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Back in September (2021), the team announced that they would attempt the 2022 Daytona 500, but had not unveiled who would pilot their entry. Due to the fact that Noah Gragson attempted to qualify this team's No. 62 car for the 2021 "Daytona" 500, the 23 year old from Las Vegas was automatically a candidate for this job. Although Gragson had been behind the wheel of the No. 62 in the past, this was not a guarantee that he would have an opportunity this coming season.
Unfortunately, Gragson was unable to transfer from the "Bluegreen Vacations" Duels to the main event after a finishing only a few positions too far back in the Duel races. The reason that Gragson faced this hardship is because Beard Motorsports is an un-chartered team, meaning they must qualify based on time for the event, and are not guaranteed a starting position the same way that chartered teams are.
What was even more heartbreaking was the fact that the team owner, Mark Beard Sr. had passed away only days before Gragson would attempt "The Great American Race", and his name sat along the name-rail as the group failed to qualify.
I am sure there will be more non-chartered teams that will attempt to qualify for the "Great American Race", so Gragson will have his work cut out for him to even compete in the event. If he qualifies for the Daytona 500, it will become his first NASCAR Cup Series start, as well as Beard Motorsports' first start in the series in just over two years.
There will likely be much more to say about Noah Gragson, Beard Motorsports, and the "Daytona" 500 as the NASCAR off-season continues to progress. Make sure you stay tuned into Stock Car Media for your daily dose of the latest NASCAR news!
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