Local NASCAR driver Noah Gragson handles business on and off track

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Noah Gragson returned to Las Vegas for Saturday's Rhino Pro Truck Outfitters 300.

He finished sixth and clinched a spot in the playoffs.

Gragson is taking care of business on the track, but off it he and his family have been dealing with serious adversity.

Gragson's father, Scott, is facing felony charges, including DUI resulting in death. Police say he was drunk and behind the wheel of an SUV when it crashed back in May at The Ridges.

The tragedy happened after a charity golf tournament. Melissa Newton, a mother of three, was killed in the crash. Two others were injured.

Family friends say Scott is a big reason why Noah has become such a success.

"All the preparations and everything he went through to get his son at this point and prepared; it's just so much time and energy," Kent Barry said. "I don't think anybody understands what it takes to get to the point that he's at today."

Barry is well aware of the gravity of Scott's case. He didn't comment but chose to offer support for Noah, instead.

"We're proud of him, and we're rooting for him here today," he said.

Noah joins 11 other drivers in the playoffs. Each will be vying for the championship later this year at Homestead-Miami.

13 Action News reached out to Noah Gragson and his team for this story, but they weren't available for an interview.