Despite the stern warning from NASCAR veteran Kyle Busch, Carson Hocevar appears unfazed and eager to stir the pot on the racetrack.
Hocevar, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, has a history of riding the edge of chaos on the track. Rewind to the Ambetter Health 400 where he slid Kyle Busch across the track, igniting Busch’s fury. The seasoned driver declared his intention to wreck Hocevar, but ultimately, Busch chose to let the incident slide, a surprising move considering their shared history.
It wasn’t just Busch that Hocevar ruffled feathers with during the Atlanta race. Ryan Blaney found himself spun around by the daring rookie, who then proceeded to exchange paint with Ross Chastain for an extended period. As the race neared its end, Hocevar hard-bumped race leader Christopher Bell, and even nearly pushed Kyle Larson out of his way, securing his best Cup Series finish at second place. This aggressive driving led to a line of drivers eager to offer Hocevar some “friendly advice” post-race. However, it seems clear that Hocevar has no plans to alter his style.
Hocevar’s recent performance does show a semblance of calm, with a P13 in COTA and three finishes outside the top 30, including a DNF in the recent Homestead Miami race. Yet, there’s a sense of frustration brewing under the surface. The Spire Motorsports driver is hungry for wins and top 5s, and he’s not afraid to upset the status quo to achieve that. In a recent post, he shared a meme indicating his plan to ditch consistency and go all out for a win.
While many drivers criticize the win-you’re-in playoff format, Hocevar seems ready to leverage it. Despite winning Rookie of the Year, he remains runner-up to Josh Berry, who already has a season victory under his belt. Hocevar is acutely aware that he can’t outperform every experienced driver every week, but a single win could secure his playoff spot. And he’s ready to ruffle feathers to make that happen.
The fearless driver is no stranger to criticism. Christopher Bell commented on Hocevar’s aggressive driving style in Atlanta, warning fellow drivers that Hocevar isn’t afraid to create opportunities where none exist. Hocevar himself affirmed this, stating, “We’re here to win races, not be a boy band.”
While aggression can be an asset, Hocevar’s confrontational approach risks alienating him from the pack. Kyle Busch, who knows a thing or two about racing politics, believes Hocevar’s issue lies in a lack of mentorship. Busch cited Josh Berry’s successful mentorship by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Christopher Bell’s guidance under Busch himself as examples that Hocevar could learn from.
Perhaps Ross Chastain could be the mentor Hocevar needs. Like Hocevar, Chastain was once dubbed NASCAR’s villain, but over time he has learned to temper his aggression. Chastain’s tumultuous history with big names like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and Chase Elliott gives him a unique insight into the consequences of unchecked aggression. It seems Chastain has a soft spot for Hocevar, having supported him since his Truck Series days and praised his speed and skill.
As we gear up for the Martinsville race, all eyes are on Hocevar. Will he heed the advice of his peers, or will he continue to shake up the track? Only time will tell.
How do you feel about Carson Hocevar’s aggressive driving style? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
