In a new interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Front Row Motorsports driver Noah Gragson revealed that he planned to punch Kevin Magnussen in their post‑race confrontation at San Diego but was warned of “long‑term consequences with my job” if he followed through.
The clash began as a multi‑lap feud at Naval Base Coronado, where Trackhouse Racing’s Kevin Magnussen was making his NASCAR Cup debut in the Project 91 entry. The on‑track war lasted roughly 13 consecutive laps before Magnussen wrecked Gragson. After the race, the two exchanged expletives for about 90 seconds before parting ways.
Gragson later expanded on his frustrations, saying, “You’re in our ballpark… to come in here on Lap 3 and be jamming up the inside and running into guys… it’s frustrating… In F1 they kind of have a zero‑touch policy… you’re coming into our ballpark and running into us.”
Former driver Sage Karam responded to Gragson’s comments on social media, posting, “Maybe it’s just you pal.”
Gragson’s job in jeopardy if he fought Magnussen?
Watch: Full recap of NASCAR clash between Magnussen and Gragson
Gragson also disclosed that his post‑race intentions were to actually fight Magnussen. He has been involved in several physical altercations before, including incidents with Ross Chastain (2023), Daniel Hemric (2021) and Harrison Burton (2020). However, he was warned that punching Magnussen would jeopardize his career.
“I really, really, really wanted to go fight. I was about to throw a punch and I got told right before I got over there that there’s going to be long‑term consequences with my job if that was the case, and so I had to really restrain it,” Gragson admitted.
The confrontation added to an already frustrated season for Gragson, who sits 29th in the NASCAR Cup standings, trailing both FRM teammates Todd Gilliland and Zane Smith. San Diego marked his third consecutive DNF, deepening the disappointment heading into the next weekend.