Gragson Says Cup Struggles Have Changed Him
Former Xfinity star says lack of wins and backlash have reshaped his public persona.
Gragson Says Cup Struggles Have Changed Him Jacob Kupferman - Getty Images Four years ago, Noah Gragson was the toast of the then Xfinity Series, winning eight races and executing celebrations after each victory that delighted the fans, but then he moved to NASCAR’S Cup Series in 2024, and everything changed. Gragson hasn’t been a victory contender since joining NASCAR’s primary series, first with Legacy Motor Club, then Stewart Haas Racing and now Front Row Motorsports. After 22 races with Legacy in 2023, Gragson was suspended indefinitely by the team and NASCAR for liking a racially insensitive meme on Instagram that mocked George Floyd’s death.
Legacy stated Gragson’s action violated team values. Gragson requested his release from Legacy so he could focus on his NASCAR reinstatement process. His best finish that season was 12th in the first Atlanta race.
The following year, Gragson joined SHR. His lone top five occurred in the April Talladega race. In 36 races, he had only seven top 10s.
Last year, his first season with Front Row Motorsports was even worse. Once again, his lone top five came in the spring Talladega race. However, he produced only three top 10s in the season’s 36 events.