Noah Gragson is preparing to compete in the crucial NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway this Saturday night, seeking to earn a spot in the 2025 playoffs during the final regular season event. The Noah Gragson Daytona Speedway Race will take place on the 2.5-mile superspeedway, where Gragson hopes to leverage his previous experience and strong performance to advance his championship aspirations.
Track History and Previous Performances Build Confidence
Gragson brings valuable experience to this race, with six NASCAR Cup Series starts at Daytona, including two top-10 finishes. He placed fifth with Beard Motorsports in 2022 and ninth this year with Stewart-Haas Racing. His record in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at the track adds further optimism, featuring one victory, two top-five finishes, and three top-10 results across eight starts at the superspeedway. These achievements demonstrate his competitive potential on this challenging circuit.
Partnership with Zep Brings Added Support and Visibility
This weekend, Gragson’s No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse will carry the distinctive blue and gold colors of Zep, a leading brand known for industrial and professional cleaning and maintenance products. Zep supports Gragson not only on the track but also in daily life, with a range of well-regarded items including foaming wall cleaner, air fryer and microwave cleaner, tire dressing, and foaming glass cleaner. This sponsorship highlights the connection between Gragson’s racing efforts and practical, high-quality products favored by many customers and car enthusiasts.
Honoring Cancer Heroes Through a Meaningful Campaign
Gragson will participate in the 6th Annual Honor A Cancer Hero program, alongside The NASCAR Foundation and the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation (MTJF). The initiative enables fans to bid in an online auction to honor personal cancer heroes by displaying their names on NASCAR Cup Series cars. Since 2020, the campaign has raised over $500,000 to support women, children, and families battling cancer. Gragson proudly carries two cancer heroes’ names on his car this weekend: Jodi Bentley on the driver side and Bryce Kneeland on the passenger side.
Gragson’s Perspective on the Upcoming Race
Emphasizing both determination and caution, Gragson expressed his enthusiasm for racing at Daytona under the lights while reflecting on recent experiences.
“I’m excited to be back at a superspeedway, especially racing under the lights at Daytona,”
he said.
“The goal is to be aggressive and get to the front but also be smart and patient. If you’re stuck in the middle of the pack, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. In the 500, with 15 to go I was running 6th, three-wide in the middle lane, and ended up caught in a wreck that dropped us to 23rd. This weekend is a chance for redemption, and with Daytona, it really feels like anyone’s race to grab that final playoff spot. Looking forward to a good weekend with the team.”
—Noah Gragson, NASCAR Driver
Expectations and Implications for the Season
This high-stakes race at Daytona represents a pivotal opportunity for Gragson to secure his place in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. His performance here could significantly affect his trajectory as the season progresses, while also showcasing his skill on one of the most iconic tracks in the sport. With valuable backing from Zep and the support of meaningful campaigns like Honor A Cancer Hero, Gragson’s ambitions at Daytona extend beyond personal success, reflecting a deeper commitment to community and resilience.