Noah Gragson encountered a major issue during the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway when he radioed to his team that “something was broken” after suffering a flat tire early in the race. The 27-year-old Front Row Motorsports driver started 18th but quickly dropped several laps behind due to the mechanical trouble and a lengthy pit stop.
Gragson entered the pits on lap 26 along with former Front Row Motorsports driver Michael McDowell for tire-related repairs. After losing significant track position, Gragson rejoined the race outside the top 30, struggling to regain momentum in the demanding 2.5-mile circuit.
Radio Message Reveals Frustration Over Mechanical Damage
NASCAR insider Kelly Crandall captured Gragson’s radio communication during the race and shared it on social media, highlighting the driver’s frustration.
“Noah Gragson: ‘Something is fucking broken.’” —Kelly Crandall, NASCAR Insider
Gragson was not alone in facing tire issues at Indianapolis; Austin Cindric, who led the race for 40 laps, also experienced a blown tire while in first place on lap 84. With no caution flag deployed at that moment, Cindric eventually fell a lap behind but managed to remain in the competition.
Current Race Position and Season Performance Details
By lap 93, Noah Gragson was running in 35th position, ahead of drivers Cody Ware, Austin Dillon, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Ross Chastain, all of whom retired from the Brickyard 400. This race performance continues a pattern for Gragson, who has struggled to consistently finish in the top tier over recent events.
After 21 races this season, the Las Vegas native has recorded one top-five finish—a fourth place at Talladega Superspeedway—and three top-10 finishes overall. However, six DNFs have hindered his points accumulation, placing him 33rd in the current standings.
Excitement Builds for NASCAR’s Upcoming New Street Race in California
Off-track, Noah Gragson recently expressed enthusiasm about NASCAR’s upcoming San Diego Weekend, a new street race event set to take place on Naval Base Coronado. NASCAR released a trailer showcasing drivers in an action-packed promotional video, featuring fighter jets and police pursuits, which included Gragson among the cast.
“So badass filming this with the boys. Lot of laughs! I can’t wait. Gonna be sick af,” —Noah Gragson, NASCAR Driver
The race is anticipated to follow a roughly three-mile layout, nearly a mile longer than the previous Chicago street race where Gragson finished 30th this year. The Chicago event will take a hiatus for the 2026 season but is expected to return in 2027.
Front Row Motorsports Team and Future Prospects
The San Diego Weekend will feature all three of NASCAR’s national series—the Cup, Xfinity, and Craftsman Truck Series—and align with the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Gragson, who joined Front Row Motorsports this season after Stewart-Haas Racing ceased operations, is contracted to compete in this new event.
Alongside teammates Todd Gilliland and rookie Zane Smith, who drives the newly added #38 Ford Mustang, Gragson is part of one of the youngest driver lineups in NASCAR, averaging 26 years old. This season is crucial for building momentum with Front Row Motorsports and improving race results moving forward.
Implications of the Brickyard 400 Difficulties on Gragson’s Season
Noah Gragson’s challenges at Indianapolis underscore ongoing mechanical and performance issues affecting his ability to score consistent points. The flat tire and ensuing damage, confirmed by his radio message, dampened hopes for a strong finish in a high-profile event.
As the season progresses toward its later stages, Gragson will aim to turn around recent results and leverage new opportunities such as the San Diego street race to improve his standing and develop further within Front Row Motorsports’ promising lineup.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where is Noah Gragson in 2025?
A. In 2025, Noah Gragson will be the driver for the No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford. Drew Blickensderfer will serve as the crew chief.
The No. 4 car carries its tradition forward into the NASCAR Cup Series. This marks a fresh start with Noah Gragson and Front Row Motorsports in 2025.
Q. Who is number 4 on Noah Gragson?
A. Noah Quinn Gragson, born on July 15, 1998, is a professional American stock car racer. He races full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. His car is the No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, and he drives for Front Row Motorsports. Noah is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Q. Where is Noah Gragson going in 2025?
A. In 2025, Noah Gragson will drive the No. 4 car in the NASCAR Cup Series for Front Row Motorsports. Drew Blickensderfer will be the crew chief. This marks the start of a new chapter for the team.
