Darren Watkins Jr, widely recognized as IShowSpeed, teamed up with NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar for a thrilling ride-along at the Daytona International Speedway. This Carson Hocevar Daytona ride-along was captured in a new video where Speed’s animated and expressive reactions quickly became the highlight.
The video surfaced on X through the account Rubbin is Racing, accompanied by the caption:
“Did anyone have this on their bingo card?”
Speed, who commands over 43 million subscribers on YouTube and 1.4 million followers on Twitch, has a reputation for high-energy content filled with surprise and emotion. During the Daytona experience, his reactions spanned from shock and amazement to bursts of excitement while Hocevar expertly navigated the superspeedway.
This event was part of Speed’s ongoing marathon livestream called Speed Does America, which regularly draws tens of thousands of viewers. Around 35,000 people tuned in to watch Speed and Hocevar at Daytona, with track president Frank Kelleher also present to help guide the experience.
Driving Challenges and Impressive Speeds in a NASCAR Chevrolet
Following the ride-along, Speed got behind the wheel of a Chevrolet from the NASCAR Racing Experience. After strapping himself into the tight cockpit, he commented on the limited space, expressing surprise at how restrictive it felt once secured in the driver’s seat. Despite the confined conditions, Speed completed several laps around the 2.5-mile track over the span of about eight minutes.
According to Daytona officials, Speed reached a top speed of 124 mph during his laps. For context, the pole speed for the upcoming 2025 Daytona 500 is 182.745 mph, while the all-time qualifying record remains 210.364 mph, set by Bill Elliott in 1987. When exiting the car, Speed declared with a grin:
“I f**** aced that.”
He admitted that this NASCAR experience was more enjoyable than his previous F4 car run at Germany’s Nurburgring and hinted at the possibility of returning for another go at Daytona.
The day’s activities didn’t end there, as Hocevar later gave Speed a ride in a firetruck around the Daytona circuit, siren blaring and showcasing the steep banking and finish line area. They also took a moment to have some fun spraying water across the infield using a fire hose.
Carson Hocevar’s Narrow Escape from a Massive Daytona Wreck
Carson Hocevar faced intense moments during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 race at Daytona. Early in Stage 1, a significant crash unfolded on the frontstretch, involving several cars including Bubba Wallace. Hocevar managed to steer clear of the pileup, and his reaction over the radio quickly gained attention online.
The in-car audio clip was shared by X user Basso488 and picked up by reporter Jeff Gluck. During the exchange, Hocevar’s team congratulated him on avoiding the wreck.
“Hell of a save,” a team member said.
Hocevar responded with laughter, captured as a prolonged string of HAHAHA over the radio, showing his relief and light-hearted response.
The crash was triggered by contact on the frontstretch, causing a chain reaction. Bubba Wallace, who had already secured a playoff spot, was caught up in the crash alongside other drivers. After receiving medical attention at the infield care center, Wallace described the incident to NBC’s Parker Kligerman, explaining that he was pushed from behind and trapped between Kyle Larson’s No. 5 car and Joey Logano’s No. 22, which left no room to avoid the crash.
Although frustrated, Wallace called the crash just a crap deal and reassured that he was okay. Hocevar, driving the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, finished the race in 34th place.
Impact of the Ride-Along and Race Moments
This Carson Hocevar Daytona ride-along not only showcased the raw thrills of NASCAR through the eyes of an energetic internet personality but also highlighted the unpredictable intensity on the race track itself. Speed’s enthusiastic response helped bridge the gap between racing fans and a wider audience on digital platforms, while Hocevar’s ability to avoid a major wreck showed his skill and composure in demanding situations.
With Speed hinting at a return visit and the ongoing popularity of his marathon livestream, collaborations between digital creators and professional athletes in motorsport settings might become increasingly common, offering fans new ways to experience racing culture firsthand.
