Noah Gragson Finds a New Ride | Analyzing Hamlin, Busch, Bell, and Other Pocono Contenders!

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0:00 Okuma
1:20 Noah Gragson
7:12 Pocono Preview

[@zarejonathan]

I have to wonder, when’s the last time a Cup Series rookie spent the first three years of their career with three different teams? It’s been a rollercoaster for Gragson

[@kharnthebetrayer1575]

This is a first.

[@sapphirekennedy]

Alex Bowman was with BK Racing in 2014, Tommy Baldwin in 2015, and spent the second half of 2016 subbing for Dale Jr at HMS and was signed to HMS in fall 2016. Not sure if that counts.

[@smunger69]

@@sapphirekennedyI’d at least include that as a notable/comparable case!

[@zombiedodge1426]

In 2022 he started for Beard Motorsports, Kaulig and HMS (subbing for an injured Alex Bowman) so he’s actually driven for *six* Cup Series teams already!

[@christianfehr8652]

He did this to himself

[@T-LawDaGOAT]

Noah has a lot of potential, glad to see him in front row this upcoming year

[@kharnthebetrayer1575]

Spot on , even mid- field equipment he’s shown that talent Jr saw.

[@chasebriscoefan14]

Front Row has improved so much, imagine telling someone ten years ago that they were going to be one of the top Ford teams in the future

[@alanluscombe8a553]

Yep front row has become a totally different program than what they were for a long time. I was kinda bummed to see McDowell go just as they really started improving.

[@nurabsal0x018c]

Imagine telling someone Front Row would be turning into a premier team and SHR would be dead

[@bighand1530]

@@alanluscombe8a553 I hear ya

[@gr8aquino]

If Drew sticks with Noah as his crew chief at FRM. They definitely could make some noise especially with the support from Ford that they have.

[@kadinsmith5182]

They'd be smart to do that. Grow relationships unlike how WBR did with Berry.

[@timchilders3535]

​@@kadinsmith5182I agree with you on that 💯 percent.

[@skylerlysek9231]

I wouldn’t be surprised if Drew follows Noah to FRM. Remember Drew was the crew chief when McDowell won the Daytona 500 in 2021, so he has had a relationship with FRM before.

[@naparacingfan9275]

Gragson signed a great deal. He's finally got some job security and that will give him some time to continue developing.

[@Vol4Life8]

If Busch is winning this weekend 👇

[@paulkribbs1701]

Hopefully, he's due

[@BFDIFinalistsfan2763]

Gragson's new ride for next year is going to be awesome!

[@user-hr6bi4mh9h]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3_bdGOXj9-pd7M

[@thenascarkid2399]

Suarez had similar parody, like he was with 5 teams in his first 6 years, but he was at Gibbs for the first 2. I can’t recall anyone doing what Gragson is.

[@DennyDeliversYT]

front row: “ain’t no way we giving michael mcdowell a multi-year deal” 😐 also front row: “omg noah welcome! here’s a multi year contract!” 💀😭

[@Snoop-z6s]

Not funny but okay.

[@toast4499]

@@Snoop-z6sdo not insult mr dennydeliversyt

[@chasebriscoefan14]

I think they learned their lesson

[@kharnthebetrayer1575]

@@chasebriscoefan14I don’t think that is it , younger drivers get paid way less than veteran drivers.

[@johnlafever3162]

They gave Todd a multi year contract right as McDowell was leaving. You don't know the rest of the conversation, or the rest of the terms. Todd's salary, and even Noah's demands may be a lot lower and fit in the budget brought in by sponsors, over what McDowell was expecting over multiple years with no guarantee that money is coming in.

[@charliewhite3992]

Glad to hear that Noah got a new ride and he is still in a ford

[@owenoseroff]

For sponsorship I could see Bass Pro and Loves splitting primary duties throughout the year.

[@yungsagegaming8577]

FRM is looking for a championship 👀👀👀👀

[@bighand1530]

@@yungsagegaming8577 Looking forward to 2025.

[@alanluscombe8a553]

Noah is a solid driver. I haven’t always liked his choices but it has been fun watching him come up through the years and front row is only moving forward.

[@bighand1530]

@@alanluscombe8a553 Agreed

[@charliewhite3992]

Seems him and Drew are clicking they need to sign him up

[@1cjl2]

Okuma matata. What a wonderful phrase

[@chrisdavis743]

I think I’m the only one who is nervous about this move. Hopefully his CC and some of his familiar crew can go with him. I like the Hell outta Noah and want to see him succeed.

[@mikefritz4111]

He will succeed. I used to not like him but when he got busted by snowflakes I started to like him and is doing very well in his Stewart haas ride and I wouldn't be surprised if he won a race this year. He's very capable with a little luck because his car is just so so. He'll do better than brisco.

[@miketwotwenty]

@@mikefritz4111he won’t be better than Briscoe Briscoe will be in a jgr car Noah might win a race but other than that I’m not expecting much!

[@adamthompson9634]

Darn Eric, machinist over here was hoping to see a HAAS AUTOMATION sponsor before OKUMA...You still the man tho no judgement here my friend thanks for the content!

[@nebraskafootballfan1646]

Blickensderfer is a good crew chief. Hopefully they stay together

[@ThomasLuanne]

Eric your breathing noises in the much are absolutely killing me

[@tdprojectmayhem]

I thought I was the only one. Breathe right strips!

[@bobaboey]

Good for Noah. Glad he found a new home. Now lets land some Top 10’s, 5’s and winner circles!

[@RailfanKyle]

Not entirely sure what Jones would bring for sponsorship but I think Erik Jones to Front Row would make sense for veteran presence, and knowledge on reviving a team.

[@BlACKCOFFEE2988]

I believe he’s still under contract with legacy they like him a lot he’s been to victory lane with them too

[@greathitnick3034]

It’s gonna be awesome watching Larson and Hamlin battle at pocono

[@snowtrooper8986]

Wow, so many new places for drivers. It’s going to look a lot different next season

[@TheCloudCreation]

This is a great move for both parties. Noah has proven he can be a top 10 drier this year and Front Row has proven they can supply a top 10 car. I hope that Bass Pro sticks with Noah though, I heard speculation that Loves might sponsor Noah, which would still be great for him, but the Bass Pro SHop/Noah combo has been around for a long time and the two mix well together.

[@Zoni26]

Remember when Noah would puke after races? Or all the adversity 2023 gave him? He deserves a fair opportunity at FRM. If NASCAR gave out “comeback driver of the year” it would be him for sure.. super pumped for him.

[@AS19Motorsport]

Who is the rookie rumoured in the third FRM seat?

[@EricEstepp]

Sam Mayer and Christian Eckes have been mentioned by Pockrass.

[@AS19Motorsport]

@@EricEstepp Mayer sounds like an interesting prospect; haven’t been following the Truck Series so I can’t judge Eckes much

[@williambrant3214]

I'm hoping for some Noah and the knights making an awesome event even more awesome by adding Noah's personality.

[@Skyvernius]

I'm getting curious with FRM's third car will it be a Veteran, Rookie or could they possibly try to buy Zane's Trackhouse contract and take him back in-house and put him in their third car.

[@miketwotwenty]

I think it’s either Zane smith or Ryan preece!

[@Skyvernius]

Not really sure you can use other bigger tracks like Michigan to figure out a trend for a uniquely shaped track like Pocono

[@garyc5872]

Good for Noah. Hopefully he gets a good crew chief

[@simkevplays]

Sam Mayer is probably going to be the 3rd FRM driver.

[@Crussell04]

So happy the wokes failed to do away with noah. Hope he wins a championship.

[@marcusvillarreal]

Hi Eric Estepp I'm a huge fan of your channel and I never miss an episode

[@Dupontman627]

Noah's haters are coping and seething over him still being in NASCAR

[@Pigeongamer_]

I think people are sleeping on Josh Berry. Harvick has done really well in the next gen era at these coming tracks.

[@bonesdoes6142]

I got Bowman winning Pocono

[@mgm1356]

Bush or Christian wins Pocono

[@Tony-no2mg]

Glad to see Noah at front row motor sports lits go front row motor sports

[@hutrod7721]

Good on Noah hope he can find victory lane

[@JoeDoesWrestling]

You know I know a veteran driver in the Xfinity series who has made the playoffs in the cup series and nearly won multiple races

[@trent7736]

Remember when Eric was a Pocono hater? Now imagine if Bowman doubles down😂

[@Staysick17]

Hate break to you guys Hamlin an Byron been struggling for about a month

[@zachhatten261]

I love that every NASCAR stat guy has the same Bob Pockrass hair cut

[@WhateverItMayBe]

I spike briefly to Ryan Preece and when I asked him about his future plans he smirked and said they've got some stuff lined up. Could've been pulling my leg, but he seemed to light up a little bit so I'm inclined to believe it. Hopefully he gets a good crack at a decent ride even if it's a lower series.

[@jaedanchase]

Bowman goes back to back

[@mgm1356]

No way 😂😂

[@c.d.8975]

Woooooooowwwwwww The only SHR driver without a ride for 2025 is Mr. "I outwork everybody else" underachiever Ryan Preece 😅 I love the way Eric said "Good Luck" to Preece about finding a ride 😁 LOL hahaha 😆 By the way, Preece finished 15th in Harvick's super late model @ Slinger last night 👌 Go get em Ryan 🪠🧢

[@philzail2532]

My underdog driver I've been watching.

[@bob8776]

I always wondered what Okuma was but never thought to google it

[@thenotoriousner]

Ryan Preece could be that veteran at Front Row that Eric is looking for

[@Goofygoblin454]

Preece is so cooked😭🙏

[@shaytrueblueaussie]

Mf gonna end up in ARCA at this rate

[@DXNRxge]

Eric idk if u wanna hear abt DECS but the person who signed up for the 99 car in season 2 is actually Carson Hocevar if u didn’t know. You prob do

[@djzigg3284]

Good thing that all it took was Chastain's fist in his face to get Noah Gragson back on track.

[@Landmasters]

That third one is all but guaranteed for Herbst. Sponsorship is one hell of a drug and given FRM just dropped 20 million on a charter that financial boom will put him over the top

[@williambrant3214]

Don't forget about dex imaging having money aswell.

[@michaelfox9294]

Wasn't Noah's Crew chief with front row on the 34 in 2021

[@TekuTaurus]

JJ Yeley (Ny Racing) and Cody Ware are racing this Sunday. Expect plentiful cautions

[@GrizzlyJ.Ranger]

Whoever runs good this weekend will also run well at Indy. It’s the most like poconno

[@terrigoggin4443]

I like listening to Win The Race!!

[@DizzyIzzy-ze6hh]

Remember Chris beusher did win at this track when he drove for fRM

[@OldsmobileCutlass1969Va]

Bubbles was fined $50k for his contact with the #48 car after the Chicago Road race! 🤣

[@Staysick17]

Christopher Bell is on a mission he's gonna be alright this weekend it's his year he's fast everywhere lately

[@spartan0199]

Front Row is a Ford Partner program. In my opinion they need a big time driver for the 3rd seat. Go get Kyle Busch. Crazy I know.

[@miketwotwenty]

Nope he’s better off at rcr!

[@TallapoosaHellraiser.]

Stability equals a mid field driver. If I owned a team 1 year deals is all that I would sign. Just look at a driver's stats while in a contract year vs. After they sign a multi year contract.

[@Carsboy95]

Noah at FRM is a good move.

[@RacingGuy2448]

As someone who is (supposed to be) going to Pocono if I don’t see Hamlin shove someone in the outside wall in turn 1 on a late race restart with less then 20 to go I’ll be upset

[@nathan1sixteen]

I miss the Pocono double header weekends

[@marcusvillarreal]

Eric Estepp who's your pick to win at Pocono this weekend?

[@miketwotwenty]

I’m picking Bubba!

[@marcusvillarreal]

@@miketwotwenty that's a good pick

[@ryanhamilton8084]

I’d say the fords were strong at big tracks in the beginning of the year, they just couldn’t finish. Daytona and Talladega had fords in front before hell broke loose, now that they’re finishing i wouldn’t count them out

[@RAID3R63]

This is intriguing Ford I predict will qualify well because the have speed just can't dial it in during the race but I feel the next 2 races will be good for them

[@BTEY586]

I predicted he would go to FRM, and I was right.

[@701easternNorthCarolina]

Okay so the big question is who fills the other spot at front row preece or Harrison Burton?

[@Dark-ql7kn]

My soul will die if they do Burton

[@stephenpalmer8054]

I think Noah has the personality to take on the leadership role there

[@hunterdollar9691]

Hey eric, could you see zane smith making a return to front row for the 34 car and loves sponsorship? Thatd be awesome for him

[@casey6518]

Maybe Ryan Preece can get a job as a race day spotter or on a race team, doubt any race teams needs a lame duck driver. Hasn't showed anything compared to his current team mates on track performance or wasn't told about SHR's driver study group till he found out about it. Guess running his modifieds maybe his best options out of CUP!

[@Double00music]

Biased Berry fan here. I'd have Berry as a dark horse for Pocono. Harvick finished 4th here last year. In Xfinity acorss 3 starts he had a top 5 and 2 top 10s. He also has a pole in Xfinity at Pocono.

[@JohnForrester-mg2cd]

I will follow him as well

[@chrisodie2467]

LETS GOOO NOAH!!!

[@Parkwaydr1ve]

You gotta consider that RFK weren't strong out of the gate in the gen 7 era

[@rjk81699]

Chris won at Pocono in 2016

[@terrigoggin4443]

I wonder how SVG will do on the Tricky Triangle??

[@OldsmobileCutlass1969Va]

Can't be any worse than Deegan! 🤣

[@mikefeltner4216]

@@OldsmobileCutlass1969Va 😂😂😂 Probably 25th Sunday. Dude can Drive but Nascar Ovals Neoooooo

[@elijames3041]

Cool

[@noahmielke2148]

Okay so we know that Todd gilliland is returning to the no.38 next year. And now we know that Noah Gragson will be replacing Michael McDowell in the no.34 car. So now we are just waiting on who they tap for that third seat. I’ve heard rumors that they could go with a Sam Mayer or a Riley herbst. But with Riley being rumored to join 23xi his name could be off the table. But maybe that’s where Ryan preece lands. I’ve also heard rumors that he joins Justin Haley and RWR.

[@HollyHeywood1]

I rewatched the announcement and they haven’t decided on who will have what # yet! I don’t remember them saying he’s in the #34, correct me if I’m wrong?

[@noahmielke2148]

@@HollyHeywood1 yea. I just read the article. And that doesn’t really give much information. But I’m assuming that he will take over the no.34 come next year.

[@HollyHeywood1]

@@noahmielke2148 we will have to wait and see for sure! 😊🤷‍♀️

[@noahmielke2148]

@@HollyHeywood1 we sure will.

[@mattaeweavs6056]

Basspro is gonna be on a Chevy a Toyota and a Ford next season lol

[@chrisodie2467]

Noah will be fine..that dude has been thru alot..looking forward to🤮🤮🤮 in victory lane..😅

[@SGNbuff]

Drew was Michael's crew chief at one point, and unless he burned bridges when he left, FRM might be open to bringing him back. However, I am not sold on his leadership.

[@envisionjd]

Eric, what is Stewart Haas going to do with the Number assignments like the # 4, # 10 and # 14 - those have some value to them..

[@kharnthebetrayer1575]

I can see HAAS maybe taking control of the numbers, with Tony using the 14 outside of NASACAR.

[@Govols912]

Front row should sign Matt dibenedeto

[@Fil-mn7tk]

Forgot that ryan blaney was on the today show which i belive help promote the sport

[@paulkribbs1701]

We'll have to see if JGR engines can handle these tracks and not blow up

[@mikefritz4111]

Front row should have took berry and his crew chief for childers to have winning leadership But since they didnt ford should help sell mayer to front row for the other driver.

[@corduroycal]

FRM is easily the most likeable team in the garage now. Todd and Noah just seem like cool dudes on and off the track. Hope they find even more success. Now if they put Erik jones in that 3rd ride we’d have a legendary set

[@marcusvillarreal]

I predict Christopher Bell will win this weekend at Pocono

[@davids5006]

He'll be out of the race by lap 101

[@marcusvillarreal]

@@davids5006 we'll see til this Sunday

[@nicksherock8961]

Who is Carson Hocevar’s Crew Chief?

[@BeautifulAngelBlossom]

Will there be Rain at Pocono

[@stehlfamilyfarm6886]

I think Noah gets a win this year....or Corey Lajoie. We always have 1 or 2 first time winners

[@Staysick17]

RFK almost back to the old days they should get a 3rd car

[@americanwalmarts3565]

Will Gragson drive the #34??

[@HollyHeywood1]

@@americanwalmarts3565 according to the announcement they haven’t figured out who will have what #! Just rewatched the announcement!

[@HollyHeywood1]

@@americanwalmarts3565 according to the announcement they haven’t figured out who will have what #! Just rewatched the announcement!

[@Sithlord224]

FRM could probly just take most of or the entire 10 team for their 3rd charter and call it a day🤷🏻‍♂️

[@bennettcom]

What IS the deal with Auto Club Speedway?

[@kyleurrutia8262]

I would love to see zane smith reunion with frm but keep hearing mayer getting shot at 3rd frm car

[@Henry03Studios]

ERIK JONES SLEEPER PICK

[@jerrymock2833]

What number is he going to be in just wondering I know it's a dumb question but I must have missed that part sorry

[@orendz7740]

Pocono is definitely not my favorite track to watch cup races but, I do think this will be a Toyota win. I’m thinking Reddick maybe? He’s been fairly fast and he’s definitely hungry and frustrated. If not Reddick/toyota team, my second guess would be of course Kyle Larson. He definitely has a score to settle here by winning there.