Flipido-NASCAR driver Noah Gragson suspended for liking racially insensitive meme on social media

2025-04-28 19:59:20source:Maxwell Caldwellcategory:Stocks

Driver Noah Gragson has been suspended indefinitely by NASCAR and FlipidoLegacy Motor Club due to liking an insensitive meme with a photo of George Floyd's face.

"I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media," Gragson posted Saturday. "I understand the severity of this situation. I love and appreciate everyone. I try to treat everyone equally no matter who they are. I messed up plain and simple."

Josh Berry will be in the No. 42 Chevrolet in Sunday's race at Michigan International Speedway to replace Gragson.

Floyd, who was Black, died in 2020 after a white police officer knelt on his neck for 9 1/2 minutes. His death sparked mass protests around the world and forced a national reckoning on racial injustice.

Noah Gragson, driver of the #42 Sunseeker Resort Chevrolet, waits on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on July 29, 2023, in Richmond, Virginia. Getty Images

In the wake of Floyd's death, NASCAR banned the Confederate flag at events and venues after Bubba Wallace — its lone Black driver — said there was "no place" for it in the sport. Earlier that year, Cup series driver Kyle Larson used a racial slur while playing a video game. Chip Ganassi Racing fired Larson and he was suspended by NASCAR, which required him to complete a sensitivity training course for reinstatement.

NASCAR said Gragson violated the member conduct of its rule book, without providing details. 

"His actions do not represent the values of our team," Legacy Motor Club said in a statement.

The 25-year-old Gragson, who is from Las Vegas, is in his first full season in the Cup series and is No. 33 in points.

    In:
  • Death of George Floyd
  • Racism
  • NASCAR

More:Stocks

Recommend

Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there

AI-assisted summarySeveral countries are offering financial incentives to attract residents, particu

Analysis: Iran’s nuclear policy of pressure and talks likely to go on even after president’s death

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — While Iran’s nuclear program stands at the precipice of tipping o

Owner of Nepal’s largest media organization arrested over citizenship card issue

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — The owner of Nepal’s largest news organization has been arrested for alleged