Noah Gragson, a competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series, is advocating for drivers to let their true selves shine both on and off the track. Speaking from his home circuit, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Gragson called for more openness from his peers, emphasizing the value of showing authentic personality—a focus that he believes will strengthen the connection between drivers and fans and bring new energy to the sport.
Gragson Pushes for Authenticity in NASCAR
With a reputation for engaging fans and a fun-loving image, Gragson of Front Row Motorsports has established himself as a driver who values both performance and personal expression. In a media session at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, he discussed the importance of drivers being genuine with the public, rather than restraining themselves due to concerns about sponsorship or the potential for penalties.
“I think there’s a lot of good personalities that not a lot of people get to see because in the sense that drivers are handcuffed a little bit maybe with partners or with the sport,”
Gragson said. He pointed to an incident involving Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who was penalized $75,000 after a much-talked-about moment with Kyle Busch during the previous season, as an example of how consequences can stifle personality.
Gragson noted he is not encouraging confrontations, but wants drivers to feel free to express who they are, within the boundaries of sportsmanship. He observed that many drivers, once away from the competitive pressures of the racetrack, are surprisingly lighthearted and entertaining. While the image projected in public can often appear serious or restrained, Gragson believes this does not reflect the true nature of many drivers in the Cup Series or other NASCAR competitions.
“Everyone is kind of in their own unique boat on how much they want to show the general public and what-not. But if it were up to me, everybody would just be outgoing and show them their true colors.”
—Noah Gragson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Cultivating a Personal Social Media Presence
Inside NASCAR, most teams manage their own social media operations, sharing a combination of team activities and driver engagements on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X. However, Gragson believes that authentic, unscripted glimpses into drivers’ personalities foster stronger bonds with fans than highly curated content.
He speaks openly about his own strategy for connecting with supporters, choosing to take a more direct approach.
“It’s more personal between myself and the fans and trying to keep the Instagram and the Twitter posts more raw, not so staged or choreographed.”
—Noah Gragson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
To support this approach, Gragson has expanded his personal digital media efforts, including hiring a full-time staff member dedicated to producing YouTube videos and keeping his social media content spontaneous. He notes that each platform has a distinct audience and “vibe,” leading him to regularly rethink methods for sharing updates with followers.
“If I had advice to anybody doing it, you’ve got to stay true to yourself and just be yourself.”
—Noah Gragson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Learning from NASCAR Icons and Fans
Before reaching the Cup Series, Gragson made his mark by winning the Most Popular Driver Award in both the NASCAR Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series. Despite multiple victories in those categories, he continues to seek his first Cup Series win, after more than 100 starts. As he has advanced through his career, Gragson has observed the importance of personality both on track and in cultivating enduring fan support.
Reflecting on his formative years with JR Motorsports, where he was able to learn from one of NASCAR’s biggest personalities, Gragson said:
“I don’t want this to get taken out of context, but Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a really, really, really good race car driver, but might not have the resume of Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon,”
—Noah Gragson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver.
He acknowledged that racing talent can draw attention, but it is the ability to win fans that can make an athlete memorable. Gragson admired Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s status as a fan favorite and his influence beyond the racetrack. Striving to follow this example, Gragson aims to leave his own mark with a signature blend of approachable personality and fan outreach.
“That’s why I really put out a strong effort and a lot of energy into the fans. Just because I am a fan and 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.”
—Noah Gragson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Shaping the Future of NASCAR Interaction
As the NASCAR season continues, Gragson’s encouragement for fellow competitors to embrace their unique personalities may influence how both established stars and up-and-coming drivers interact with fans. He believes increased authenticity and openness can help the sport remain exciting, relatable, and resilient amidst evolving audience expectations. With icons like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, and Jeff Gordon serving as varied examples of impact and fan engagement, Gragson’s perspective highlights the evolving balance between competition and personal connection in NASCAR.
The initiative led by Gragson, along with efforts from teams like Front Row Motorsports, shows that NASCAR is not just about the on-track action but also about building enduring relationships with fans through real personalities. As drivers heed the call to be more open, NASCAR’s appeal is likely to grow, reaching both loyal supporters and new audiences eager for authenticity.
