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Noah Gragson cleared to return to NASCAR at Nashville after concussion in St. Louis

On3 imageby:Andrew Graham•06/21/23•

AndrewEdGraham

NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400
(Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

After sustaining a concussion amid a serious crash in St. Louis more than two weeks ago, Legacy Motor Club’s Noah Gragson will be back behind the wheel this weekend. Gragson missed the race at Sonoma while he recovered from his injury.

The team announced his return to the race circuit on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon. They also announced that Gragson will be granted a playoff waiver from NASCAR.

“He’s back! [Noah Gragson] will be back behind the wheel of the No. 42 [Black Rifle Coffee Co.] Chevrolet for [Nashville] this weekend,” the team said.

In Gragson’s place, Grant Enfinger got behind the wheel and drove at Sonoma.

The Ally 400 at the Nashville Super Speedway is set to take place on Sunday at 7 p.m. EST.

Gragson seemingly had a chance to be ready for Sonoma

It was not to be, though, as the crash was as serious as it looked. Gragson was out of the Sonoma race with a concussion. The Legacy Motor Club driver’s brake rotor blew up, like three other NASCAR drivers several weekends ago, and sent him backward into the wall.

While NASCAR has worked on improving the impact of the car when it goes rear-end first into the wall, it might have some work to do. This is the same type of hit that took Alex Bowman out last year for five races and has Kurt Busch sidelined from racing even now almost a year later.

“Last Sunday at World Wide Technology Raceway, Gragson was involved in a crash on Lap 197 and was evaluated and released from the infield care center. Upon return home to North Carolina, he began to experience concussion-like symptoms mid-week and is seeking treatment,” a statement from Legacy Motor Club said.

This is another tough break in a season that has not gone the way Gragson likely hoped for. While he has struggled, there are some bright days ahead, at least new opportunity as Legacy Motor Club switches to Toyota next season.

Of course, the folks at the top are worried about their driver. Maury Gallagher and Jimmie Johnson are co-owners of Legacy Motor Club. They were concerned about getting the rookie Cup Series driver back healthy and in the car.

“Noah’s health is the highest of priorities and we commend him for making the decision to sit out this weekend,” the co-owners said in a joint statement after the crash. “We are appreciative that Grant was available and willing to step in since the Truck Series is off this weekend.”