Noah Gragson Speaks Out Amid Front Row’s NASCAR Charter Dispute: ‘I Do What I’m Told’

NASCAR driver Noah Gragson, fresh off the 2024 Cup Series season, is setting his sights on a new chapter with Front Row Motorsports. While the driver remains optimistic about his future, the team is caught in the middle of a complex legal battle surrounding NASCAR’s charter system. Despite this, Gragson is taking things light-heartedly, admitting that he does simply what he’s asked to do.

During the off-season, Gragson has largely stayed in Las Vegas, except for a recent showing at the Snowball Derby. With the 2025 season on the horizon, he is preparing to join FRM but admits to his limited knowledge of the legal issues involving his future team.

“I am so disconnected,” Gragson told the media. “I’m probably not the guy to ask, but I do feel confident we’re going to race. I’m not the most educated guy on what’s going on with the lawsuit and I’m not even just saying that because you’re recording me right now. Like, I have no idea what’s going on and I just do what I’m told.”

Gragson’s journey in NASCAR has been eventful. He has made strong strides in lower series competitions, with 15 NASCAR National Series victories: two in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and 13 in the Xfinity Series. In 2023, the rookie faced challenges with Legacy Motor Club, and a suspension for violating NASCAR’s code of conduct added to his tumultuous year.

However, his career saw a turn driving for Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024, achieving a third-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway, and bagging seven top-10 finishes over 36 races.

“I felt it was a good season just because I was able to experience that full grind,” reflects Gragson. “It takes a lot to stay focused and keep executing over 38 weeks and I was able to stay focused and motivated, didn’t let my mind wander off and kept to the routine. I’m proud of that.”

His upcoming move to Front Row Motorsports entails joining a team currently involved in a legal dispute against NASCAR concerning the charter system. Filed alongside 23XI Racing, the lawsuit challenges certain practices around charter renewals. Although the present situation presents challenges, team owner Bob Jenkins remains optimistic, considering racing as an open team next season should these legal barriers persist. Gragson, on his part, remains upbeat.

While the anticipated charters from Stewart-Haas Racing remain in limbo, FRM is determined to thrive, potentially without charter stability.

“I don’t know what the deal is with the third charter but I know Bob is invested in growing the team,” Gragson continued. “We have Drew and a lot of our 10 guys going over there, so we should hit the ground running.

“This is not like a new team, where we all have to get used to each other. We already have chemistry and we just have to go out there and perform.”

He eagerly anticipates building a lasting association with FRM. “I want stability, a home. It would be really nice not to get to June and July and wonder what is next for me, and have to be distracted looking for a new opportunity. I hope this is my home for a long time to come,” ended Gragson.