NASCAR driver Noah Gragson discovered himself in scorching water when he was indefinitely suspended by Legacy Motor Membership on Saturday resulting from a controversial social media incident. In a stunning flip of occasions, Josh Berry will step in for him on the upcoming Cup Collection race at Michigan Worldwide Speedway.
Legacy Motor Membership did not mince phrases, stating: “We have now made the choice to droop Noah Gragson efficient instantly concerning his actions that don’t symbolize the values of our group.” The group’s stance was crystal clear.
The suspension stemmed from Gragson’s liking of a meme that mocked the tragic loss of life of George Floyd, a pivotal second in sparking world conversations about racial injustice. This motion, found on social media, led to a series response throughout the racing group.
NASCAR, in sync with Legacy Motor Membership, echoed their agency stance. Gragson’s actions had been deemed a violation of Part 4.4.D. of the NASCAR Rule Ebook, centered on driver conduct. NASCAR’s assertion affirmed: “Following his actions on social media, NASCAR has decided that Gragson has violated the Member Conduct part of the 2023 NASCAR Rule Ebook and has positioned him below indefinite suspension.”
Gragson is on his first full yr
By way of Gragson’s on-track efficiency, he is at the moment ranked thirty third within the Cup Collection standings in his first full yr. When confronted with the implications of his actions, Gragson accepted duty and expressed regret, sharing:
“I’m dissatisfied in myself for my lack of consideration and actions on social media. I perceive the severity of this case. I like and recognize everybody. I attempt to deal with everybody equally irrespective of who they’re. I tousled plain and easy.”
Josh Berry, a seasoned 32-year-old driver, will fill Gragson’s spot within the No. 42 Legacy MC Chevrolet for the FireKeepers On line casino 400. Berry, who has already participated in eight Cup Collection begins this yr, has stepped up for each Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman at Hendrick Motorsports. In addition to his Cup Collection involvement, he is additionally lively within the Xfinity Collection, driving for JR Motorsports.