For most drivers, second chances in NASCAR don’t come easy—if they come at all. But for Noah Gragson, a moment of controversy in 2023 nearly derailed everything he’d worked for.
After being suspended indefinitely for liking an insensitive social media post, Gragson found himself exiled from the Cup Series, his career hanging by a thread. But in true racer fashion, he’s fought his way back. Now, in 2025, with a new team, a new mindset, and a packed schedule ahead, he’s ready to prove he belongs at the top.
“I remind myself, this is a privilege and not to take it for granted.”
In a recent interview with Racing America’s Taylor Kitchen, Gragson opened up about his journey, his appreciation for fans, and the lessons he’s learned from a brutal reality check.
From Suspension to Redemption: Gragson’s Road Back
Gragson’s 2023 suspension was a wake-up call. NASCAR, known for its zero-tolerance approach to controversy, came down hard. His future looked uncertain, and many wondered if he’d ever get another shot.
But 2024 marked the beginning of his climb back.
🔹 Signed a multi-year deal with Front Row Motorsports (FRM) in July 2024
🔹 Brought crew chief Drew Blickensderfer along for the ride
🔹 Scored 7 top-10 finishes and a top-5 result in 2024
🔹 Reunited with key team members to maintain chemistry
Unlike some drivers forced to start from scratch, Gragson landed in a familiar environment.
“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.”
The goal for 2025? Make the most of this second chance.
Facing NASCAR’s Brutal Schedule & a Historic Challenge
The NASCAR grind is relentless—38 weeks of racing with just one off-weekend. It’s a grueling, mental, and physical test.
But this year, there’s an even bigger twist—NASCAR is going international.
“We get to go out of the country this year to Mexico City, see new places, meet new people.”
For Gragson, the schedule isn’t just a challenge—it’s an opportunity. Staying focused, avoiding bad weekends, and keeping a clear mindset will be crucial.
“Never letting the bad weekends, or a bad result, try not to hinder my thought process and get me too low.”
He knows that every race, every lap matters. If he wants to prove himself as a legitimate Cup Series star, he can’t let setbacks define him.
The Bowman Gray Wild Ride: A Preview of What’s to Come?
Gragson’s 2025 debut at the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium was a chaotic reminder of his aggressive, no-holds-barred style.
🔹 Got tangled up with Justin Haley
🔹 Drove fearlessly through the chaos
🔹 Made an insane three-wide move
🔹 Finished 20th—but made headlines anyway
“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—.”
This is the Gragson NASCAR fans know and love—raw, unfiltered, and relentless.
Will 2025 Be Gragson’s Breakout Year?
🔹 Can he secure his first Cup Series win?
🔹 Will he finally live up to the expectations set early in his career?
🔹 Can he shake off the past and cement himself as a long-term contender?
The talent is there. The team is there. The opportunity is there.
Now, it’s up to Noah Gragson to prove he deserves to be in NASCAR’s elite circle.
And if there’s one thing he’s shown over the years—it’s that he’s never been afraid of a fight.
