Noah Gragson, a member of the 2016-2017 NASCAR Next class will compete in the ARCA Racing Series finale at Kansas Speedway on Oct. 14 for the potent Venturini Motorsports, a spokesperson for the driver confirmed to CATCHFENCE.com.
Gragson is seen as one of the most sought after drivers to move into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series or NASCAR XFINITY Series next season after a successful year in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West divisions.
Gragson started racing Bandoleros at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring, eventually moving to compete in late models – then K&N. Before the almost immediate success in stock cars, Gragson also competed in the INEX Legends Car Series, winning the 2014 Young Lion Road Course championship.
Aside from his dynamic and energetic demeanor outside the race car, the Las Vegas, Nevada native is the only driver that has competed in both the series full-time this season driving for Jefferson Pitts Racing. The 18-year-old ended the season fifth (despite having to declare for K&N West points in the combination race at Iowa Speedway) in championship points on the East side following last weekend’s season finale at Dover International Speedway.
He is currently third in the West division points entering their finale at All-American Speedway in Roseville, Calif., the day after the ARCA race at Kansas Speedway.
With a diverse and aggressive traveling schedule, Gragson delivered his first career win at Stafford Motor Speedway in June before exercising his road skills to the max with a majestic victory at New Jersey Motorsports Park last month both on the East side.
He also pulled off two thrilling back-to-back West victories at Utah Motorsports Campus in early September aboard his No. 7 Speed Vegas / AlertID Ford Fusion on the same weekend.
Gragson does have two ARCA starts under his belt. He made his debut at Kentucky Speedway last year for another team and qualified sixth earlier this year at Pocono Raceway. The Kansas ARCA 150 will be his debut in a Toyota.
Venturini Motorsports, the Concord, North Carolina-based family owned team propelled Truck regular Christopher Bell and Sargeant to their first career wins earlier this year on the tour and there’s little doubt with Gragson’s proven driving style he’ll look to make it three next Friday night in the 100-lap event.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
