In what has already been a trying rookie campaign for Noah Gragson, his driving future is now up in the air, as he has been suspended by his race team, Legacy Motor Club, and suspended indefinitely by NASCAR itself.
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It was likely the biggest suspension since Kyle Larson's 2020 insensitive comment during an iRacing event in 2020. Gragson who is no stranger to controversy, was officially suspended prior to the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway after it was discovered he liked a meme on social media that made fun of George Floyd's murder.
Legacy Motor Club released its initial statement on social media on Saturday, stating that Gragson's actions did not represent the values of the team and that he would be suspended.
— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LEGACYMotorClub) August 5, 2023
In addition, NASCAR issued a statement stating that it is indefinitely suspending the 25-year-old for violating Section 4.4D of the NASCAR rule book, which covers driver conduct.
"NASCAR fully supports Legacy Motor Club's decision to suspend Noah Gragson," NASCAR's statement said. "Following his actions on social media, NASCAR has determined that Gragson has violated the Member Conduct section of the 2023 NASCAR Rule Book and has placed him under indefinite suspension."
Gragson took responsibility for his actions in a post to X, formerly Twitter.
"I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media," Gragson said. "I understand the severity of this situation. I love and appreciate every one. I try to treat everyone equally no matter who they are. I messed up plain and simple."
Gragson, who has already had a pretty disappointing rookie season, faces a long road now with his future at LMC and possibly in NASCAR in jeopardy.
Rumors were already swirling that the No. 42 could become open with Legacy's move to Toyota next season. This could be something to keep an eye on.
