The fastest-growing NASCAR star also has the best buddy in the sport. Connor Zilisch proved his prodigy status yet again last weekend. He became the seventh driver to win in his Xfinity Series debut at Watkins Glen International. And to cheer him through the process, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s mentee had a close friend and fellow Cup driver, Noah Gragson, at the racetrack. And, this bountiful friendship has NASCAR fans rejoicing in Gragson’s resurgence from the dark times when Tony Stewart saved him.

Noah Gragson repays his star-studded friend

Connor Zilisch has barely turned 18, and he flaunts several laurels already—he won the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in the LMP2 class. Again on Saturday, he swept up the Shriner’s Children 200 trophy. But that does not hinder his down-to-earth nature.

Last year when Noah Gragson bore the brunt of a shortsighted social media like Zilisch supported him. Their friendship continued even after Tony Stewart inducted Gragson and through the No. 14 Ford driver’s resurgence as a racer.

So when Dale Jr.’s stud drove the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet to a stunning victory at the Glen, Noah Gragson watched from the pit box. NASCAR expert Danielle Trotta covered the heartwarming story: “Asked Connor Zilisch of all the Cup drivers that congratulated him after winning in Xfinity debut who stood out? His answer surprised me: Noah Gragson. Stayed in VL, followed to watch his entire post race presser. Word is Connor was there for Noah last year he went thru tough time. @SiriusXMNASCAR”

3 teams in 2 years!

• Noah Gragson got fired from his Legacy Motor Club seat last year but paved a path of recovery.
• This year, he owns 7 top-tens and 1 top-five under Stewart-Haas Racing.
• Fixed for a Front Row Motorsports stint next year, the 13-time Xfinity winner is bound for great heights just like his Xfinity prodigy Connor Zilisch.

Connor Zilisch confessed to Gragson’s presence, claiming him during a tough time at the race, a 22-minute red flag. “I asked about the score of the Florida-Texas A&M game. I asked who was on the pit box, if Noah (Gragson) was still there…was asking why he didn’t wear my bright orange shirt today because I knew he bought one.”

Now, this heartwarming friendship has inspired NASCAR fans as well, who drooled over Noah Gragson’s phenomenal comeback.

Fans cheer for the friendship and praise Noah Gragson

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Before he became Stewart’s mentee, the No. 14 Ford driver reached rock bottom last year. After a disastrous year at the Cup Series and a fistfight with Ross Chastain, Noah Gragson found himself out of a job due to a social media mishap. After suspension from LMC and NASCAR, he underwent sensitivity training and silently improved himself. The team’s statement read, “We have made the decision to suspend Noah Gragson effective immediately regarding his actions that do not represent the values of our team.”

Now fans are impressed by his progress under Tony Stewart’s wing. “It’s amazing how much Noah has matured. Looking forward to watching his career grow.” Another fan made a resounding affirmation of Gragson’s heart of gold as he attended Zilisch’s race. “Noah is just a good guy and a great comeback story.”

Gragson treats Zilisch “like his brother”, as is evident in their unbreakable bond. After watching the race, Gragson shared NASCAR’s post on Zilisch’s debut victory. This story made some hearts melt, “As if I didn’t need another reason to love Noah Gragson more than I already do……”

Gragson’s own achievements in Xfinity make the friendship even better. He drove the No. 9 car for JR Motorsports in 2019-22, winning 13 races and making the Championship 4 twice. So a fan giddily commented about Gragson’s presence at the Watkins Glen Xfinity race. “Noah was on top of the pit box the whole time!” 

Gragson’s racing career started in go-karts back in 2012. Recently, when he went back to his roots, his friendly attitude enthralled people. So somebody shared a personal story of meeting him at a karting event, further validating Gragson’s affable personality. “I met @NoahGragson at the @SCC_NC karting for a cause race earlier this year. We had a group of current and former law enforcement officers on 2 teams. He chatted with us for the better part of 20-30 minutes and took pictures. Absolute cool and down to earth guy.”

Evidently, Tony Stewart’s mentee has won hearts with his resurgence and inspiring friendship with Connor Zilisch. The 26-year-old is set to join Front Row Motorsports on a multiyear deal for 2025. We expect great things out of the power duo!