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Noah Gragson lands NASCAR ride with Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Updated September 25, 2018 - 11:52 am

Two weeks ago before South Point 400 weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Noah Gragson said his 2019 NASCAR racing plans still were up in the air.

It turned out to be a soft landing.

It was announced Tuesday the 20-year-old Las Vegan will switch from Kyle Busch’s Truck Series team to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Xfinity Series team. Gragson will take the place of retiring Elliott Sadler in the No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet.

“Having the opportunity to drive for JRM and the No. 1 team next year is a dream come true,” Gragson said after agreeing to a multiyear deal. “It will be an honor to follow in Elliott Sadler’s footsteps, and I’m thrilled to be joining such a successful race team. Elliott and Dale Jr. have done so much for the sport over the years, and I hope I can do my part to help take it to the next level.”

In two seasons in the Truck Series, Gragson has two wins, 10 top fives, eight poles and sits fourth in the playoff standings.

Gragson this season also made his Xfinity Series debut with two top fives, including a second-place finish at Richmond Raceway, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Contact Ron Kantowski at rkantowski@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0352. Follow @ronkantowski on Twitter.

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