Noah Gragson Officially Signs with Stewart Haas Racing

Noah Gragson is set to return to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024, taking the wheel of Stewart-Haas Racing’s No. 10 Ford. This marks a significant comeback for Gragson, who had an abbreviated rookie season. He replaces Aric Almirola, who left SHR after six seasons with the team.

Gragson will be working alongside veteran crew chief Drew Blickensderfer, who continues with the No. 10 Mustang team. Sponsorship partner announcements for Gragson and his team will come at a later date.

In a press conference, Gragson expressed his gratitude for the second chance in the top division of NASCAR. He acknowledged his suspension in August due to a member-conduct violation related to social media and his subsequent reinstatement after diversity and inclusion training. During his time away, he worked with a psychiatrist and read self-help books to improve his approach to work and life.

“I think that’s given me a new understanding,” Gragson said. “The passion and the love I have for the sport is higher than it’s ever been right now.”

Gragson admitted his past mistake of liking a social media meme related to George Floyd’s death, attributing it to ignorance. He also mentioned conversations with Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson to learn from their experiences. His time of reflection included visits to civil-rights museums through the RISE program, which deeply impacted him.

Gragson’s NASCAR journey started with four seasons in the Xfinity Series, where he achieved 13 wins and reached the Championship 4 in 2021 and 2022. His move to Legacy Motor Club was marked by team changes almost immediately, including ownership mergers and a manufacturer switch to Toyota for 2024. The premature announcement of the eventual change-up in organizations led to abandonment by Chevy and, thus, a season of immense struggle for the team. And at the end of the day, Gragson was never favored by Toyota as a driver they wanted in the seat, no matter how well he might have performed, as they had their sights set on Toyota driver John Hunter Nemechek.

Despite his suspension, Gragson is determined to improve as a leader and driver for his new team. He acknowledged that there were areas he could have handled better during his suspension.

With Gragson and former JR Motorsports teammate Josh Berry joining Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024, the team looks to regain its winning ways in the Cup Series, following a winless season with key departures. Gragson aims to contribute as a valuable team member, driven to win races with the support of the organization’s experienced crew and engineers.