Noah Gragson, driving for Front Row Motorsports, secured a notable victory over Joe Gibbs Racing’s Chase Briscoe in NASCAR’s first-ever in-season tournament held at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The competition, designed to boost excitement and fan involvement, kicked off with a 260-lap event, marking a new chapter in the NASCAR season.
The tournament concept was introduced by the Stock Car Racing Association to enhance competitiveness and viewership, taking cues from formats used in leagues such as the NBA. Despite his early exit in the tournament’s first round, Chase Briscoe engaged in lighthearted banter with Gragson, creating an entertaining rivalry that caught attention online.
Playful Rivalry Leads to Signed Glove Auction Supporting Charity
Following the tense competition, Noah Gragson teased Chase Briscoe about his pre-tournament confidence, which led to a humorous moment where Briscoe signed two pairs of gloves for Gragson after admitting defeat. Both drivers contributed these gloves to the Dale and Amy Earnhardt Foundation. NASCAR’s official social media highlighted their friendly exchanges, captioning the clip as, “We love a friendly rivalry.”
Interestingly, Briscoe noted that his gloves had never sold for more than $400 previously, but Gragson’s involvement in the challenge boosted the auction value to $2,800. This outcome not only showcased the camaraderie between the drivers but also helped raise funds for a meaningful cause.
Current Season Standings for Gragson and Briscoe
Chase Briscoe earned his spot in the playoffs thanks to a win at Pocono Raceway this season. He is driving the #19 Toyota Camry XSE and holds ninth place in the Cup Series points standings with 482 points. His performance includes one win, eight top-ten finishes, six top-fives, and four pole positions across 19 races.
Noah Gragson, meanwhile, has yet to secure a victory this season but remains optimistic about his progress. He is positioned 33rd in the Cup Series points table with 265 points, having achieved three top-ten and one top-five finish so far, including a strong showing at Talladega Superspeedway.
Gragson Looks Forward to a Fresh Start with Front Row Motorsports in 2025
Last year, Noah Gragson competed under Stewart-Haas Racing alongside crew chief Drew Blickensderfer, but following the team’s closure, he moved to Front Row Motorsports for the 2025 season. Fortunately, Gragson reunited with Blickensderfer, which has provided a sense of stability and familiarity in his new role.
Gragson expressed his excitement about the transition, sharing with NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass,
“There’s a lot of comfort being with the same crew chief and same manufacturer, but there’s some newness to it too, moving over to Front Row Motorsports here for the season. It’s gonna be a fun time. I’m excited for it. We still have our standards, and we’ve upped our standards from where we were last year.” —Noah Gragson, NASCAR Driver
The partnership with Ford at Front Row Motorsports, established since 2016, meant Gragson continued driving the same manufacturer’s car as before, easing the adaptation process.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of the New Tournament and Driver Dynamics
The debut of the Noah Gragson NASCAR In-Season Tournament introduced fresh energy into the racing calendar, providing drivers with alternative ways to compete while engaging fans. The lighthearted interactions between Gragson and Briscoe have also added a personal dimension to the rivalry, drawing additional attention to the sport.
As the season advances, Gragson’s hopeful outlook and strong team dynamics suggest potential growth in performance, while Briscoe continues to defend his playoff position. The tournament’s success may encourage NASCAR to further develop such competitive formats, aiming to sustain fan interest and excitement throughout future seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where is Noah Gragson in 2025?
A. In 2025, Noah Gragson will drive the No. 4 car for Front Row Motorsports. Drew Blickensderfer will be the crew chief.
Q. Where is Noah Gragson going in 2025?
A. In 2025, Noah Gragson will drive the No. 4 car for Front Row Motorsports. Drew Blickensderfer will serve as the crew chief. The team’s involvement will carry on the tradition of the No. 4 in the NASCAR Cup Series as they start a new chapter.
Q. What did Noah Gragson say or do to get suspended?
A. Racer Noah Gragson was suspended by NASCAR and Legacy Motor Club for liking an offensive meme featuring George Floyd’s image.
Gragson expressed regret on Saturday, admitting he was careless on social media. He acknowledged the seriousness of the matter.
Q. Where will Noah Gragson go in 2025?
A. Noah Gragson will be the driver for the No. 4 car with Front Row Motorsports starting in 2025. Drew Blickensderfer will serve as the crew chief. The No. 4 will uphold its history in the NASCAR Cup Series as it starts anew with Gragson and the team in the 2025 season.
