Shockwaves in NASCAR Community as Noah Gragson Frees Jimmie Johnson of Massive Burden

The Noah Gragson saga continues to unwind. The ongoing problem around Legacy Motor Club and the presence of Gragson in their plans has been up in the air for the past few days. Previous reports about the team releasing the #42 driver from the roster were fake, as clarified by a team representative. But surprisingly, the latest twist for the Jimmie Johnson-owned side doesn’t seem far from the same course of events.

On Friday, the team released an official statement announcing that Gragson has requested to be dropped from their roster as a repercussion for his recent controversial activity on social media. Seeing that the scenario’s outcome ultimately turned out as expected, the fandom was taken aback by the confusing situation. While some expressed their shock over the decision, some stood behind Gragson to accuse LMC of leaving their driver in a fix.

Noah Gragson takes accountability for his actions, requests to be relieved from his duties

Following the incident, LMC was forced to suspend Gragson, and NASCAR backed the team’s decision to suspend Noah Gragson indefinitely. With everything going south for him, the situation didn’t look like getting any better for the 25-year-old. The latest announcement comes two days after Legacy Motor Club announced the signing of 2010 Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller as an interim driver who has raced in the Cup Series twice before coming in at Indianapolis on Sunday.

The team relayed the #42 Camaro driver’s request and the team’s CEO Cal Wells III’s response through Twitter. Noah stated,

“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. 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.”

Team CEO Wells thanked their driver for taking responsibility for his actions and having the strength to choose a difficult path amidst widespread criticism and hate for him. He said,

“Noah has a ton of talent and has a great personality. 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.”

Coming into his first season as a full-time driver in the Cup Series after a stellar Xfinity campaign in 2022 with JR Motorsports, this one error in judgment will cost him a possible future in the sport. Gragson’s mistake has set off a chain reaction that has divided the community into factions. While some claim foul, others have voiced their shock over it.

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NASCAR community stands divided over the latest decision by Jimmie Johnson’s team

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The issue has been a sensitive topic of discussion in the community. Many fans have tried to understand the move from the team and the cause of this decision. Especially considering that LMC denied any involvement in releasing Noah Gragson two days prior, after the circulation of rumors about that. The team’s statement cleared the air back then that although Rockenfeller was indeed replacing Gragson for the two road course races, it didn’t imply that the former JRM driver was not in the squad.

“To the people complaining, it makes sense. If he knows he’s not coming back next year, it’s best to try and get a ride now. Rather than wait and then there’s no good rides left,” commented a fan saying that this would be the best possible route for the youngster in the situation.

“Hopefully Noah learned Not to ever form his own opinion. Just like the rest of the Drivers… Noah will be told what to think and say. Thank you @NASCAR,” said another fan voicing his displeasure at the forced narratives according to him.

One fan on Twitter pointed out that the team refuted the earlier news of him being dropped to present it in a different way, as he says, “lol y’all denied it and then confirmed it”

“Please @DaleJr start a cup team and make him your guy. And lay the smack down on the rest of the field !” said another comment expressing a desire to see a reunion of the two-time Xfinity winner and last season’s Xfinity runner-up.

Circumstances like this often manage to separate the fanbase into multiple sections. NASCAR will find it hard to manage the unrest and have to answer many questions, and so will Jimmie Johnson and Legacy Motor Club.

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