NASCAR driver Noah Gragson has been suspended by his race team, Legacy Motor Club, following a social media incident. Gragson was set to compete in Sunday’s Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway but has now been replaced by Josh Berry.
Legacy Motor Club, led by legendary NASCAR champions Jimmie Johnson and Richard Petty, made the announcement just prior to Cup Series practice and qualifying. In a statement released on Saturday morning, the team stated that they had suspended Gragson immediately due to actions that did not align with the team’s values. Berry will be taking over the No. 42 entry for this weekend’s race.
The exact details of Gragson’s actions leading to the suspension were not clarified by Legacy Motor Club. However, there have been reports of a screenshot circulating on social media showing Gragson liking a George Floyd meme on Instagram. The tragic death of George Floyd in 2020 ignited nationwide civil unrest.
Gragson took to Twitter to address the situation, expressing his disappointment in himself for his lack of attention and actions on social media. He stressed his commitment to treating everyone equally, regardless of who they are, and acknowledged his mistake.
Josh Berry, who drives for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Xfinity Series team, has been a substitute driver in the Cup Series on multiple occasions this year. He stepped in for injured drivers Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman earlier in the season and achieved a second-place finish at Richmond Raceway. In 2024, Berry will be joining Stewart-Haas Racing, replacing the retiring Kevin Harvick.
As NASCAR fans eagerly anticipate Sunday’s race at Michigan International Speedway, this suspension has ignited discussions and debates on social media. The incident highlights the impact of social media activity on professional athletes and the responsibility they have as public figures.
While Legacy Motor Club’s decision to suspend Gragson has received mixed reactions, it underscores the importance of upholding the values and reputation of a team. NASCAR fans will be watching closely to see how Gragson handles this setback and whether he can learn from his mistake and move forward.
In the world of NASCAR, where drivers are not only judged by their performance on the track but also their actions off it, incidents like these serve as reminders that the responsibilities of a professional athlete extend beyond their races. The sport demands professionalism, integrity, and respect from its drivers at all times.
As the Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway approaches, all eyes will be on Josh Berry as he takes over the No. 42 entry, aiming to make an impact and prove himself on one of NASCAR’s most challenging tracks. Fans will be eager to witness the outcome of this unexpected change and how it will shape the future of Gragson’s racing career.
