Noah Gragson faced an early obstacle in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, jeopardizing his run after reporting car trouble over the radio. The Noah Gragson Indianapolis Cup race update quickly became the focus as Front Row Motorsports scrambled to respond after Gragson’s #4 Ford Mustang suffered a flat tire and dropped laps early in the race.
Early Laps Bring Mechanical Issues for Gragson
Soon after starting 18th, Noah Gragson hit trouble, taking an urgent pit stop on lap 26. He was joined by fellow Front Row Motorsports alumnus Michael McDowell, who also faced issues at the same point in the race. Gragson’s prolonged pit stop put him outside the top 30, immediately putting the Las Vegas native at a disadvantage on the 2.5-mile Indy track.
Amidst these challenges, NASCAR Insider Kelly Crandall shared Gragson’s unfiltered radio call as he faced the car’s issues.
“Noah Gragson: ‘Something is fucking broken.’”
—Noah Gragson, Driver
Flat tires weren’t exclusive to Gragson during this race. Austin Cindric, who had impressively led for 40 laps, also blew a tire while leading on lap 84. With no caution flag to slow the field, Cindric fell a lap behind before managing to rejoin the event. As the race went past lap 93, Gragson found himself in 35th, ahead of only four drivers who had exited the Brickyard 400 early: Cody Ware, Austin Dillon, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Ross Chastain.
Recent Performance and Season Context
Gragson’s season has been marked by both flashes of competitiveness and persistent challenges. After 21 races so far, he has secured a fourth-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway and achieved three top-10 results. However, having logged six DNFs throughout the season, Gragson’s points tally has suffered, leaving him positioned 33rd in the NASCAR Cup standings. This performance at Indianapolis follows several consecutive finishes outside the top 40, highlighting the obstacles he and Front Row Motorsports have needed to overcome.
Noah Gragson Featured in NASCAR’s San Diego Race Preview
Outside the immediate pressure of the Indy event, Noah Gragson recently took part in NASCAR’s promotional trailer for the upcoming San Diego Weekend on Naval Base Coronado in California. The three-minute video, which also features other drivers, depicted them being whisked away for a high-adrenaline mission involving fighter jets and a dramatic escape from law enforcement.
Gragson commented on the experience in an X post:
“So badass filming this with the boys. Lot of laughs! I can’t wait. Gonna be sick af,” he wrote.
—Noah Gragson, Driver
While NASCAR has yet to confirm every aspect of the San Diego event, it is expected to feature a challenging three-mile street course — nearly a mile longer than the circuit used for the Chicago street race, where Gragson had finished 30th earlier this season. This new street event is scheduled to host all three national series: Cup, Xfinity, and Craftsman Truck. Notably, the inaugural race will also celebrate the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary, presenting a unique atmosphere for both fans and drivers.
Gragson, having signed a multi-year deal with Front Row Motorsports, is expected to compete at the San Diego event next season. It marks his debut campaign with the team after a single year at Stewart-Haas Racing, which ceased operations at the close of 2024. In his current garage, Gragson races alongside Todd Gilliland and Zane Smith—forming one of the Cup grid’s youngest lineups, with an average age of just 26.
Looking Forward Amid Continued Challenges
Noah Gragson’s ongoing efforts with Front Row Motorsports highlight the resilience needed to compete in NASCAR’s top tier. Despite setbacks like the one at Indianapolis, he remains a regular presence at high-profile events and is actively involved in the sport’s evolving landscape, such as the forthcoming street race in San Diego. As Gragson and his team aim to recover momentum and build on their promising moments, the focus now turns to how they adapt, address race day misfortune, and strive for stronger results in the remaining races of the season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where is Noah Gragson in 2025?
A. In 2025, Noah Gragson will drive the No. 4 car for Front Row Motorsports, and Drew Blickensderfer will be the crew chief. The No. 4 car will carry on its tradition in the NASCAR Cup Series as it begins a fresh chapter with Gragson and Front Row Motorsports in the upcoming season.
Q. Who is number 4 on Noah Gragson?
A. Noah Quinn Gragson, born on July 15, 1998, is a professional race car driver from America. He races full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. Gragson drives the No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Front Row Motorsports. He hails from Las Vegas, Nevada.
Q. Where is Noah Gragson going in 2025?
A. The 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford will be in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. Drew Blickensderfer will serve as the crew chief.
The No. 4 car will start a new chapter with Noah Gragson and Front Row Motorsports in 2025, continuing its legacy.
