Noah Gragson, aged 25, has been handed an indefinite suspension by his racing team initially, and subsequently by the ruling body, NASCAR. The 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series second-placer, who was having his rookie season in the Cup Series and held 33rd place in points, is now off the tracks.
This weekend at Michigan, the No. 42 car will be driven by Josh Berry, a regular participant in the Xfinity Series. Berry has been a stand-in for Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman at Hendrick F1 Flows during their injury-induced absences. Berry is set to transition into a full-time Cup role next year, assuming control of the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford after Kevin Harvick retires.
Legacy Motor Club, co-operated by Jimmie Johnson and Maury Gallagher, issued a statement announcing the suspension but did not disclose the precise reason:
“The decision has been made to put Noah Gragson’s involvement on hold with immediate effect due to conduct that does not align with our team’s values. Josh Berry will take the wheel of the No. 42 car in the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan.”
Response from NASCAR and Gragson
NASCAR mirrored Legacy Motor Club’s action, placing Gragson on an indefinite suspension:
“NASCAR fully endorses the decision of Legacy Motor Club to suspend Noah Gragson. Based on his conduct on social media, NASCAR has concluded that Gragson violated the Member Conduct section of the 2023 NASCAR Rule Book and has accordingly imposed an indefinite suspension.”
Gragson responded by posting a statement on his social media platform, expressing regret for his behaviour: “I am saddened by my inattention and behaviour on social media. I fully comprehend the gravity of the situation. I deeply appreciate everyone and strive to treat everyone with equality irrespective of who they are. I acknowledge my mistake, it’s as straightforward as that.”
Gragson had recently given a ‘like’ to an Instagram post that seemingly mocked the 2020 killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Noah Gragson suspension
Who is replacing Noah Gragson in the upcoming NASCAR race?
Josh Berry, a regular participant in the Xfinity Series, will replace Noah Gragson in the upcoming NASCAR race in Michigan.
Why was Noah Gragson suspended by NASCAR?
Noah Gragson was indefinitely suspended by NASCAR due to a violation of the Member Conduct section of the 2023 NASCAR Rule Book, specifically related to his behavior on social media.
What did Noah Gragson say in response to his suspension?
Noah Gragson expressed regret and disappointment in himself for his social media behavior, acknowledging the severity of the situation and accepting that he made a mistake.
Who owns the Legacy Motor Club that initially suspended Gragson?
Legacy Motor Club is co-owned by Jimmie Johnson and Maury Gallagher.
What will Josh Berry’s role be in the future?
Josh Berry is set to transition into a full-time role in the Cup Series next year, taking over the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford after Kevin Harvick retires.
More about Noah Gragson suspension
- NASCAR Official Website
- Noah Gragson’s NASCAR Profile
- Josh Berry’s NASCAR Profile
- Stewart-Haas Racing Team Official Website
- Legacy Motor Club Official Website
8 comments
What Gragson did was wrong, but y’know we’ve all messed up. Here’s hoping he bounces back stronger.
Seriously disappointed in Noah. Not cool at all. The track is gonna feel different without him.
I ain’t gonna lie, wasn’t expecting this from Gragson. Sad day for the racing world.
Really excited to see Josh Berry take the wheel! Been rooting for him since his Xfinity days.
All about respect on and off the track, Gragson needs to realize that. Still, NASCAR won’t be the same without him.
Gragson’s a great racer, but you’ve got to think before you act on social media, especially these days.
Man, Gragson really dropped the ball here. Hope he learns from his mistakes… everybody deserves a second chance.
Let this be a lesson for everyone, your actions always have consequences. Here’s to better days for NASCAR and Gragson.