Noah Gragson had, to put it mildly, a difficult year in 2024. The first was the rush of joining a team after being snatched by Stewart-Haas Racing. The low followed. Finding a new team became an issue for Gragson once the team announced it was ceasing operations. Gragson is bringing one member of his SHR crew to his new home after Front Row Motorsports offered him a chance. Since Gragson will begin his Daytona stint in February, official information on his partner and car number is finally becoming available. Drew Blickensderfer will serve as his crew chief.
In addition to making 75 starts over his career, he has finished in the top 10 eight times and twice in the top five. Gragson would have undoubtedly guaranteed another full-time season if Stewart Haas Racing had remained in business. Sadly, the young driver had to switch teams as fate would have it. But Gragson is not the only one joining Front Row Motorsports. Drew Blickensderfer will also be joining as the crew chief in addition to him. Regarding his relationship with Blickensderfer, Gragson stated, “After developing team chemistry with Blickensderfer, I’m really excited to just fire back off for another year.”
As you are aware, Drew and I have worked together since the beginning of 2024. We clicked immediately, and Drew has been a pleasure to work with ever since. He is someone I can always rely on and has been like a big brother to me. For over 16 years, Blickensderfer has led the Cup Series crew. After a strong 2024 season, the alliance is poised to return for the 2025 campaign. Together, they finished in the top 15 16 times, in the top 10 7 times, and in the top 5 once. The return of Blickensderfer to FRM evokes recollections of his pivotal role in steering the No. 34 Ford Mustang and Michael McDowell.
During his time with the team in 2021, he was able to guide McDowell to the historic Daytona 500 victory. Blickensderfer is not the only person joining FRM. The crew will include new members like transport driver Matt Murphy, engineer Dillon Silverman, engine tuner Matt Moeller, and interior specialist Chris Trickett. Regarding the same, Gragson stated, “We are really excited since we have some other team members coming over. I can’t wait to battle because it’s been an incredible, emotional, rollercoaster, and challenging year for me and all of the staff. It’s also exciting to be able to keep some amazing guys and girls who work on the car so that I can move over to the car at Front Row. Blickensderfer has also shared his thoughts about accepting the new position. “I’m thrilled to be returning to Front Row Motorsports,” he remarked. Working with Bob Jenkins and Jerry Freeze was a terrific experience for me in the past, and now that I’m back with Noah, it’s even more amazing. The 2025 season promises a new chapter in FRM’s history as Gragson and Blickensderfer rejoin the team with a bolstered roster determination and potential for Front row Motorsports.
Within the NASCAR community, the No. 4 car has a well-known past. Drivers including Frank Mundy, Don Cecchini, Otis Martin, and Bill Rexford drove the car during its first season in 1949, leaving a lasting impact. Even drivers like Rex White and Kevin Harvick have won Cup Series races in the same vehicle number. White prevailed in 1960, whereas Harvick was responsible for the triumph in 2014. The most successful driver of the No. 4 is still Harvick, who retired following the 2023 season. He has won 37 games overall, compared to White’s about 16 triumphs.
Notable drivers including Bobby Hamilton, Ernie Irvan, Kasey Kahne, and Sterling Marlin are among those who have not driven the No. 4. Josh Berry, who drove Stewart Haas Racing’s No. 4 car in 2024, ended the Cup Series season for the team prior to its official dissolution. There is more to the No. 4’s transfer from Stewart-Haas Racing to Front Row Motorsports than just a change in the number. Yes, a new season is officially begun. We don’t yet know if FRM can continue its legacy. Josh Berry only earned two Top 5 finishes out of 36 races when he drove for Stewart-Haas Racing. It should go without saying, though, that the No. 4 is truly iconic.
However, pairing up with Gragson and the crew chief Blickensderfer, the 2025 season has indeed become much more exciting.
