NASCAR Driver Indefinitely Benched for Controversial Social Media Actions

NASCAR driver Noah Gragson has been suspended indefinitely by Legacy Motor Club due to his controversial actions on social media

Gragson's suspension was announced on a Saturday and takes effect immediately, resulting from his online behavior that does not align with the team's values

The suspension was triggered by Gragson liking a meme on social media that mocked George Floyd's murder, a sensitive and highly significant event that sparked a global racial reckoning in 2020

Legacy Motor Club's decision to suspend Gragson was supported by NASCAR, and he was found to have violated Section 4.4.D. of the NASCAR Rule Book, which deals with driver conduct

In response to the suspension, Josh Berry, a 32-year-old veteran driver from Hendersonville, will replace Gragson in the No. 42 Legacy MC Chevrolet for the Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway

Josh Berry has previously made eight starts in the Cup Series for Hendrick Motorsports in 2023, filling in for drivers Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman. He also competes in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports

Berry's appearance on Sunday's race will mark his ninth start of the season. Additionally, he is slated to replace Kevin Harvick for Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024

Noah Gragson expressed regret and took responsibility for his actions on social media after learning about the suspension, admitting his lack of attention and understanding the gravity of the situation

He expressed love and appreciation for everyone and acknowledged that he made a mistake