“My opinion on Noah Gragson has changed a lot this year” - Front Row Motorsports’ GM talks about new driver signing ahead of 2025 alliance
Noah Gragson has landed a seat at Front Row Motorsports for 2025, signing a multi-year contract with the team. Following the announcement, FRM General Manager Jerry Freeze explained why the team chose to sign the 25-year-old driver.
Freeze remarked that prior to the negotiations, he didn't know much about Gragson. However, conversations with Stewart Haas Racing employees changed his opinion of the 25-year-old driver.
Jerry Freeze said that he had conversations with Drew Blickensderfer, crew chief for Noah Gragson's #10 Ford, and other leaders at SHR. These discussions revealed that Gragson brought genuine enthusiasm to the team and consistently strived to make the team stronger and better.
In an interview with Bob Pockrass, FRM General Manager Jerry Freeze opened up about how his perspective on Noah Gragson changed over the past few weeks. He said:
"My opinion on him has changed a lot this year. I never knew Noah, until the last month or really the last six weeks. We all form opinions based on whatever images we see or antics we might see. I think what's really helped forge the opinion that he's the right fit is just conversations that I've had with folks at Stewart Haas this year."
"In particular, Drew Blickensderfer, and some other leaders at Stewart Haas, have told me that this guy just brings a real enthusiasm to the team and the way that he interacts with the road crew guys, pit crew guys. He sits in on marketing meetings and he's kicking out ideas for social media videos. He's just completely engaged in what's going on and trying to make the team better and stronger..." he added.
Jerry Freeze added that all the feedback on Noah Gragson was positive, clearing any doubts he held about the 25-year-old NASCAR driver.
Noah Gragson is keen on bringing his energy to Front Row Motorsports
Noah Gragson is one of the most popular characters in the Cup garage and a two-time All-Star Fan Vote winner. He has also won the Most Popular Driver award in both the Truck and Xfinity Series.
While popular among fans, Gragson is also well-liked within the organization. According to the testimonials, he brings the energy and enthusiasm to the team. The #10 Stewart Haas Racing driver hopes to do the same at Front Row Motorsports, fitting into their culture and building strong relationships with team members.
"I assume they would allow me to be myself. It's just gonna be good for everyone, bringing energy to the race shop, to the group of guys and bringing a good atmosphere. Just bringing energy to the culture over there, inside the building, it's important to me and to invest in time and people is important," he told veteran reporter Claire B Lang.
Front Row Motorsports is yet to announce the crew chief and team members, Noah Gragson will be working with next season.