NASCAR driver Noah Gragson requests release from team after George Floyd meme drama
Gragson was suspended indefinitely for liking a George Floyd meme
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}NASCAR driver Noah Gragson requested his release from Legacy Motor Club on Thursday after he was suspended indefinitely for liking a George Floyd meme on social media.
Gragson’s request came two days after the team announced he would be replaced for the next two races.
"I have asked LEGACY MOTOR CLUB to release me from my contract so that I can take time to work through the NASCAR reinstatement process," Gragson said in a statement. "I love racing, and I am looking forward to a second chance to compete for wins at the highest level of NASCAR - and most importantly, make my family, my team and the fans proud of me once again."
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Noah Gragson waits on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on July 29, 2023, in Virginia. (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Legacy Motor Club CEO Cal Wells III also released a statement.
"Noah has a ton of talent and has a great personality," Wells said. "This is a difficult situation, but we are proud that Noah has taken ownership of his actions and are confident he will work through this process with NASCAR and come back stronger."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Gragson was in his first season as a full-time Cup Series driver. Gragson was suspended indefinitely over the weekend after he appeared to like a meme depicting George Floyd. Legacy Motor Club said his actions did not "represent the values of our team." NASCAR levied the indefinite suspension on him for violating the organization’s code of conduct.
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NASCAR Cup Series driver Noah Gragson is introduced before the start of the Crayon 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire, July 17, 2023. (Eric Canha-USA Today Sports)
NASCAR told Fox Sports the meme like resulted in the suspension.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}On Tuesday, Legacy Motor Club said road course specialist Mike Rockenfeller will drive the No. 42 at Indianapolis and Watkins Glen, New York. Both events will be road courses. Josh Berry replaced Gragson in the No. 42 at Michigan over the weekend. He crashed and did not finish the race.
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Noah Gragson waves to fans prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 at Dover International Speedway on May 1, 2023, in Delaware. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Gragson drove sparingly on the circuit in 2021 and 2022 for Beard Motorsports, Kauling Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. He got the start at Daytona in February to start the year and finished in 24th. He had only one top-15 finish this season.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fox News' Joe Morgan contributed to this report.