In December, Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) made a significant announcement, revealing the recruitment of Noah Gragson for full-time participation in the NASCAR Cup Series, steering the No. 10 Fords from the upcoming 2024 season onward.
The 25-year-old native of Las Vegas is eagerly anticipating his debut with the new team, which is set to take place at Sunday’s non-points preseason exhibition, the Busch Light Clash, hosted at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Despite the absence of championship points at stake and the exclusion of live pit stops, Gragson emphasizes that the Clash poses unique challenges for him to integrate seamlessly into his new team.
“While it’s advantageous because it’s not a points race, it’s an exhibition race, we approach it with the same mentality. It’s almost tougher than a points race because you’re not automatically locked in,” Gragson explained.
He elaborated on the distinctive format of the event, highlighting the requirement to race into the top 23 positions, drawing parallels with the intensity of qualifying for events like the Snowball Derby. Gragson underscores the pressure associated with securing a good starting position and emphasizes the need for meticulous preparation.
Reflecting on his 2023 rookie Cup season, which was marked by suspension and reinstatement following a violation of NASCAR’s code of conduct, Gragson participated in last year’s Clash with Legacy Motor Club, finishing 14th.
This year, with a new team, crew, and crew chief in Drew Blickensderfer, Gragson acknowledges the substantial learning curve ahead.
“It’s beneficial to get an extra opportunity before the official season kick-off with the Daytona 500. Every chance to enhance communication is valuable,” Gragson noted. He emphasizes the time required to establish a strong rapport with the crew chief and sees the Clash as a prime occasion to foster that crucial connection.
Gragson expresses optimism about his No. 10 team, which saw veteran Aric Almirola as its driver last year, highlighting the blend of “a lot of experience” and “a lot of youth.” He commends Blickensderfer’s leadership, describing him as an “unbelievable leader” with a unique ability to balance focus and enjoyment.
“As drivers, we’re leaders as well, but working hand-in-hand with Drew, he’s really focused but also enjoys his time. Building camaraderie, team chemistry, and fostering the right culture are crucial, and I believe we’ve achieved that at this point,” Gragson concluded.
