CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Story by Tom Baker -- Photo by Jonathan Backman Getty Images/NASCAR -- Noah Gragson needs to be back in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024.  The popular driver was suspended several weeks ago by both his team, Legacy Motor Club, and NASCAR when it was revealed he had previously "liked" a post in the past that clearly neither he, nor anyone in my opinion, should have liked.  

NASCAR has reinstated Gragson as of this week.  Gragson had asked for his release from LMC following the suspension, and the team announced that John Hunter Nemechek was going to race the No. 42 Toyota starting next season. 

Gragson has stated that he has been dedicating his last several weeks to focusing on reflection and feels he is a better person for that.  He is going to race for Rette Jones Racing in a super late model this weekend in Toledo, Ohio, and he is now cleared to return to NASCAR national series racing as soon as he finds a place to land.

There are a few potential landing places for Gragson, who I believe should be welcomed back into the Cup garage without judgment or a second thought.  

He has raced for Kaulig Racing in the past and there is at least one car (No. 31) open for next season, so that would be an option for him.  AJ Allmendinger appears set for a full-time schedule in 2024 but it remains to be seen if he will remain in Cup or return to the Xfinity Series. Gragson would be a good fit for an organization that treats its drivers like family and Chris Rice would be a strong mentor for Gragson. 

Rick Ware Racing has Justin Haley for next year in the No. 51, but hasn't announced plans for the No. 15 yet.  That may remain a "rotator" car, but Gragson could fill the seat full-time for a team that is building a stronger alliance with Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing.  

Stewart Haas Racing may or may not have an opening, but if they do that could be another potential landing spot. Rumors of potential sale of one or two of the team's charters have been out there for a few weeks, but nothing has been validated by the team itself.  

Ryan Preece seems slated to return to the No. 41, but Aric Almirola's status in the Smithfield Chevy No. 10 has not been announced, nor has that return of Smithfield as the sponsor.  

My first choice for Noah would be to reunite with Kaulig Racing, and I believe he is deserving of the opportunity.  Everyone deserves a second chance, and his upside potential on the track is surely not in question. 

I don't believe he had enough time at LMC in the No. 42 to draw any conclusions, and the team has undergone a tremendous amount of transition in leadership and has struggled as a whole this season on the track. 

I think Noah Gragson has what it takes to be a champion on the track, and he has built a solid fan base off the track with his authentic personality.  If he surrounds himself with the right people who can help him better understand his role as a brand ambassador and the perils to stay away from, I believe he will put the past behind him and achieve long-lasting success in the Cup Series.