Noah Gragson, who suffered a big hit last weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway when a brake rotor exploded on his car at Lap 197, will not compete in this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway.
Gragson, 24, started experiencing concussion-like symptoms mid-week, according to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, and is seeking treatment. Driving in place of Gragson in the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 this weekend will be Grant Enfinger, who will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut.
LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is thankful Enfinger was available, and the team says Gragson’s health is the top priority.
“Noah’s health is the highest of priorities and we commend him for making the decision to sit out this weekend,” said team co-owners Maury Gallagher and Jimmie Johnson. “We are appreciative that Grant was available and willing to step in since the Truck Series is off this weekend.”
Enfinger, who won this past weekend’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at World Wide Technology Raceway in the No. 23 GMS Racing entry, says he is happy to help out, and that he is thinking about Gragson.
“My thoughts are with Noah, I know how much he loves this team and the guys on it,” said Enfinger. “I’m happy to help out LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and the No. 42 team.”
Enfinger, who hails from Alabama, is a nine-time race winner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The racer attempted to make the field for the 2011 NASCAR Cup Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the No. 93 entry for George Sinica’s team, but they ultimately failed to make the show for that event.
Gragson, a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, sits 32nd in the NASCAR Cup Series championship standings after the opening 15 races of the 2023 season. Gragson, who is battling Ty Gibbs for the Rookie of the Year Award, has a best finish of 12th this season, which he achieved at Atlanta Motor Speedway.