NASCAR: Noah Gragson’s subtle post-race move sends clear message
By Randy Smith
The NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Portland International Raceway saw plenty of action, but what followed the race could carry over into the future.
NASCAR made a return to the Pacific Northwest when the Xfinity Series raced at Portland International Raceway on Saturday afternoon. None of the top NASCAR series had run on the Portland, Oregon road course since the Truck Series raced there in 2000.
Naturally, plenty of action was bound to occur. Rain heavily impacted the racing and tempers flared between drivers, highlighting the contact sport aspect of stock car racing.
Richard Childress Racing’s Sheldon Creed made TV time showing Big Machine Racing’s Jade Buford a not-so-subtle displeasuring gesture, but that was only one of the highlights of the chaotic race.
Most notably, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Ty Gibbs and JR Motorsports’ Noah Gragson had their battle when Gragson forced Gibbs wide into the initial chicane on a restart.
Gibbs proceeded to dump Gragson, marking a continued theme of Gibbs vs. JR Motorsports drivers. But the action didn’t let up once the checkered flag waved.
Since the race ended, even more fuel has been added to the fire.
One of the most bizarre moments in the race was when Jesse Iwuji dumped Gibbs under caution. It was a seemingly honest mistake, but it left the crowd roaring and others watching at home confused.
But Gragson saw an opportunity to show his support for the move.
After the race, the Las Vegas, Nevada native bought merchandise from Iwuji’s online store, and he shared it to his social media accounts as an apparent way of applauding the move Iwuji pulled on Gibbs.
While it was obviously not an intentional by the Navy Reserve officer, it goes without saying that Gragson wanted to keep things going on his end — or at least acknowledge the fact that things aren’t done yet.
Next. Big Joe Gibbs Racing decision coming soon. dark
The Xfinity Series is slated to be off for the next two weekends, leaving Ty Gibbs and Noah Gragson to either simmer down or let the feud boil over as both look to continue what they hope will be championship runs.