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Noah Gragson: L.A. Clash "good opportunity to learn" with SHR
In December, SHR announced the signing of Noah Gragson to drive their No. 10 Fords in the NASCAR Cup Series starting in 2024. Gragson is excited for his first race with the team, which will be the preseason exhibition Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. While the race is non-points and has no live pit stops, Gragson doesn’t see it as an easy opportunity. Only the top 23 drivers will compete, and Gragson understands the pressure to qualify well and secure a good starting spot. Despite a challenging rookie season in 2023, which included a suspension and reinstatement by NASCAR, Gragson competed in last year’s Clash and finished 14th. This year, he returns with a new team, crew, and crew chief in Drew Blickensderfer, and he sees the race as a valuable learning experience to build communication and chemistry with his new team. Gragson is confident in the team’s mix of experience and youth, praising Blickensderfer’s leadership skills and their overall team culture.