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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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
