Noah Gragson considered giving up on NASCAR in 2023: ‘Was ready to move back to Vegas’

Noah Gragson is the newest member of Front Row Motorsports, but in 2023 his future in NASCAR was unclear. While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Gragson told Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports that a year ago, and even earlier this year, he wasn’t sure he could make it as a Cup Series driver.

“Last year, I was probably the most down on myself,” Gragson said. “I was ready to move back to Vegas and go do landscaping or build pools out there. I didn’t enjoy racing anymore. This year, I found my love for the sport again. I found out why I wanted to do it, and I found myself. My appreciation for the sport has flipped 180 in the last 12 months. A big part of that is the people that I have around me.”

In 2023, Gragson drove for Legacy Motor Club as a rookie and competed in 21 Cup Series races. In August of last year, Gragson was suspended by NASCAR and Legacy Motor Club for liking a meme related to the murder of George Floyd on social media. His suspension was lifted in September, but Gragson did not compete in any races for the rest of the season.

In December, Gragson signed a multi-year contract with Stewart-Haas Racing. So far this season, Gragson has earned six top-10 finishes including a third-place finish at Talladega. He’s joining Front Row in 2025 because Stewart-Haas is shutting down at the end of this year.

Noah Gragson is ready to do big things with Front Row Motorsports

“I think a lot of people have seen the growth of Front Row Motorsports over the past several seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series,” Gragson said in a news release. “This team, with Ford Performance, has shown it is capable of winning and wants to win more. Meeting Bob (Jenkins) and Jerry (Freeze), there is a determination and plan to continue to grow and compete against the absolute best. There is a strong commitment on their part, and I am ready to give it my best next season.

“Until that time, I want to say that I’m staying focused on the task at hand at Stewart-Haas Racing to finish the season with intentions of racing for wins with them.”

Gragson has had his share of success in NASCAR. He has won 13 Xfinity Series races in 137 starts and has been selected to the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race twice.