Noah Gragson is set to compete at the Charlotte Motor Speedway‘s unique 2.28-mile road course, known as the Roval, marking another opportunity to showcase his skills in the NASCAR Cup Series. With six previous starts at this challenging track, spanning both the Cup and Xfinity Series, Gragson aims to improve upon his personal best achieved during the 2020 Xfinity event, where he secured second place after starting from the pole position.
Team and Sponsor Support for the Charlotte Race
For this 109-lap event, Gragson will drive the No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, backed by Rush Truck Centers and Cummins Inc. Cummins is a global leader in power solutions, operating across five key business segments: Components, Engine, Distribution, Power Systems, and Accelera by Cummins. Their broad expertise supports essential industries such as transportation, construction, mining, and critical infrastructure, including hospitals and data centers. Cummins is dedicated to sustainability through its Destination Zero strategy, which emphasizes advancements in energy transition and innovation.
Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness and Personal Connections
October is breast cancer awareness month, and Front Row Motorsports is showing its support by featuring pink Rush Truck Centers mud flaps on their NASCAR Cup Series vehicles throughout the month. Gragson’s car will also pay tribute to two women deeply connected to his community as part of NASCAR’s “Windows of Hope” initiative, which partners with the Erik Jones Foundation to raise awareness for breast cancer. Above the driver and passenger windows of the No. 4 Mustang, the names of Theresa Melville and Heather Hatcher will be displayed in recognition of their bravery.
Theresa Melville, a close family friend of the Gragsons, has fought breast cancer twice and is now in remission after a mastectomy. Her journey exemplifies resilience and strength in battling the disease. Heather Hatcher, wife of front tire changer Thomas Hatcher, received a cancer diagnosis at Stage 0 during her first routine screening after turning 40 in December 2024. She chose a double mastectomy and is currently in remission. Both stories highlight the crucial role of early detection, perseverance, and awareness in fighting breast cancer.
Gragson’s Determination Ahead of the Race
Reflecting on the upcoming race, Gragson expressed his enthusiasm for competing near his hometown and representing these personal stories on his vehicle.
“I’m really looking forward to racing at the Roval this weekend, especially being close to home,”
he said.
“It means a lot to be able to celebrate two incredible women who have beaten breast cancer and share their stories on our Rush Truck Centers Ford Mustang. We had some bad luck here last year with a blown tire, so I’m excited for the chance to bounce back and put together a strong weekend with the team.”
Looking Ahead: The Significance of the Charlotte Roval Race
The Charlotte Roval event presents a significant challenge due to its hybrid road course layout, testing drivers’ skill sets and team strategies. For Gragson and his Rush Truck Centers Ford Mustang Dark Horse team, this race offers a critical opportunity to demonstrate resilience and competitive strength, especially after last year’s setback. The inclusion of breast cancer awareness initiatives underscores the sport’s commitment to important social causes and personal connections. As the NASCAR Cup Series continues, performances at this demanding track could shape the momentum for drivers like Gragson in the championship battle.
