“Love You Brother. Rest Easy!”- Noah Gragson & NASCAR Fans in Mourning Amidst Biggest Supporter’s Sudden Demise

NASCAR fans are loyal. Let’s take Dale Earnhardt Jr’s example from 2009. Remember when he went through a miserable season of bad luck, mechanical failures, personnel changes, and driver and team errors? Fans never left his side, and the following only grew. The Jr Nation still makes up a big part of the NASCAR audience. Similar is Noah Gragson’s journey to the top of NASCAR, which has been nothing short of tumultuous.

From being suspended by NASCAR for his interaction with a racially insensitive post to making a bold move to Stewart-Haas Racing, the driver has had a lot to wade through. Even after losing his place in the team last season, one thing remained constant: the ‘NG Nation‘. And among his devoted fans stood his superfan, Steven. Yes, the kind human with a ‘big ol smile!’

Steven wasn’t just a fan; he was a part of the NASCAR family, cheering for Noah through thick and thin. On June 21st, Steven passed away. His spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire Gragson as he navigates the challenging path ahead, carrying with him the memory of his most dedicated supporter. This is indeed a sad piece of news for the driver who hopes to secure his future in NASCAR.

Noah Gragson shared his loss, and posted a picture on X, as he wrote, “Steven was one of my biggest supporters. I cherished the time spent with him at races. I, along with many others, will miss his smile and electric personality. Love you brother. Rest easy!” 

For Noah Gragson, this year has been nothing short of a nightmare. The announcement of Stewart-Haas Racing’s exit at the end of the season had already placed a heavy burden on his shoulders, as Gragson mentioned in an interview on June 16, “he doesn’t have anything yet for next year. He hopes there is a place for him to race on Sundays,” per Bob Pockrass.

And, now, losing one of his biggest fans only deepens the heartache. One can scarcely imagine the profound sense of loss and sadness that must weigh on Noah Gragson.

Steven’s absence will be deeply felt. As the NASCAR community heads to Loudon, the NG Nation mourns the loss of one of its most devoted members. This weekend, they’ll feel an irreplaceable void without Steven’s presence as it marks a somber chapter in what has already been a tumultuous year for the driver of the #10 Mustang Darkhorse. That being said, the entire ‘NG Nation‘ joined in to mourn and celebrate Steven’s life on X.

The NASCAR community remembers Steven: “He was always smiling”

Apart from being loved and cherished by his favorite driver, Steven also had a deep impact on the NASCAR community. By sticking with Noah Gragson, whether at Legacy Motor Club or Stewart-Haas Racing, Superfan Steven sets an example for every fan to strive for. Naturally, community members felt the need to commemorate his gifts to the community.

One user stated, “Thanks, Noah. Steven was your biggest fan.” Some also hinted at how, despite being a Noah Gragson supporter, Steven’s positive attitude on the track made every other NASCAR fan into a fan of Steven too. Another added, “This one is a real gut punch. I never saw him without a big ol smile and a kind word. Take it easy Steven!” 

Looking back on some of their fondest memories, users began to reminisce about Steven’s presence on track. A few fans remember meeting Steven. On the same line, a user revealed, “I had the pleasure of meeting Steven as I was waiting in line for Noah at Nashville. He was always smiling and making everyone feel good as we waited in line. Sad to see him go and prayers out to his family.”

Similarly, another fan commended Gragson for his tribute, “Thank you for doing this, Noah. I only got the pleasure of meeting him once, but he was a genuinely good dude. NG Nation will be missing a big piece moving forward.”

The stories about Steven’s interactions with people on track just kept rolling in. One fan highlighted, “You are a class act @NoahGragson. I have spent many weekends with him at Talladega, Steven will be missed by so many. ‘Boone tip jar bar.'”

Keeping aside Steven’s connections to the NG Nation, one user remembered those who were hurt the most; Steven’s family. The user shared their heartfelt condolences; “Praying for all who love Steve.” 

Since its inception in 1947, NASCAR has woven itself into the fabric of our lives, capturing the attention and hearts of fans across the globe. Do you know that despite the sport having seen an ebb and flow, one thing has always stood tall: the unwavering support of its fans? And losing a fan is not just a loss of support for a driver; it’s a profound loss for the entire sport.

As Noah Gragson’s superfan bids farewell to the realm of life for greater things, Team EssentiallySports offers its deepest condolences to Steven’s friends and family; a man who embodied the very spirit of what it means to be a true NASCAR fan. May he rest in heaven!