The NASCAR rule book includes numerous items including a strict code of conduct for all crew members both on and off the track.

On August 5, the Legacy Motor Club suspended the driver of the number 42 car – Noah Gragson – after it was discovered that he had liked a derogatory meme on social media.  Following Legacy’s suspension, NASCAR followed with an indefinite suspension of their own.

On Instagram he liked a meme that “depicted George Floyd as the crab from ‘The Little Mermaid’. The caption read ‘Under the Knee’ instead of ‘Under the Sea’”.

In announcing his suspension, Legacy Motor Club stated that Gragson exhibited “actions that do not represent the values of our team.”
Noting that Gragson violated Section 4.4D of the NASCAR Rule Book, NASCAR issued a statement saying,  “NASCAR fully supports Legacy Motor Club’s decision to suspend Noah Gragson. Following his actions on social media, NASCAR has determined that Gragson has violated the Member Conduct section of the 2023 NASCAR Rule Book and has placed him under indefinite suspension.”

After his suspension, Gragson also issued a statement saying, “I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media. 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.”
This is not the first time that a NASCAR driver has been suspended for social media activities.  Previously Denny Hamlin and Mike Wallace have been suspended for such activities.  Kyle Larson was suspended for uttering a racial slur over the radio while playing eNASCAR.

Geroge Floyd was killed when a Minnesota police officer held Floyd down with his knee on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes.  Numerous protests were launched all over the world in the wake of the murder. 

The officers involved have since been charged and convicted.

NASCAR has since banned the Confederate flag from all venues and events.