NASCAR driver Noah Gragson will miss the Sonoma Raceway race on Sunday after crashing at World Wide Technology Raceway last weekend.
Gragson apparently has concussion-like symptoms following a horrific crash after his brakes failed entering turn one on lap 197 at WWT Raceway. He made a sharp left turn in an effort to reduce the impact as the rotor exploded.
Gragson smashed into the exterior wall instead of slipping backward through the grass. The driver was examined and then let out of the infield care facility but began to experience concussion-like symptoms days after the collision.
Many drivers experienced brake failures, including Gragson. It was an exploded rotor that caused it in each of those cases.
Grant Enfinger, a driver in the Truck Series, is expected to advance to take charge of the No. 42 Chevrolet at Sonoma in place of Gragson.
“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.”
Grant Enfinger was happy to help out wishing Gragson a quick recovery: “My thoughts are with Noah, I know how much he loves this team and the guys on it.”
“I’m happy to help out LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and the No. 42 team.”
This is not the first incident resulting in a concussion as Kurt Busch rear-ended the wall at Pocono Raceway last year. He experienced concussion-like symptoms and has since given up racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
NASCAR made considerable upgrades to the Next-Gen car during the off-season. They added crush and eliminated a few bars specifically for rear-end crashes.
Rookie Gragson, who has a best finish of 12th at the Atlanta Motor Speedway earlier this year, is currently 32nd in the standings this season. Enfinger, who has two victories this season under his belt, is doing better in the Truck Series. It will be his first NASCAR Cup Series start in his career.
