What Are Noah Gragson’s Lower Series Options in 2024?

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 24: Noah Gragson, driver of the #9 Bass Pro Shops/TrueTimber/BRCC Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Andy's Frozen Custard 300 at Texas Motor Speedway on September 24, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

Noah Gragson is one of NASCAR’s most interesting free agents. He was recently reinstated from his suspension, and he is looking for a place in NASCAR in 2024. In all likelihood, it will be in the lower series, so, what options does Gragson have in the lower series?

Truck Series: Rackley W.A.R.

With Matt DiBenedetto gone from the team early, Noah Gragson becomes a rather unique candidate for Rackley W.A.R. DiBenedetto came to the team to rebuild his career following his exit from The Wood Brothers, and Gragson is in a similar spot. He is working on getting his career rebuilt following his suspension.

While Rackley W.A.R. is not a surefire Championship threat, Gragson may be the most talented driver to set foot into their truck. Given the heights DiBenedetto took it to, the sky could be the limit for Gragson. This could be his best chance to get his career kick-started again.

Xfinity Series: Kaulig Racing

With Daniel Hemric promoted to the Cup Series with Kaulig for 2024, this opens up a seat in the Xfinity Series at Kaulig Racing. It would be a great opportunity for Gragson given the Xfinity Series pedigree of Kaulig, but will he bring enough sponsorship for that ride to work? Kaulig would like someone with significant funding to drive that car in all likelihood, and Gragson’s funding is uncertain.

However, even if a full-time ride does not pan out, how likely is it that Gragson could be in that “All-Star” car Kaulig runs? This could allow Gragson to run some Xfinity races while probably being full-time in a series like the Truck Series.

Truck Series: ThorSport

ThorSport is in an interesting spot as a race team. Matt Crafton, Ben Rhodes, and Ty Majeski are all with the team, and they seem to be Truck Series lifers. Hailie Deegan is the interesting one.

She likely wants to move on to Xfinity beyond this year, and, if she does, it opens up a seat for Gragson to possibly take. ThorSport is one of the top teams in the Truck Series with three of their four drivers making the Playoffs this season, so it would be a great opportunity for Gragson. That is if the seat is open for him.

Xfinity Series: Stewart-Haas Racing

Some things would have to go right for this to happen, but, why not? If Cole Custer moves up to Cup if Aric Almirola retires, then why not give Gragson the seat? Tony Stewart loves to give NASCAR drivers second chances, and Gragson is a driver who needs a second chance.

Again, sponsorship is the issue with Gragson coming to SHR. Custer is going to likely be funded to some extent by Gene Haas, so Gragson will likely have to bring his own sponsorship. Again, that may be a struggle for Gragson heading into 2024.

Truck Series: Spire Motorsports

Again, a lot needs to happen for this to even be realistic. We still do not know exactly how Spire Motorsports will use the assets provided by the purchase of Kyle Busch Motorsports. However, if they have an open Truck in 2024, Gragson is an interesting prospect.

Zane Smith is a one-year rental for Spire until he goes to Trackhouse, so, there has to be a driver Spire can plug in in 2025. If they let Gragson spend a year in their Truck and then move up to Cup in 2025, it could be exactly what Gragson needs. It allows him to develop some in the Truck Series, and he gets another chance in the Cup Series.

Gragson is one of the most polarizing, and interesting drivers in NASCAR Silly Season. He will end up somewhere, the question is where.

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DARLINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA - APRIL 06: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on April 06, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Lionel Racing Reveals First Wave of 2026 NASCAR Authentics Diecast

What’s Happening?

Lionel Racing finally confirmed the first wave of 2026 NASCAR Authentics 1:64 scale diecast for Monday morning, with the line of retail-exclusive diecast featuring a new look for the new year.

  • This line will include six throwback paint schemes from NASCAR’s 2025 throwback weekend at Darlington Raceway. Though they did not release one in 2025, this move restarts an annual tradition of Lionel releasing at least one wave of cars carrying the colors of that prior season’s throwback designs.
  • Included in this wave of cars are Austin Cindric, Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, William Byron, and Sammy Smith. Alongside these paint schemes’ debuts in the Authentics line is a new design for the packaging of the 2026 line of NASCAR Authentics.
  • Last season was somewhat turbulent for Lionel as, alongside issues with tariffs, the brand only released three waves of NASCAR Autentics, one wave of NASCAR Autentics Winners Circle diecast, and two waves of Haulers.
  • Lionel announcing the first wave of 2026 early on in the new year is perhaps a sign that 2026 could return this line to its regular release schedule. The post from Lionel Racing also confirmed that the brand will announce another wave by the end of the week, further hinting at a recommitment to the Authentics line.

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SPARTA, KY - JUNE 26: Chase Pistone, driver of the #9 NTS Motorsports Chevrolet, talks with his crew during practice for the NASCAR Camping World Series UNOH 225 at Kentucky Speedway on June 26, 2014 in Sparta, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Chase Pistone, NASCAR Trucks and Nationwide Series Driver, Passes Away

What’s Happening?

Chase Pistone, a former competitor on the short track racing circuit in addition to NASCAR’s National Series, has passed away. Pistone, now a successful Legends Car owner, was 42.

  • Chase’s brothers Nick and Tom Pistone confirmed the North Carolina natives’ passing to LegendsNation.com. The cause of Pistone’s passing is unknown. The family asked that media share the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number, which is 988.
  • Pistone, the grandson of NASCAR legend “Tiger” Tom Pistone, made his way to NASCAR after competing on short tracks in Legends cars and Late Models. He would make his jump to NASCAR via the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2005, racing for Green Light Racing at Martinsville Speedway.
  • Pistone would continue his NASCAR pursuits in 2006, racing in ARCA and the NASCAR Busch Series. Unfortunately, these two starts, at Martinsville with the Busch Series and Iowa with ARCA, would be his last for nearly a decade.
  • Pistone returned to NASCAR in 2014, racing in a combined eight NASCAR Camping World Truck and Nationwide Series races. During this season, his final in NASCAR, the then 30-year-old scored his best National Series finish, ninth place in the Truck Series annual trip to Gateway.

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8 Takeaways From NASCAR At COTA

Three races in, the 2026 season is finally starting to show its hand. COTA shifted narratives, exposed weaknesses, and raised new questions about contenders, pretenders, and everything in between.

  • Has Shane van Gisbergen officially been proven mortal after getting outraced late at Circuit of the Americas?
  • Is 19-year-old Connor Zilisch already ahead of schedule after slicing through the field multiple times?
  • With three straight wins, is Tyler Reddick basically a lock for the postseason this early?
  • And how concerned should the 48 team be after a rough weekend for Alex Bowman?

From substitute drivers being forced into action to points gaps growing faster than expected, COTA delivered more than just a road course chess match. There were momentum swings, reputation hits, and at least one young driver stacking up enemies before stacking up results.

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