Fresh off a top-10 finish in their NASCAR Xfinity Series debut together last month at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, Rette Jones Racing and driver Noah Gragson are back together to make some noise in Saturday afternoon’s Tennessee Lottery 250 at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway.
The team’s debut generated a lot of synergy. With fan support and confidence in their No. 30 Ford Mustang program, the duo invades Music City, ready to capitalize on their 10th-place finish and hopefully contend for a top-five run at the 1.333-mile concrete oval.
“Definitely looking forward to Nashville Superspeedway this weekend,” said Gragson. “We had a strong debut together at Charlotte. We had some ups and downs during the race, but when push came to shove, we successfully completed our goals.
“We head to Nashville this weekend to accomplish more on Saturday afternoon.”
While not quite the 1.5-mile speedway Charlotte Motor Speedway was, Nashville’s layout is unique. With temperatures expected to soar into the mid-to-upper 90s this weekend, handling will be of top priority.
“It’s a short practice weekend, so we have to focus on getting a good balance for the race,” explained Gragson. “We will practice and qualify in the morning and then race later when the track will be at its hottest.
“We just have to ensure we keep up with the track conditions. If we can do that, we should have a car that contends for a strong finish. I know what the Rette Jones Racing team can do, and I look forward to showcasing our speed on Saturday afternoon.”
Gragson, a native of Las Vegas, Nev., is poised to make his third Xfinity Series start at Nashville Superspeedway on Saturday. In his previous two efforts for JR Motorsports, he delivered a track-best eighth in 2021 while delivering a respectable 13th a year later in 2022.
One of NASCAR’s most popular drivers can also utilize Saturday’s Xfinity Series race to get more laps under his belt to assist his double-duty weekend in the NASCAR Cup Series with Stewart Haas Racing for Sunday’s Ally 400.
“It’s going to be a busy weekend, and while the cars may not drive the same, track time is still important,” added Gragson, who has one Cup start at Nashville Superspeedway. “We will be starting the Cup race a little before the green flag drops for the Xfinity race, but the track conditions should be similar, which should help a little bit on the Cup side.”
On Saturday morning, Gragson must turn one of the 33-fastest laps in qualifying to ensure the team successfully makes its second Xfinity Series start this year. Without the benefit of owner points, the team must qualify on speed to earn a starting berth in the 38-car field.
Again, nobody is worried.
“We were fine at Charlotte, so I have no doubt we’ll be fine again at Nashville,” added Gragson. “Smooth, smart and hustle. We are going out early in the qualifying session, but that may not be bad for us. Hopefully, we can capitalize on that.”
Rette Jones Racing crew chief and co-owner Mark Rette eagerly looks forward to another productive weekend.
“For our first Xfinity Series race together, I thought it went well,” sounded Rette. “Sure, they are things you want to do better. From the race shop to the track and even throughout the race, slight adjustments and tweaks could make a world of difference.
“We’ve worked hard since Charlotte to ensure Nashville is another opportunity for us. Noah’s experience there already puts us ahead of the game. We’ll stay focused and try to give him everything he needs.”
Canadian-based Priestly Demolition Inc. has joined the organization for Saturday afternoon’s race.
Focused on high standards in quality workmanship and customer service, Priestly Demolition Inc. (PDI) thrives as one of the country’s leading demolition contractors.
With over 30 years of experience, PDI has the tools and ability to design innovative solutions for the most difficult and complex demolition projects. In a rapidly evolving and fast-paced industry, it’s not just about demolishing a building anymore—it’s about the complete life cycle of the structure.
“Priestly Demolition Inc. has been a longtime partner of Rette Jones Racing and we are excited to have them on a national platform with a talented driver like Noah on Saturday afternoon,” added Rette.
In addition to the previously planned NASCAR Xfinity Series races at Michigan International Speedway and Darlington (S.C.) Raceway in August, Gragson will compete in the upcoming final ARCA Menards Series road course race of the season at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International in September.
RJR will continue to field a full-time ASA STARS National Tour effort for Canadian Kyle Steckly and compete in select ARCA Menards Series races through October 2024.
Since 2018, Gragson, 25, has made 136 Xfinity starts, earned two poles, won 13 races, delivered 62 top-five and 97 top-10 finishes, and finished a career-best second in the Xfinity Series championship standings driving for JR Motorsports during the 2022 season.
For more on Noah Gragson, like him on Facebook (Noah Gragson Racing) and follow him on Instagram (@noahgragson), TikTok and X | Twitter (@NoahGragson).
For more on Rette Jones Racing, please visit RetteJonesRacing.com, like them on Facebook (Rette Jones Racing), or follow them on Instagram (@RetteJones30) and X | Twitter (@RetteJones30).
The Tennessee Lottery 250 (188 laps | 250.04 miles) is the 17th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice begins on Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 11:00 – 11:20 a.m. Qualifying immediately follows at 11:30 a.m. The 38-car field is set to take the green flag later in the day shortly after 4:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. ET) with live coverage on the USA Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Central).
Rette Jones Racing PR
