a little choked up right now, and I know I’m going on and on, but this is Martinsville, baby! We’re going to the final four!”
"I wanna cry right now."
An emotional @NoahGragson explains his feelings after his #Championship4 clinching win at @MartinsvilleSwy! pic.twitter.com/PBNFdOySKz
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) October 31, 2021
The young driver celebrated the race victory with his fans and crew after climbing the fence into the grandstand.
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He even chugged a beer given to him by a fan in the stands.
As the stage is set for the season finale, Noah Gragson would already be preparing for his first championship.
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And knowing what happened that led him to Phoenix, he will unquestionably thank his crew chief Dave Elenz and ask for more of such pieces of advice.
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