NASCAR formally reinstates Noah Gragson

NASCAR lifted the indefinite suspension of Noah Gragson Tuesday and cleared him to return to all NASCAR activity.

Gragson was suspended on Aug. 5 for violating the member conduct section of the NASCAR Rule Book after he liked a racially insensitive post on Instagram. Five days later, Gragson mutually parted ways with Legacy Motor Club.

“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 on Aug. 10. “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.”

NASCAR came to the decision to reinstate Gragson after he “completed diversity and inclusion training with our partners at RISE.”

Following NASCAR’s decision, Gragson released a statement.

NASCAR has reinstated Noah Gragson. Any NASCAR plans TBD. He will compete in the ASA race this weekend at Toledo. Gragson statement: pic.twitter.com/MGCIykPamZ

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) 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.

“I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and the NASCAR industry. I am now more focused and committed than ever to representing my future team in the best way possible. I’m eager to get back behind the wheel and compete at the highest level, giving it my all on and off the track. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey, and I can’t wait to make the most of this second chance.”

Legacy Motor Club goes in different direction after Noah Gragson suspension

Prior to the suspension, Gragson competed in 21 races during his rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series. Legacy Motor Club has employed a rotating cast of drivers to fill-in behind the wheel of the No. 42 Chevy since Gragson departed the team. Josh Berry, Carson Hocevar and Mike Rockenfeller have raced in two races each. Hocevar, the Craftsman Truck Series regular, will get his third start in this Saturday’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

John Hunter Nemechek announced last Wednesday he will man the wheel of the No. 42 car in 2024. Nemechek sits atop the Xfinity Series points standings, picking up his sixth victory of the season in this past Saturday’s Kansas Lottery 300 at Kansas Speedway.