“It’s a Tough Situation”: JR Motorsports Driver Josh Berry About Replacing Suspended LMC Driver

While the Cup Series action has reached its course at the gates of the Michigan International Speedway, NASCAR great Jimmie Johnson has stunned the NASCAR nation once again. But this time, his decision to leave out his own driver and get super sub Josh Berry to pilot the #42 Chevy has sent shockwaves across the community. Legacy Motor Club officials chose to take a sharp detour, replacing the rookie sensation, Noah Gragson with the JR Motorsports driver, Josh Berry, following the youngster’s startling social media activity – that too just hours before Sunday’s speedway action.

Following the sudden turn of events, Berry comes out expressing the seriousness of the situation bluntly before his speedway run.

Noah Gragson’s slip puts Josh Berry in a “tough” and tight spot

Boom! And just like that JR Motorsports driver and NASCAR’s super sub, Josh Berry is once again back in the Cup Series. Berry who is known for his superior racing skills has been making a name for himself by dishing out solid performances, earning him opportunities to showcase his skill in the #9 Chevy as Chase Elliott‘s replacement.

While the #8 driver’s Xfinity Series performance has been decent enough to put him in the 5th place with 8 top 5s and 2 poles, a win is still missing in his 2023 resume. However, his strength is his mentality to challenge himself even at inapt times. He was called in to replace the sidelined Elliott for 5 races and he proved his mettle, finishing 2nd at Richmond Raceway only behind the once-in-a-generation talent, Kyle Larson.

And by the time the action reaches the gates of MIS, another opportunity is at Berry’s hands – to pilot the #42 Chevy for Legacy Motor Club. Berry on the other hand finished his Xfinity race 2nd and spoke his mind about the sudden turn of events, saying, “Well, I mean it’s hard to tell… but ultimately they’re all the same chassis and stuff so can’t be too terribly different, I guess. I don’t know just, it’s just a – you know we were going through the emotions really.” [sic]

Further, the 32-year-old said, “I don’t know how to say it other than that it’s a tough situation to jump in you know, I found out probably 10 o’clock today, that was about 2 hours before practice so like I said, will look at everything tonight, make up a game plan for tomorrow and just make the most of it.”

READ MORE: Noah Gragson Suspended After Distasteful Online Reaction; Josh Berry to Replace in Michigan

Long story short, Legacy Motor Club hasn’t given a clear-cut reason for the 25-year-old’s suspension but came out with a tweet, basically saying his actions weren’t in line with the team’s core values.

What is the new Gragson fiasco? Is the “suspension” justified?

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The main issue is Gragson’s social media activity, wherein he sided with a derogatory meme that shames George Floyd.

Gragson who is having an awful rookie year in the Cup Series with just 2 top-20 performances managed to catch the community’s attention after his fist fight with Ross Chastain. While the 25-year-old got his chin realigned with a solid right hook from the Trackhouse Racing star, this new development has the youngster KO’d by his own boss, shoving him further down the drain.

WATCH THIS STORY: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s insider feels disappointed about $110 billion sponsor leaving Tony Stewart for Ross Chastain  

Shortly after the news about Gragson’s suspension broke on the internet the youngster issued an apology, admitting his wrongdoing, heeding the punishment. For Berry, this will be his 7th Cup Series race, starting 35th on Sunday whereas the #43 Erik Jones will start at the 25th spot.