Despite Noah Gragson’s Potential, What Should Fans Expect From Him and Stewart-Haas Racing?

NASCAR is all about impressive comebacks. Whether it’s Dale Earnhardt Jr‘s return to the top step of Talladega after eleven long years or his father’s elusive Daytona 500 win. The sport has seen its fair share of comeback stories. When eager drivers find competent cars beneath their feet, it’s bound to create some historic moments. But for Noah Gragson, his second chance in the Cup Series with Stewart-Haas Racing could end in tragedy just as much as it could in glory.

After undergoing quite the ordeal over the last few months, Noah is a changed man. His experience after being suspended by NASCAR and ousted from Legacy Motor Club due to his irresponsible social media activity has molded him into a formidable force both on and off the track. But is this newfound character development enough to break through SHR‘s recent struggles?

Stewart-Haas Racing is headed into a season of unknowns with Noah Gragson behind the #10 car

Noah Gragson may have got the opportunity of a lifetime driving for Stewart-Haas Racing, but the 25-year-old has some humongous shoes to fill. While there’s no comparison between a young racer like Gragson and the iconic Kevin Harvick, living up to Aric Almirola‘s standards will be a difficult task on its own. And although Gragson has made strides to mature his character, it is to be seen how he performs under Tony Stewart‘s wing.

Moreover, there’s a lot of work ahead for Stewart-Haas Racing if they want to turn things around and end their streak of mediocrity. In 2023, SHR lost out big time to Team Penske and RFK Racing. Aside from Kevin Harvick delivering one final hurrah for the team before his retirement, the other three cars failed to make it to the playoffs. The car that Gragson is taking over also has only four top-five finishes in the Next Gen era.

But Stewart-Haas Racing‘s saving grace could very well be the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, an updated challenger that could prove a formidable force if its visual design is anything to go by. While Toyota has also revealed the Camry XSE, the Dark Horse might put Gragson and SHR at an advantage over teams running the Camaro. It could be a brilliant year for Noah Gragson if he manages to consistently run at the top of the pack and notch a win or two. An appearance in the playoffs would be the icing on the cake.

The situation at SHR may seem bleak for Aric Almirola and Kevin Harvick fans, but Gragson’s reunion with Josh Berry and the start of new relationships with Ryan Preece and Chase Briscoe could create the perfect blend of Next Gen drivers for the team struggling of late. But for Noah Gragson, a familiar voice helped ease the pressure of a second chance this massive.

Bubba Wallace shares words of encouragement with Gragson

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When Noah Gragson’s 2023 charge came to a halt after his irresponsible social media activity, morale was low for the rookie. But with Stewart-Haas Racing’s helping hand, his second chance could not have come at a better time. A changed man after doing some self-reflection and sensitivity training, Gragson spoke to Bubba Wallace about his plans to make the most of this opportunity.

WATCH THIS STORY: Noah Gragson Opens Up About The Second Opportunity Given to Him by Tony Stewart

For a man like Bubba Wallace, navigating the hurdles in NASCAR has become second nature. He advised Gragson to make the most of the time he has before the next season to continue reflecting and growing as a person. Wallace was quoted by Fox Sports as saying, “I told him, I’m like, ‘Man, this is your time right now to reflect, grow up, and that things can change in a matter of seconds, obviously, and so utilize this moment, learn from it, and show up and be better.'”

Bubba Wallace had full confidence in Gragon’s sincerity to become a better person. He concluded his thoughts on the situation with positivity, “We’ll see what happens. Everybody makes mistakes, and, Noah, just from his voice and kind of the passion behind what he was saying, it sounded genuine. We’ll find out.”

It’s safe to say that everyone from the NASCAR Community to ace drivers like Bubba Wallace is rooting for Noah Gragson and Stewart-Haas Racing’s comeback. But will the 2024 season go Gragson’s way?

READ MORE: Elated Over Noah Gragson’s Redemption, Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Sister Comes in Support of Tony Stewart’s Latest Recruit