Carson Hocevar has purchased the Chili’s restaurant in his hometown of Portage, Michigan, preventing its planned closure and replacement by a Kroger gas station. This move came shortly after a local radio station publicized Kroger’s intention to take over the location, prompting Hocevar to act swiftly to preserve the eatery close to his roots.
The Spire Motorsports driver, competing in his second Cup Series season, saw potential in keeping the Chili’s open despite the threat posed by the $43.94 billion Kroger corporation, which is also involved in NASCAR through sponsorship of Ryan Preece’s No. 60 Ford. Upon discovering the restaurant was still operating, Hocevar chose to acquire it himself, blending his passion for racing with commitment to his community.
How Hocevar Intervened to Save Portage’s Chili’s
Last month, Portage’s 107.7 RKR radio station shared a Facebook post announcing Kroger’s plans to replace the Chili’s with a gas station, alarming locals and fans alike. After noticing the post, Hocevar followed up with the restaurant chain to confirm the status of the location. Contrary to the radio claims, Hocevar learned that the Chili’s was still fully open and operational.
He then decided to invest in the property himself, aiming to protect a valued local business from closure. Hocevar announced the purchase on his Facebook page, emphasizing his personal connection to the restaurant:
“I BOUGHT MY HOMETOWN CHILI’S LOCATION IN PORTAGE MICHIGAN!!! I am excited to announce after seeing this post I made a call and got ahold of my friends at Chili’s. I wanted to be able to save this location as it’s very close to home. It shocked me to find out the folks at 107.7 RKR had no base to their claims and this location was open.”
– Carson Hocevar
He added a note inviting the community to enjoy the spot:
“I figured it would be worthy investment to still invest and so I am proud to announce that I bought this Chili’s location located in my home town. Hope everyone can come in and grab a bite to eat!,”
– Carson Hocevar
Recent Challenges Fueled Tension Around Hocevar and His Racing Career
Amidst the excitement of his Chili’s purchase, Hocevar has faced criticism about his dedication and work ethic in NASCAR’s top tier. Entering his second season in the Cup Series, the young driver has fielded accusations of insufficient preparation and lack of effort during races. Hocevar has actively responded to these critiques by explaining his distinct race-day approach, aiming to quell doubts about his professionalism.
Details Emerge Behind Hocevar’s $50,000 Fine at Kansas Speedway
Following the Hollywood Casino 400 event at Kansas Speedway, Hocevar was hit with a $50,000 penalty that shocked many fans and industry observers. The reason for this unexpectedly steep fine was unclear at first.
NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass clarified the incident on social media, revealing that the sanction stemmed from Hocevar’s conduct after a late-race spin. Upon stopping on track and after safety workers reached his vehicle, Hocevar allegedly revved his engine and spun the tires while attempting to rejoin the race, which NASCAR classified as a behavioral infraction.
“NASCAR has fined Carson Hocevar $50,000 for what NASCAR termed as a behavioral infraction. After he spun and came to a stop at Kansas and safety workers had gotten to his car, he revved and spun his tires as he tried to rejoin the field,”
– Bob Pockrass, NASCAR Reporter
The incident resulted in a disappointing 29th-place finish, two laps behind the leaders, significantly lower than the promising sixth-place starting position Hocevar had secured. This setback hurt his attempts to break through with a first Cup Series victory this season.
Hocevar’s Near Victory at Bristol Playoffs Highlights His Growing Potential
Despite these challenges, Hocevar has demonstrated flashes of competitive strength. At the recent playoff race in Bristol Motor Speedway, he led in the final laps before losing the lead to Christopher Bell. Multiple contacts with Zane Smith during the closing stage pushed Hocevar back to a seventh-place finish, yet the performance revealed his ability to contend for wins.
These moments underscore why fans and commentators alike keep a close watch on his progression — Hocevar remains in the hunt for his first series triumph, balancing on-track intensity with off-track ventures such as his Chili’s ownership.
The Broader Significance of the Chili’s Purchase for Hocevar and Portage
Hocevar’s decision to buy the Chili’s location is more than a business deal; it symbolizes a commitment to his community and roots while navigating the pressures of professional racing. By preserving a local landmark, he not only protects a beloved establishment but also strengthens his personal brand beyond motorsports.
As Hocevar continues to develop both as a Cup Series competitor and entrepreneur, the outcome of this investment in Portage could influence his public image and community ties long term. Fans may now frequent a restaurant owned by one of their hometown drivers, deepening their connection to him beyond the race track.
Looking ahead, Hocevar’s ownership of Chili’s could lead to further business ventures or local engagements, illustrating a growing trend among athletes pursuing interests off the field. This move also adds complexity to his racing career, where maintaining focus amid diverse responsibilities will be essential.
