NASCAR driver Noah Gragson has been reinstated by the sport’s governing body, NASCAR, following his suspension for liking an Instagram meme that mocked the death of George Floyd in 2020. Gragson, who was previously racing for Legacy Motor Club, was suspended by both the team and NASCAR in early August as a result of his social media activity.
In order for his suspension to be lifted, NASCAR required Gragson to complete diversity and inclusion training, which he has now successfully done. Gragson expressed his gratitude to NASCAR and stated that he has dedicated himself to personal growth and reflection during his suspension. He believes he has become a better person as a result and is committed to representing his future team in the best way possible.
When Gragson was initially suspended, he openly admitted his disappointment in himself for his lack of attention and actions on social media. He subsequently parted ways with Legacy Motor Club less than a week after his suspension.
Now that he has been reinstated, Gragson is eligible to race in any NASCAR series. However, he will first need to find a team that is willing to hire him. In the 2023 season, Gragson had an average finish of 28th and did not achieve any top 10 finishes in the 21 races he competed in.
It is worth noting that Legacy Motor Club has already announced John Hunter Nemechek as the driver of the No. 42 car for the 2024 season, as the team is undergoing a switch from Chevrolet to Toyota.
Noah Gragson had previously raced in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports, owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., before making the move to Legacy Motor Club and the Cup Series in 2023. During his time in the Xfinity Series, Gragson achieved 13 wins in 135 starts and finished second in the points standings in 2022, with eight wins and 26 top-10 finishes in 33 starts.
Gragson’s reinstatement brings both relief and anticipation for the driver, who is now eager to get back behind the wheel and compete at the highest level. He is determined to make the most of this second chance and prove himself on and off the track. The journey has not been easy, but with the support of his family and the NASCAR industry, Gragson is focused on his future and ready to give it his all.
