Noah Gragson, currently driving for Spire Motorsports, has openly shared his admiration for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his significant Dale Earnhardt Jr. NASCAR influence, stating that he aspires to build a similar legacy through fan connection and popularity within the sport. Gragson reflects on the impact of Earnhardt Jr.’s popularity both on and off the track, noting how it serves as a benchmark for his own ambitions as a racer, business owner, and team leader.
Gragson Looks Beyond Traditional NASCAR Champions
Though many in motorsports might expect Gragson to follow the career paths of highly decorated racers like Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon, he sets his sights elsewhere. Instead, Gragson points to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s dual role as a successful driver and cultural phenomenon as the example he wishes to follow. Rather than focusing solely on Cup victories and titles, Gragson seeks to emulate Earnhardt Jr.’s unique ability to build a devoted following and connect with fans on a personal level.
“Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a really, really, really good race car driver, but might not have the resume of Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon,”
Gragson said.
“He still won a lot of races in the Cup Series, which I’m nowhere near, but I told myself when I was younger, when I came out to my first race out here and thought, ‘Man, how can I stay in this sport one day if I ever get to that level?’ I want to be the guy who sells the most t-shirts. That’s what Dale Jr. did.”
— Noah Gragson, Spire Motorsports Driver
The popularity that Dale Earnhardt Jr. built throughout his career is acknowledged by Gragson as a goal beyond wins and championships. Earnhardt Jr. became a fan favorite, voted the sport’s Most Popular Driver for fifteen consecutive years, a recognition that neither Gordon nor Johnson ever received. Gragson is equally interested in emulating Earnhardt Jr.’s entrepreneurial spirit, which includes team ownership and off-track business ventures, as well as his future induction as a NASCAR Hall of Famer.
Inspired by Fellow Racing Entrepreneurs
Gragson’s aspirations go beyond the Earnhardt example—he also admires Danica Patrick for her enduring presence in NASCAR and her ability to parlay racing success into other ventures. Patrick’s post-racing achievements, including hosting a popular podcast, launching her own wine brand, and securing long-term sponsorships such as with GoDaddy.com, serve as a blueprint for connecting with fans and building a personal brand that lasts.
“Danica [Patrick] stayed in the sport for a long time and was one of the most popular, so I always told myself that if I could be the guy that could sell the most t-shirts and have the biggest fan base, you’re able to attract partners that way,”
Gragson said.
“That’s why I really put out a strong effort and a lot of energy into the fans, just because I am a fan.”
— Noah Gragson, Spire Motorsports Driver
This approach emphasizes not only on-track results but the importance of engaging with fans as a core element of a successful career in NASCAR. Gragson recognizes that building a dedicated fan base attracts sponsorship and opens opportunities outside the driver’s seat.
Cherishing the Fans and Chasing the Most Popular Driver Title
Throughout their careers, both Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Danica Patrick cultivated immense popularity with NASCAR fans. Earnhardt Jr., in particular, was a dominant presence in fan voting, securing the Most Popular Driver award every year from 2003 to 2017. For Gragson, being embraced by fans carries tremendous value in his racing journey.
“I’ve always told myself that if I want to make it in this sport, I may not be the best driver, but hopefully I could be a fan favorite too, and that could help point me in the right direction. It’s been a crazy ride. It’s been a wild ride, but [he’s] definitely very grateful for the fan support.”
— Noah Gragson, Spire Motorsports Driver
Gragson has won Most Popular Driver honors in both the Truck Series in 2018 and the Xfinity Series in 2022, but the top Cup Series recognition remains elusive.
Chase Elliott’s Reign as NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver
Since Dale Earnhardt Jr. stepped away, Chase Elliott has become the new standard-bearer for fan support, capturing fans’ votes for the Most Popular Driver award every season from 2018 onward. Elliott’s streak is expected to continue for an eighth year when awards are presented at NASCAR’s post-season banquet in Charlotte, North Carolina, later this year.
Gragson is candid about his chances to dethrone Elliott as the Cup Series’ leading fan favorite.
“I’d hope so, but I doubt it,”
Gragson said.
“I don’t know what the numbers look like as far as how much he wins by every year, but he’s got a pretty strong fan base that, at least, a fan base that votes a lot.”
— Noah Gragson, Spire Motorsports Driver
He openly acknowledges the strength of Elliott’s following and the challenge it presents. Part of Gragson’s strategy to build a larger fan base comes from his experience engaging supporters in other NASCAR series, but he remains unsure if or when he will reach the same level in the Cup ranks.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have a fan base that votes for me in the Truck Series and winning the Most Popular Driver there [2018], and then Xfinity Series [2022], but I can’t accurately answer that question,”
Gragson said about his chances.
“I hope so, but if we’re going off the track record, [Elliott’s] got everybody covered.”
— Noah Gragson, Spire Motorsports Driver
His on-track results in the Cup Series continue to develop, with his Las Vegas start marking his 108th career race without a win. Still, his ambition to win over the crowd and become a household NASCAR name continues to drive him.
Impact of Personality and Fan Appeal in Modern NASCAR
Noah Gragson’s pursuit of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s NASCAR influence underscores how essential fan engagement and personality have become in shaping drivers’ careers. The ability to connect with fans, create brand partnerships, and maintain visibility off the track is viewed by Gragson as equally valuable as performance on race day. He aims to blend racing skill with personal charisma, making fan favorite status a central career objective alongside race wins.
As Gragson continues to race for Spire Motorsports and build his own following, he keeps the examples set by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Danica Patrick, and Chase Elliott in mind. Whether he eventually claims the Most Popular Driver title in the Cup Series or not, Gragson’s vision highlights a shift in NASCAR where connecting with the audience is as vital as reaching Victory Lane.
