Kevin Harvick was known for his relentless pursuit of excellence on the racetrack. Not only did he secure a Cup Series title in 2014, the California native also had 60 career wins to his name, building a reputation as one of NASCAR’s all-time greats because of his sheer hard work. His retirement in 2023 closed the curtains on a dominant era. But the No. 4, which was inherited by fellow Stewart-Haas Racing driver Josh Berry, couldn’t live up to its lofty expectations. Berry moved on to Wood Brothers Racing for 2025. Now it’s Noah Gragson’s turn to take up the mantle, and Rodney Childers is having mixed emotions about it.

Watching Gragson zip across the track featuring the iconic No. 4 will be an odd feeling for Childers. The crew chief was atop the pit box during Harvick’s era of dominance but has recently taken over responsibilities at Spire Motorsports.

Noah Gragson will carry forward a legacy

It’s all coming together for Front Row Motorsports. Bob Jenkins’ team has taken the torch from Stewart-Haas Racing, after taking over an iconic number that has a legacy of its own. According to a recent announcement, Noah Gragson will be driving the No. 4 Ford Mustang for the 2025 Cup Series season, inheriting the number famously adorned by Kevin Harvick. Expectations will be high from the 26-year-old, especially now that he has Harvick’s number is plastered on his new car.

When Front Row Motorsports revealed Noah Gragson’s new car number, crew chief Rodney Childers couldn’t help but say, “Definitely gonna be extremely odd for me to see the 4️⃣ on track this year. But I’m super happy for @NoahGragson and @drewblick .. They will do great things.👍🏼” The Nevada native will be partnering with Drew Blickensderfer on the box for the 2025 campaign, and the driver-crew chief duo will hope to live up to the heights, previously achieved by Harvick and Childers.

In a sport like NASCAR, numbers are a legacy. Rodney Childers will be crew chief for Corey LaJoie in the upcoming season and will be forced to battle it out against a No. 4 car, which has been a big part of his history. The crew chief will have fond memories working alongside Harvick, with plenty of race wins and dominant moments that he will always cherish. That’s why seeing Gragson with the iconic number will be an odd feeling for the 48-year-old, even though he has moved on from Stewart-Haas Racing after a decade.

As for Noah Gragson, the racer has built quite a reputation for himself over the years. The Nevada native is known for his aggressive driving style and unapologetic attitude, which fits perfectly with a car number synonymous with relentlessness and hard work and Harvick’s chippy nature. The 26-year-old has earned two top-five and seven top-ten finishes in 59 Cup Series appearances and will hope to hit the ground running at Front Row Motorsports.

Blickensderfer is excited about returning to Front Row Motorsports

1

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Sister Can’t Hold Back as Kyle Busch’s Daughter Takes Center Stage at the Tulsa Shootout

2

NASCAR’s Underhanded Antics to Fool The Public Revealed By Disgraced Driver

3

The Legendary Jeff Gordon Returns to Chili Bowl Just in Time to Grace Kyle Busch’s Debut

4

Brexton Busch Goes Against His Mother’s Wishes as He Bags His First Golden Driller

5

“Society Doesn’t Allow You”: Jeff Gordon & Tiger Woods Blamed for a Major Problem in NASCAR

Front Row Motorsports’ announcement wasn’t only about Noah Gragson and his iconic number. Drew Blickensderfer will also be returning to the team for the 2025 campaign, after guiding the 26-year-old racer at Stewart-Haas Racing. The crew chief’s last stint for Bob Jenkins’ side was with Michael McDowell, helping the racer win the Daytona 500 in 2021. This time around Blickensderfer will not only bring his invaluable experience but also four new crew members to SHR to help Gragson become a playoff contender.

Sharing his thoughts after his crew chief announcement was made public, Drew Blickensderfer said, “I’m excited to be back with Front Row Motorsports. I had a great experience working for Bob (Jenkins) and Jerry (Freeze) before and now returning alongside Noah makes this opportunity even more special.” Noah Gragson also shared his thoughts, and said, “I’m grateful to have my crew chief, Drew, along with four members from last year’s team join Front Row Motorsports.”

It’s the start of a new chapter for the iconic No. 4. Expectations will be high at Front Row Motorsports, particularly from Noah Gragson going into the 2025 season. It remains to be seen how Bob Jenkins’ side will fare with Blickensderfer atop the pit box, and there will be plenty of eyes glued onto the racing driver’s Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series going forward. Will the Nevada native live up to the legacy left behind by Kevin Harvick? Time will tell.