NASCAR insider speculates on Noah Gragson future with Stewart Haas Racing closure

Noah Gragson’s NASCAR Cup Series future is suddenly uncertain after Stewart-Haas Racing announced Tuesday it will cease operations after the 2024 season.

Gragson, 25, signed a multiyear agreement this past December to pilot the No. 10 Ford for SHR but will now be on the move after just one season. Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports provided an update Wednesday on Gragson’s potential outlook for 2025 and beyond, a situation which appears to be quite fluid. One thing Gragson has going for him, Pockrass said, is his backing from Bass Pro Shops.

As I mention in this story, Gragson's relationship with Bass Pro could help … https://t.co/hdAZT6RPBd … every week or two, I hear a possible different destination for Gragson depending on which rides could be open. I think he'll remain in Cup but where I am not sure. https://t.co/DxgmmsWMSf

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 29, 2024

“Gragson’s relationship with Bass Pro could help,” Pockrass wrote on X. “Every week or two, I hear a possible different destination for Gragson depending on which rides could be open. I think he’ll remain in Cup but where I am not sure.”

Noah Gragson looking for new ride for 2025 and beyond

Gragson, one year removed from struggling in his first full-time Cup Series ride with Legacy Motor Club, a relationship which ended prematurely following his suspension for violating the member conduct section of the NASCAR Rule Book after he liked a racially insensitive post on Instagram, has been a bright spot for SHR in 2024.

He has tallied five top 5s, including three in a row at Talladega, Dover and Kansas in late April/early May. He sits 21st in the points standings, though he would sit 19th if not for a 35-point penalty earlier in the season. Gragson previously raced full-time in the Xfinity Series for four seasons with JR Motorsports. Piloting the No. 9 Chevrolet, Gragson compiled end-of-season points standings finishes of eighth, fifth, third and second. He recorded 13 wins.

According to Pockrass, Front Row Motorsports, 23XI Racing and Trackhouse Racing will each obtain one of the SHR charters. Whether or not Gragson ends up with one of those teams is currently unclear.

“Legacy Motor Club, RFK Racing and JTG Daugherty Racing have all considered expansion but are not expected to be in play for any of the SHR charters,” Pockrass wrote Tuesday. “Dale Earnhardt Jr. confirmed to FOX Sports last week that JR Motorsports also is not part of those conversations.”