Stewart-Haas Racing had big news to share with the racing world this week, as they officially announced Noah Gragson as the next driver of the No. 10 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series.
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It has long been rumored, that Gragson would be getting another shot in the Cup Series after losing his ride with Legacy Motor Club because of a social media post this past summer.
Gragson will replace Aric Almirola. Gragson doesn't have an announced sponsor yet, but it has been reported that his contract is a multi-year deal.
Stewart-Haas made the news official on its X page.
Racing can make you. It can also break you.
A new challenge awaits, and @NoahGragson is ready to prove himself.
Let’s ride, No. 10. pic.twitter.com/58VM0ERqtB
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) December 13, 2023
Team owner Tony Stewart released a statement about signing Gragson, how the young driver belongs in the series, and what the importance of getting Gragson means to the future of SHR.
"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 said. "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."
2023 was a season to forget for Gragson. After a stellar Xfinity Series career with JR Motorsports, Gragson went full-time Cup racing with Legacy Motor Club. He was struggling in his first Cup season before he liked an insensitive tweet and was suspended by NASCAR before the Michigan race in August.
Soon after, he was let go by Jimmie Johnson's team.
As for his new opportunity with Stewart-Haas Racing, Gragson is thankful he has another chance, and says that he has quickly learned from his mistake.
All in this together as racers. pic.twitter.com/eApGDIJts3
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) December 13, 2023
"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 in the same release announcing his deal with SHR. "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."
It's going to be an interesting 2024 season for SHR, with one career Cup victory between its driver lineup of Gragson, Ryan Preece, Josh Berry and Chase Briscoe. Kyle Larson overcame an insensitive comment to become a Cup champion, and SHR is clearly hoping that Gragson can do the same.
More: Noah Gragson Reinstated by NASCAR After Indefinite Suspension
