Noah Gragson To Make Xfinity Series Debut at Richmond

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer

Noah Gragson’s dream of climbing the NASCAR ladder took another positive turn as Joe Gibbs Racing announced Thursday that he’ll run three consecutive Xfinity Series race, beginning in the ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond Raceway in Virginia April 20th.

The Camping World Truck Series sophomore will also run at both Talladega Superspeedway and Dover International Speedway to complete his set of races in the No. 18 Switch Toyota Camry.

“I’m fortunate and very honored to make my NASCAR Xfinity Series debut for Joe Gibbs Racing at Richmond Raceway,” said Gragson. “This past year, I’ve continued to demonstrate that I’m a top competitor in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in the No. 18 Safelite Toyota Tundra for Kyle Busch Motorsports.”

In his rookie season, Gragson scored his maiden victory at Martinsville Speedway and scored six top-5s and 15 top-10s in 23 races. His performance for KBM was good enough for fifth in the final standings.

After four races, Gragson sits in the same points position he wound up last season, with a runner-up finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway being his best effort.

Gragson made it clear he’s not settling for anything less in his three-race deal.

“JGR is known for building fast race cars and I’m excited to get behind the wheel of the No. 18 Switch Toyota Camry and prove to everyone that my skillset is ready for the next level,” said Gragson. “My plan is to not just make my NXS debut, but to also run up front in each race and make a name for myself.”

With four drivers sharing the No. 18 car, the J.D. Gibbs owned entry sits third in this season’s Owners championship after six races.

They’re four markers behind second place JR Motorsports’ No. 1 team, driven by points leader Elliott Sadler, and 44 behind Team Penske’s No. 22 team, recently driven by Texas winner Ryan Blaney.