After completing four races, Gragson and his No. 10 Ford team emerge as the most consistent performers within SHR, a development warmly embraced by both driver and team alike.
Gragson’s current standing of 26th in the series standings may seem misleading, primarily due to a 35-point penalty imposed by NASCAR for unapproved roof air deflectors discovered on his car during the Atlanta race.
On the track, Gragson has secured a pair of top-10 finishes and showcased a strong performance throughout Sunday’s race at Phoenix, maintaining a position in the top 10 for the majority of the event before settling for 12th place during the final extended green-flag run. Excluding the penalty, the 25-year-old native of Las Vegas would comfortably occupy the 15th position in the standings.
These commendable performances have significantly bolstered Gragson’s confidence, a remarkable turnaround considering his previous struggles. Last year, he lost his ride at Legacy Motor Club following a NASCAR suspension due to a violation of its code of conduct. Simultaneously, these performances also offer encouragement to SHR, which has grappled with performance issues over the past two seasons.
While teammates Ryan Preece and Josh Berry have encountered challenges at the outset of the year, Gragson and Chase Briscoe’s success illustrates the strides made by the organization.
“We will continue to persevere and learn. Every race. Every weekend. It’s still early. Only the fourth race,” remarked Gragson. “We maintained a top-10 position for a significant portion of the day, and while finishing 12th is somewhat disappointing, it’s invigorating to perform well and still desire more.”
Expressing his enthusiasm about his offseason transition to SHR, Gragson credits his robust relationship with his new team and crew chief Drew Blickensderfer for his newfound confidence.
“I have immense trust in Drew and the entire team. They’ve played a crucial role in bolstering my confidence,” shared Gragson. “We share a strong bond, and I know they have my back. Having a competitive setup allows me to push harder and commit fully to each turn. Compared to this time last year, the confidence I bring to the track is significantly higher.”
Despite having only his second career series start at Phoenix, Gragson expressed optimism about the new short-track aero rules introduced during Sunday’s race.
“For me, the car handled exceptionally well compared to previous experiences here. Whether it was the package from last year or other factors, I can’t say. Perhaps the more experienced drivers can provide better insights,” he reflected. “I felt comfortable with the setup. We had ample flexibility to maneuver, and the tire performed admirably. It was an enjoyable day on the track.”
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