With the impending closure of Stewart-Haas Racing, Noah Gragson has secured a new seat for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. Front Row Motorsports (FRM) announced Wednesday that Gragson will join their team, solidifying their driver lineup alongside Todd Gilliland.
The signing marks the third of four former Stewart-Haas drivers to find a new home for next year. Chase Briscoe has secured a ride with Joe Gibbs Racing, while Josh Berry has landed a ride with the Wood Brothers. Ryan Preece remains the only driver from the disbanded team still looking for a 2025 seat.
Gragson, who has signed a multi-year deal with FRM, will replace Michael McDowell. McDowell will leave FRM to drive the No. 71 car for Spire Motorsports next season. Specific details regarding Gragson’s car number and sponsors have yet to be confirmed.
FRM boasts a recently improved Tier 1 manufacturer relationship with Ford and enjoys an alliance with Team Penske. These factors, combined with FRM’s consistent competitive performance, likely played a significant role in Gragson’s decision.
“Front Row Motorsports has demonstrated speed every single weekend,” Gragson said, noting the team’s alliance with Penske as an added advantage.
Gragson, who turns 25 next week, will begin his fourth consecutive year driving for a different Cup Series team. His NASCAR run included a part-time stint with Kaulig Racing in 2022, a full-time season with Legacy Motor Club in 2023 (interrupted by a suspension) and his current campaign with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024.
Despite the changes on the team, Gragson has had a very respectable performance this year at SHR, averaging 18.3 and currently ranked 23rd (since dropped to 21st after a penalty).
Team owner Bob Jenkins sees Gragson as a promising athlete, saying, “He has the right experience… to emerge as a winner for years to come.”
Known for his energetic personality and large fan base, Gragson has established himself as a driver with both talent and charisma. He boasts a solid record in the Xfinity Series, having earned 13 wins between 2020 and 2022 and finishing fourth in the championship standings twice.
FRM has yet to announce a crew chief for Gragson, while current crew chief Travis Peterson is expected to follow McDowell to Spire.