Noah Gragson is out of the seat for at least two weeks
Just ahead of the race at Michigan International Speedway, a story broke of Noah Gragson likely in insensitive meme. Legacy Motor Club elected to suspend their driver. Moments later, NASCAR followed up with their own suspension.
“We have made the decision to suspend Noah Gragson effective immediately regarding his actions that do not represent the values of our team,” Legacy Motor Club stated.
NASCAR driver Noah Gragson suspended for George Floyd meme
Gragson has since issued an apology. He stated, “I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media.”
The meme wasn’t posted by Gragson himself. However, he did like it and that was enough to bring a suspension.
Josh Berry filled in to drive the car last week at Michigan.
Michigan Results: August 5, 2023 (NASCAR Xfinity Series)
The suspension from NASCAR and the team are both indefinite. He’s not the first driver to be suspended for actions on social media. There’s a path back to the sport which includes sensitivity training.
Gragson will be out for at least the next two events. Legacy Motor Club has announced that Mike Rockenfeller will drive the No. 42 this weekend at the Indianapolis Road Course as well as the following week at Watkins Glen International.
Reports soon followed that Legacy Motor Club and Noah Gragson had parted ways. A later report stated that was not the case and Gragson will remain with LMC.
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NASCAR comments following the suspension
“It’s an unfortunate situation,” Elton Sawyer stated via Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.
“Noah is a talent. We want to set him up as an industry and as a league to go through the proper training. Get him educated on what it takes to get back.”
“He’s a professional athlete. There’s young kids and fans alike that watch Noah and really root for Noah.”
“We want to make sure that message that is being sent to young drivers and fans, that it’s done in the right way.”
“I’m sure that Noah will learn from this. That’s what we’re hoping. As well as the folks at Legacy Motor Club, will do everything to get him on the right path to get him in a good spot to come back and compete at a high level.”
Gragson is in his rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Click here to see the meme that brought the suspension
