Noah Gragson, the 25-year-old Las Vegas trailblazer, is ready to make his mark on the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024. But for Gragson, his debut season with Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) is about more than just chasing trophies. It’s about finding balance, appreciating his love for the sport, and rediscovering the ‘little things.’

Gragson’s journey took a challenging turn last year at Legacy Motor Club, where he faced suspension and reinstatement due to a violation of NASCAR’s code of conduct. However, December brought a beacon of hope as Stewart-Haas Racing announced his return and full-time inclusion in the Cup Series, piloting the No. 10 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for the 2024 season.

Noah Gragson Sets His Sights on Finding Joy Beyond the Victory Lap

Amidst all the buzz for the 66th edition of the Daytona 500, the 2022 Xfinity series runners-up shed light on their past experiences and the lessons they imparted. He emphasized the importance of balance and self-awareness, acknowledging the intricate interplay between racing and relaxation. “Everything is about balance, no matter what it is,” Noah Gragson remarked on Wednesday, according to a recent release by motorsport.com.

Furthermore, in a recent interview with SiriusXM’s NASCAR radio, Gragson highlighted that his goals extend beyond race victories. He’s focused on mastering the “little things” that contribute to solid races and overall team success. stating, “Everybody wants to win, but for me, it’s all the little things. How can I be the fastest guy on green flag pitstops, roll my pit road speed the fastest, and make forward progress on every restart?”

He went on to carefully explain the power of incremental improvements, elaborating, “Just the little things that I can control and put together good races, and you know, just have solid days, I think I would be satisfied with myself and our team if I can lay my head down at night and think, ‘Man, we did the best that that we could, and we’re better than we were yesterday.'” This mentality suggests a deeper appreciation for the journey itself rather than solely focusing on the ultimate destination—a Bill France Cup.

Daytona Duels Sets the Stage for Stewart-Haas Racing

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Joining SHR at a crucial juncture, Noah Gragson understands the team’s need for a turnaround as well. With no wins in 2023 and a looming contract renewal with Ford Performance, SHR seeks to reignite its competitive fire. His “little things” mentality seems to align perfectly with this goal. Especially because SHR hasn’t won in their last 84 Cup Series races. Gragson, along with newcomers Josh Berry and Chase Briscoe, will help the team turn things around.

Furthermore, Gragson’s #10 Mustang will carry a familiar paint scheme from his Xfinity Series days. His mindset remains fresh, however, ready to embrace the challenge and contribute to SHR’s success, both on and off track. In the recent Bluegreen Vacations Duels for the Daytona 500, Noah Gragson finished 21st after an accident involving Ryan Blaney, highlighting the challenges that lay ahead. However, teammate Briscoe secured a respectable 9th-place finish in Duel 2 while #41 for SHR, Ryan Preece, qualified in the 13 spot after racing all 60 laps in Duel Number 1, offering a glimpse into SHR’s immense potential.

Watch This Story: SHR Unveils Noah Gragson’s First Paint Scheme of The Season

The new SHR man will have to start 40th in his familiar #10 Ford Mustang due to his qualifying misfortunes. Instead of focusing on the dream but on the unlikely scenario of winning from the back, Noah Gragson sets his sights on making steady progress, growing as a driver, and actively contributing to SHR’s resurgent comeback. Whether he crosses the finish line first or not, the Nevada native’s 2024 season promises to be a journey of self-discovery and a testament to the value of teamwork, even beyond the checkered flag.

Read More: Noah Gragson Aspiring to Emerge as a “Leader” at Struggling SHR After Kevin Harvick’s Exit