In life, second chances are usually not guaranteed. Especially if you are a NASCAR driver. For Noah Gragson, one life-changing mistake almost derailed everything he’d worked for. Known for his raw talent and bold personality, Gragson found himself in hot water in 2023. After liking an insensitive post on social media, the then Legacy Motor Club rookie was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR under sections Section 4.3.E and Section 4.4.D in the Cup Rule Book. It was a harsh reality check for the young driver, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions.

Now back on the road to redemption, Gragson reflects on how much being part of NASCAR truly means to him. In a recent interview with Taylor Kitchen for Racing America, Noah Gragson opened up about his journey, his gratitude towards his loyal fans, and taking on a packed NASCAR schedule that takes them across the border for the first time!

Noah Gragson has a solid mindset in place

Noah Gragson’s recent interview with Taylor Kitchen revealed a side of him that’s both reflective and deeply appreciative. “It’s really cool -s——— what we get to do. It’s awesome,” Gragson shared. For him, driving in NASCAR isn’t just a job, it’s a privilege. “I am reminding myself, this is a privilege and not to take it for granted,” he explained. Gragson also touched on the kindness he wishes to give back to his fans after all the support they’ve shown him throughout his career. He added, “Try to… wake up every morning and make someone’s day.”

Gragson also acknowledges the unforgiving NASCAR schedule. “To do this every single week, it’ll wear you down… It’s 38 weeks with one off weekend in there,” he admitted. To add to the non-stop racing schedule, this year NASCAR is going international too! It will host its first-ever international points-paying race in Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. “We get to go down out of the country this year to Mexico City, see new places, meet new people,” he added. Noah Gragson is excited for the journey to come but is wary of the mental toll it can take.

The Front Row Motorsports #4 has learned not to let bad weekends dictate his mindset. Instead, he constantly reminds himself to focus on the bigger picture and stay positive. “Never letting the bad weekends, or a bad result, try not to hinder my thought process and get me too low,” Gragson explained. Being one of just over thirty drivers competing at NASCAR’s highest level is a rare opportunity. One Gragson dreamed about since childhood.

“As a kid growing up racing, it was always my dream to get here,” added Gragson. Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1998, Gragson faced challenges growing up, including dyslexia and a learning disability. This made academics difficult for him despite coming from a well-regarded family. Racing became his escape and passion at 13 when he discovered Bandolero cars. He soon progressed to the Legends car series, sparking a journey that would eventually lead him to the NASCAR spotlight. Now, with hard lessons behind him, Gragson aims to cherish every race and every challenge.

A campaign worth looking forward to in 2025 for Gragson

On July 10, 2024, Noah Gragson signed a multi-year contract with Front Row Motorsports (FRM) after the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR). Gragson had already built a strong connection with crew chief Drew Blickensderfer during their time at SHR. He achieved an impressive seven top-ten finishes and one top-five in 2024. Fortunately, Blickensderfer, along with key team members, joined him at FRM, easing the transition.

Gragson showed optimism about working with Drew Blicksenderfer again, adding, “This is not like a new team, where we all have to get used to each other. We already have chemistry and we just have to go out there and perform.” His first test was at the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray, where Gragson had the time of his life.

Gragson is fresh off a wild weekend. He dodged middle fingers from the crowd and battled his way back after a tangle with Justin Haley. The no 4 car driver is already making headlines with his outing at the Madhouse. Despite finishing 20th, the experience added to his reputation for fearlessness. Gragson said after his Bowman Gray experience in the Heat race, “I had a lot of fun out there. I spun, it got rough, but I made it three wide on the top and passed about six of them. That was bad—.”

With a strong team and renewed determination, Gragson is ready to prove himself in 2025. With the Cook Out Clash behind him and the Daytona 500 up next—will this be the year he claims his first Cup Series victory? Or will it be another season of learning and near-misses as he continues to find his rhythm at NASCAR’s top level? Let us know in the comments below.