NASCAR and Legacy Motor Club have taken decisive action against driver Noah Gragson following a controversial incident on social media. Gragson has been suspended in response to his association with a meme that made light of the tragic death of George Floyd, which he had liked on the platform.
In an official statement, Legacy Motor Club announced the immediate suspension of Gragson, citing that his actions were not in line with the team’s values. As a result of the suspension, Josh Berry will step in to drive the No. 42 entry for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan.
NASCAR, in support of Legacy Motor Club’s decision, subsequently announced an indefinite suspension for Gragson, citing a violation of the Member Conduct section of the 2023 NASCAR Rule Book. The racing organization takes a firm stance against behavior that is inconsistent with their code of conduct and has placed Gragson under an indefinite suspension.
Currently in his first full season in the Cup series, Gragson occupies the 33rd spot in the standings, with no top-10 finishes to his name. In response to the situation, Gragson took to Twitter to express his disappointment in himself, acknowledging his lack of attention to his actions on social media. He recognized the seriousness of the situation and expressed his love and appreciation for everyone. Gragson also emphasized his commitment to treating everyone equally, regardless of their background, and acknowledged the gravity of his mistake.
Meanwhile, stepping in for Gragson, Josh Berry will make his ninth Cup series start, taking on the responsibility of racing on behalf of the suspended driver. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible social media engagement, especially for public figures in the spotlight of high-profile sports like NASCAR. The consequences of such actions can be significant, impacting both personal and professional reputation.