Jimmie Johnson’s team replaces Noah Gragson with a Le Mans winner for Indy and Glen after the rookie’s suspension for liking George Floyd meme
Noah Gragson Cup return is now a big question mark.
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Noah Gragson and Jimmie Johnson (Credits: USA Today)
Legacy Motor Club, the NASCAR Cup Series team co-owned by legends Jimmie Johnson and Richard Petty, surprised the garage when they announced the suspension of rookie Noah Gragson out of the blue. Now they have made another shocking announcement. LMC has announced that Mike Rockenfeller will replace Gragson for two road course races.
Noah Gragson was suspended after he was caught liking a social media post that mocked the death of Gorge Floyd, an African American who was the victim of police brutality. His death prompted widespread protests in the US and around the world. LMV deemed Gragson’s action, validating the racially insensitive post, which does not represent the team’s values.
He was suspended ahead of the race weekend and was replaced by his former Junior Motorsports teammate Josh Berry, who is set to make his Cup debut next season as SHR’s Kevin Harvick replacement. Rockenfeller, a sports car racing vetran and two times 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, will replace him for the road course rounds.
Gragson’s Cup return is still in limbo as NASCAR has also placed him on indefinite suspension, and the potential sponsorship money he could get in the future might have dried up since more individuals will be trying to distance themselves from the controversy. There were reports that the team later denied that the team ousted Gragson.
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Why did LMC hire Mike Rockenfeller?
Alongside being one of the most skillful and accomplished sports car drivers, Rockefeller was also a friend of Jimmie Johnson. They drove together in NASCAR’s 2023 Le Mans entry, Garage 56. JJ has also drove together in the 2020 Daytona Rollex 24 event. The vast experience, skill, and connection helped him to land the role.
“Rocky and I were teammates and helped develop the G56 program. I couldn’t think of a better person to assist our Club in this tough situation. These back-to-back road course events will be great for Rocky from the technical side as they will bring out his expertise. Rocky is extremely knowledgeable and talented, and I know he will get us the best results possible,” Johnson said in a statement.
Mike Rockenfeller will be among the few experienced ringers making the Indy Road course debut next week. Two drivers that have teammates with him previously will also drive at IMS. G56 teammate and 2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button with RWR and Rolex 24 teammate Kamui Kobayashi with 23XI Racing.
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Justin P Joy
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