Las Vegas, Nev. native Noah Gragson will graduate to the NASCAR Xfinity Series next year, joining JR Motorsports aboard the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro in a multi-year deal, the team announced on Tuesday morning.
Gragson will replace longtime competitor Elliott Sadler who is retiring at the end of the year.
“Noah’s proven himself quite a competitor over the last two seasons in the Truck Series,” said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, general manager of JR Motorsports. “He’s also impressed during a handful of races in the Xfinity Series and a lot of folks have taken notice.
“He brings the talent, energy and enthusiasm we’re looking for, and we’re glad to have him on board. With Noah’s addition, JRM has struck a healthy balance of youth and experience as we plan for the team’s future.”
The 19-year-old, one of the current NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoff contenders for Kyle Busch Motorsports joins the Xfinity Series after spending the last two seasons running the No. 18 Toyota Tundra full-time for KBM.
In 42 Truck Series races, Gragson has eight poles, two wins, five top-five and 26 top-10 finishes. A former competitor in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, Gragson quickly gained notoriety with his witty personality but backing it up with on-track success.
Following the second race of the Round of 8 in the Truck Series Playoffs, Gragson sits second in the standings, 17 points behind leader Johnny Sauter following finishes of ninth and 18th at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway respectively.
The next race is at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on Oct. 13.
“Having the opportunity to drive for JRM and the No. 1 team next year is a dream come true,” Gragson said. “I’d like to personally thank Dale Jr., Kelley, Chevrolet and everyone at JRM for allowing me to compete for a championship in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
“I’d also like to thank my sponsors, my management team and my family, because none of this would be possible if it wasn’t for their support along the way.
“It will be an honor to follow in Elliott Sadler’s footsteps and I’m thrilled to be joining such a successful race team. Elliott and Dale Jr. have done so much for the sport over the years and I hope I can do my part to help take it to the next level. Overall, I’m excited, humbled and extremely appreciative for everyone helping this dream come to fruition.”
Earlier this year, Gragson competed in three Xfinity Series races for Joe Gibbs Racing at Richmond Raceway, Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and Dover (Del.) International Speedway in the spring. Despite his inexperience with the cars and competitors, Gragson nearly won in his debut finishing second to JGR teammate Christopher Bell.
He backed up his runner-up performance a week later with a fourth at Talladega and ended the three-race stretch with a strong seventh-place finish at the Monster Mile after qualifying a career-best second.
A six-time winner in the K&N East and West Series, Gragson also has recently competed in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the CARS Super Late Model Tour and other Late Model sanctions across the country.
Further details specific to Gragson’s sponsorship and crew duties will be announced at a later date.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
