2023 has been a trying year for Noah Gragson, who began the season as the driver of the No. 42 Chevrolet for Legacy Motor Club. Not much was expected for the driver competing in his second year in the NASCAR Cup Series.
However, by the time the calendar got to August, Gragson's cup career found itself in jeopardy. The weekend of the Cup race at Michigan International Speedway will be a time Gragson will surely remember forever.
On August 5th, Gragson was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR after liking a racially insensitive social media post about the death of George Floyd.
That suspension meant Gragson would have a long road, and five days after receiving that punishment, Gragson officially asked for his release from Legacy Motor Club, as he wanted to put his full focus into making up for his lack of awareness.
However, just five weeks after the suspension and subsequent release from his racing team, NASCAR has made it official that after completing sensitivity training, Gragson has been reinstated.
According to Fox Sports' Bob Pockrass, Gragson's reinstatement process included completing a program conducted by RISE, the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality.
After receiving word that he was reinstated by NASCAR, Gragson released a statement thanking the sport for giving him another chance.
— Noah Gragson (@NoahGragson) September 12, 2023
"I want to express my sincere gratitude to NASCAR for reinstating me," Gragson said. "Over the past several weeks, I have dedicated myself to personal growth and reflection, and I believe I have become a better person because of it."
Gragson said he couldn't have done it without his family and the NASCAR industry's support.
It's unclear where his next ride will be, as LMC has already signed John Hunter Nemechek to fill the No. 42 seat in 2024, so Gragson will have to wait and see if any opportunities come up in the coming weeks or months.
Gragson is ready and committed to representing his team in the best way possible, no matter where it is.
"I am now more focused and committed than ever to representing my future team in the best way possible," Gragson said. "I'm eager to get back behind the wheel and compete at the highest level, giving it my all on and off the track."
No matter where he ends up, his driving talent is undeniable. All he needs is the right shot.
