The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season is set to bring significant changes to the grid, and one of the most anticipated moves is Noah Gragson stepping into the iconic No. 4 car at Front Row Motorsports (FRM). After overcoming early career challenges, Gragson now has a golden opportunity to prove his worth, surrounded by a familiar crew and under the guidance of crew chief Drew Blickensderfer.
Rodney Childers Reflects on the No. 4’s New Chapter
Rodney Childers, who famously served as the crew chief for the No. 4 team during its tenure at Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), admitted mixed emotions about seeing another driver and crew chief take over the number. Childers played a pivotal role in the car’s legacy, including leading it to the 2014 NASCAR Cup title with Kevin Harvick.
“Definitely gonna be extremely odd for me to see the [4] on track this year,” Childers shared on social media. “But I’m super happy for [Noah Gragson] and [Drew Blickensderfer]. They will do great things.”
Gragson: A Familiar Team, a Fresh Start
For Gragson, this move represents a chance to build on the momentum he gained in 2024, a year where he redeemed himself after a rocky rookie season in 2023. The No. 4 car at FRM will feature not only Blickensderfer but also several members of the SHR No. 10 team, creating a familiar and supportive environment for Gragson.
“I’m grateful to have my crew chief, Drew, along with four members from last year’s team join Front Row Motorsports. This gives us a strong foundation to hit the ground running in the 2025 season,” Gragson said.
Gragson has expressed confidence in Blickensderfer’s leadership, emphasizing the chemistry they developed during their time at SHR as a key factor in their success moving forward.
Blickensderfer Excited to Return to FRM
Drew Blickensderfer is no stranger to FRM, having worked with the team earlier in his career. For him, returning to the organization alongside Gragson is a full-circle moment that adds a layer of excitement to the upcoming season.
“I’m excited to be back with Front Row Motorsports. I had a great experience working for Bob [Jenkins] and Jerry [Freeze] before, and now returning alongside Noah makes this opportunity even more special,” Blickensderfer stated.
The Legacy of the No. 4
The No. 4 car carries a storied history in NASCAR, most recently under the SHR banner, where it became synonymous with Kevin Harvick’s dominance. For Gragson, taking over such an iconic number is as much an honor as it is a challenge, with expectations high for him to deliver strong performances in 2025.
What to Expect in 2025
Gragson and Blickensderfer bring hope and potential to FRM’s No. 4 team. With a solid foundation in place and the experience of SHR alumni, the pair aims to make an immediate impact in the Cup Series. Gragson’s growth as a driver and the chemistry he shares with Blickensderfer will be pivotal as they work to uphold the legacy of the No. 4 car.