NASCAR’s highest tier is witnessing a resurgence story unfold. It could be argued that Noah Gragson, part of Stewart-Haas Racing‘s sinking ship, hit rock bottom last year. Achieving only one top-15 in 21 starts, he faltered on the racetrack. Then he shot himself in the foot by liking an insensitive post. That awarded him a suspension and ejection from Legacy Motor Club.

However, Tony Stewart put faith in Gragson and pulled him out of the shadows. Or rather, the No. 10 driver diligently worked on himself, and the results are visible this year. So he is making his way into Front Row Motorsports as a redeemed driver.

Noah Gragson’s progress speaks for itself

The soon-to-be 26-year-old Cup driver has scripted an inspiring revival story. Last year’s tumultuous rookie season set Noah Gragson into motion. He undertook sensitivity training and changed his mental approach. Although his suspension slumped his reputation, Tony Stewart trusted Gragson’s promising outlook and took a gamble. And that leap of faith has paid off enormously.

NASCAR expert Eric Estepp expanded on this in detail on his YouTube channel. So far this year, Noah Gragson boasts six top-ten finishes. This significantly rivals his predecessor’s achievement – veteran driver Aric Almirola fetched only five top-tens. Then his 23rd spot on driver rankings is remarkable, and it would have been 21st if not for the rooftop penalty.

Noah Gragson also performed smoothly in the Chicago Street Race. Last year at the same event, he had derailed off track, hitting the tire barriers half a dozen times. This year the drastic change was visible – he was the only SHR driver to not go off track and finished a very respectable 14th. Hence, as Noah Gragson paves his way into FRM, the sky is the limit for him.

Bob Jenkins, co-owner of Front Row Motorsports, has immense confidence in Gragson, believing he will light up the team’s path. “He has just the right amount of experience in the NASCAR Cup Series to break out and become a winner for years to come. This season, Noah has started to get the finishes and race consistently up front, which was expected from him. Joining our team, staying with Ford Performance, and welcoming him to our partners, we are only going to accelerate his opportunity to win races and compete in the playoffs. This is the driver that we want to help get us more wins.”

Noah Gragson’s brilliant comeback is visible, and Tony Stewart’s investment has clearly paid off. And it was no easy journey to this point – as the rising Cup star implemented good habits last year.

Gragson yanked himself out of his sinkhole

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After ruining his rank and reputation, Noah Gragson spiraled into a bout of loneliness and challenging moments. Yet he diligently made progress – he took part in the NASCAR-mandated sensitivity program and studied about civil rights. Gragson also became a reader for the first time; being dyslexic, he never got far into a book – but now he changed that. His engagement in late-model racing also sharpened his talents.

At the end of 2023, Noah Gragson spoke about his slow but steady improvement. “It’s been a different change in pace, for sure. My routine obviously had changed, going to the racetrack every week of the last seven years since I started truck racing. It’s been different, but in a good way. It’s been change and it’s allowed me to learn more about myself, self-reflect, and work and develop habits that weren’t the best.” He added, “Balance is a great word and that’s what these last handful of months have taught me in my personal life and work life.”

And Gragson’s meticulous efforts are seeing results as he continues to shine on the racetrack. We are waiting to see where he propels himself under the FRM banner.