The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series grid is finally shaping up as another puzzle piece falls into place. The latest recruit is a familiar face, as Noah Gragson will pilot the #10 car for Stewart-Haas Racing. The organization had two vacancies, with the departure of Kevin Harvick and Aric Almirola. Josh Berry was recruited earlier this year to take over driving duties in the #4 Ford. Now, Noah Gragson is all set to join the party.
According to reports, the former Legacy Motor Club driver will compete on the back of a multi-year contract. His crew chief will be Drew Blickensderfer. With Noah Gragson, Josh Berry, Chase Briscoe, and Ryan Preece at the helm, things should be very interesting for Stewart-Haas Racing. The question is, is young blood the key to the team’s revival after a nightmare 2023 campaign?
A second chance for Noah Gragson and Stewart-Haas Racing
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Earlier this year, Noah Gragson landed himself in hot waters and earned a suspension for his troubles. At that time, he was competing for Legacy Motor Club, and the organization decided to let him go in mid-season. Since he has now become a persona non grata, Gragson sat out for the remainder of the campaign.
However, it looks like after completing sensitivity training, Noah Gragson had nothing else better to do than update his resume or twiddle his thumbs. The official handle of NASCAR shared news stating Noah Gragson will be the driver for the No. 10, and that too not for one season, but SHR announcing a multi-year contract with the 25-year-old.
NEWS: @StewartHaasRcng announces @NoahGragson will drive the No. 10 car as part of a multiyear deal starting in 2024. pic.twitter.com/figbNH83Ba
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) December 13, 2023
Meanwhile, Stewart-Haas Racing was wrestling with a completely different problem. Throughout the 2023 season, the organization has not been particularly competitive. The outgoing Kevin Harvick tried his hardest to single-handedly carry the team, reaching as far as the Playoffs.
READ MORE: NASCAR Community Cracks Down on “Lofty Expectations” From Noah Gragson With Harsh Reality Check
However, with Harvick exiting, the picture could only do so much, and his swan song was also in ruins. Teammates Briscoe, Preece, and Aric Almirola also endured miserable runs, and all four drivers went winless. So in short, 2024 could be a season of redemption for both team and driver.
Can Noah Gragson be the key to SHR’s revival?
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Now, with Kevin Harvick and Aric Almirola hanging up their boots, it is time for new blood. Josh Berry has proven himself as a super substitute for Hendrick Motorsports, and SHR might have struck gold in signing him. However, Berry has some big shoes to fill, as he is taking over the seat that Kevin Harvick vacated. Meanwhile, Noah Gragson is replacing Aric Almirola, who has recently signed for Joe Gibbs Racing’s Xfinity Series operation.
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Of the SHR quartet, Chase Briscoe is the senior-most figure, with 2024 being his fourth season with the organization. However, it is worth noting that this line-up is relatively inexperienced. Especially since 2024 is Josh Berry’s full-time debut, Ryan Preece is just entering his second season with the team, and it is Noah Gragson’s SHR debut year. Whether that will work against them or not, only time will tell.
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On the bright side, all four drivers have new toys to play with, with the debut of the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. All in all, Stewart-Haas Racing is champing at the bit and ready for the redemption arc to begin.