Bob Pockrass Reveals Tony Stewart Picks Noah Gragson, Snubbing AJ Allmendinger for Grand Cup Series Return

The stage is set for a pivotal shift at Stewart-Haas Racing. With two of its star drivers departing at the end of this season, the racing powerhouse faces critical decisions regarding their replacements. In a recent revelation on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, reputed journalist Bob Pockrass shared insights into the ever-evolving driver lineup, shedding light on the choices Tony Stewart is facing for the #10 team.

Stewart-Haas Racing finds itself in a state of transition. They are bidding farewell to Kevin Harvick and possibly Aric Almirola at the end of the season—two stalwart drivers who have left their indelible mark on the team. While Tony Stewart has found the replacement for Harvick in the form of Josh Berry, the coveted seat at the #10 team is still up for grabs.

Bob Pockrass thinks Tony Stewart is most likely to pick Noah Gragson for the #10 car

Bob Pockrass discussed the potential candidates to fill the #10 seat in a recent conversation with the Door Bumper Clear podcast crew. He mentioned that one driver stands out as the closest contender for the #10 team and that he is none other than Noah Gragson, who made headlines with his departure from Legacy Motor Club earlier this year.

Noah Gragson’s journey in the NASCAR Cup Series took a tumultuous turn when he faced an indefinite suspension for an unfortunate incident. He had liked an offensive meme, leading to his abrupt exit from the series. However, in September, NASCAR reinstated the talented rookie, after he completed a mandated program.

Bob Pockrass brought forth key revelations regarding Gragson’s future. Notably, he expressed confidence in Aric Almirola not returning for the upcoming season. Pockrass shed light on the intricacies of negotiations and sponsorships, highlighting Gragson’s active pursuit of a Cup Series ride and the challenges that have thwarted several deals. Curious to know who the driver for the #10 car will be, Brett Griffin asked, “So who do you think is in the 10 as of this week? Can you tell us?”

Pockrass said, “I mean, I think Noah Gragson is certainly a candidate for it, you know. He sounds like he’s talked to several teams over the last month. And it sounds like some things have gotten close and then don’t happen. And is that because other teams have started coming in, or you know, teams having second thoughts or they’re still trying to figure out funding? I am not sure which. But certainly, he has become a candidate for that ride.

“As far as the 16, I don’t know. After yesterday, you’d say, ‘Man! You definitely would wanna put Allmendinger back in there.’ But it doesn’t sound like that’s necessarily their plan.”

Aric Almirola, who has already created enough suspense about his place in the SHR team, gave another reason for the community to speculate.

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Drivers often balance the demands of the track with a multitude of obligations, including sponsor events and promotional engagements. Such commitments leave little room for personal endeavors, making every missed team event a subject of speculation.

Aric Almirola, a veteran driver at SHR, recently missed a team sponsor summit, sparking questions about his already difficult position of retirement. However, Almirola’s explanation painted a heartwarming picture. In a conversation with Bob Pockrass, the SHR driver clarified his absence, revealing his unwavering commitment to family.

Almirola stated, “I couldn’t move my simulator date. My son had a baseball game Tuesday night, and that has been important to me. I don’t want to miss my son’s baseball game. Everybody at SHR knows that. That’s been something that I have worked with them on over the years. And especially since he’s gotten into baseball. I moved my simulator dates and times around to make sure that I can make it to his games.”

This revelation offers a refreshing perspective, showcasing a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver who values family time amid a demanding racing schedule. It’s a testament to the balancing act that drivers perform, both on and off the track.

As the NASCAR offseason looms and the anticipation for the next season builds, the puzzle of driver lineups continues to captivate fans and industry insiders alike. The prospect of Noah Gragson taking the wheel at Stewart Haas Racing’s #10 team adds another layer of excitement to the mix. Do you think Tony Stewart will go with Noah Gragson for the #10 team? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.

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