Noah Gragson to drive Stewart-Haas No. 10 car in 2024, replacing Aric Almirola
Stewart-Haas Racing announced Wednesday that Noah Gragson will drive the No. 10 Ford full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024.
Gragson, 25, replaces Aric Almirola, who spent the last six seasons with Stewart-Haas Racing. He signed a multiyear deal with the team. Stewart-Haas Racing has not yet announced a sponsorship deal.
“Noah deserves to be in the NASCAR Cup Series and we’re very happy to have him as the driver of our No. 10 Ford Mustang,” Stewart-Haas Racing co-owner Tony Stewart said in a statement. “Noah has performed at every level where he’s competed and has regularly been in championship contention. That’s the kind of driver we need at Stewart-Haas and that’s why Noah is a part of our team.”
Gragson’s first full-time season in the Cup Series was cut short last season after NASCAR indefinitely suspended him on Aug. 5. The sanctioning body suspended him for violating the member conduct section of the NASCAR Rule Book after he liked a racially insensitive post on Instagram. Five days later, Gragson mutually parted ways with Legacy Motor Club. NASCAR lifted the indefinite suspension of Gragson on Sept. 12, clearing him to return to all NASCAR activity.
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Prior to the suspension, Gragson competed in 21 races behind the wheel of the No. 42 Chevrolet, failing to record a top-10 finish. He finished a season-best 12th in the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 19. Prior to joining Legacy Motor Club, Gragson 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 tallied 13 wins.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity with Stewart-Haas Racing and while most people in the industry are happy that the offseason is here, I want to get started on 2024 and go racing as soon as I can,” Gragson said. “Stewart-Haas is filled with racers and I saw that and felt it as soon as I walked onto the shop floor. There are high expectations here and a strong desire to compete and win races. I have high expectations for myself and I want to deliver for Tony and Gene and everyone at Stewart-Haas.”
Drew Blickensderfer will serve as Gragson’s crew chief. The pair will make their debut together in the non-points Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum on Feb. 4 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.