Spire Motorsports driver Carson Hocevar was handed a $50,000 fine by NASCAR for an incident at Kansas Speedway, sparking debate ahead of the Charlotte ROVAL race. In a candid interview with FOX Sports analyst Bob Pockrass, Hocevar addressed the fine, clarifying his intentions during the situation that led to the penalty, a key moment involving the Carson Hocevar NASCAR fine.
Details of the Kansas Speedway Incident and NASCAR’s Penalty
NASCAR imposed a significant $50,000 fine on Hocevar after the governing body found he spun his tires while safety crews were attending to his disabled car during the race. The incident occurred as Hocevar, driving the #77 Chevy Camaro ZL1, attempted to re-enter the race, despite running 13th in a field of 37 cars. NASCAR cited violations of Sections 4.4.B and D of its Member Conduct rules, emphasizing safety concerns for both the driver and track personnel.
In response to the fine, Hocevar explained that his intention was not to resume racing immediately but rather to shift his car into neutral. He mentioned the confusion about what caused the tires to spin during the tow process and highlighted the difference between perception and intent.
“Obviously, like, there is a tow truck in front of me not going anywhere; it was trying to go places earlier. You know, the tires are off the ground, and they just spin. But they judge off of actions in visibility not intent, right? So, like, I had tires spun black and white. Yeah, next time I might have them rock the car to throw me in neutral. That’s on me.”
— Carson Hocevar
He also reflected on the educational aspect of the penalty despite its cost, acknowledging the fine’s role in raising awareness for himself and others.
“I was not sitting there in third gear doing a burnout. Really thinking about it, but you know, the tire spinning or knowing I respond to educational for me. It’s expensive too, but it’s education for our guys too,” Hocevar concluded.
— Carson Hocevar
Performance and Impact of the Kansas Incident on Hocevar’s Season
Carson Hocevar started the Kansas race with a strong qualifying effort, securing sixth place with a best lap time of 30.23 seconds and a peak speed of 178.64 mph. Despite this, the tire-spinning incident while running 13th cost him crucial track position and valuable laps, ultimately diminishing his finish to 29th and four laps behind the leader. Meanwhile, Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports took the victory at Kansas, underscoring the competitive nature of the race.
Hocevar’s Racing Approach and Previous Controversies
Earlier in the 2025 season, Hocevar made headlines during the Nashville Race by dramatically impacting the playoff prospects of Hyak Motorsports driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr., earning a career-best second-place finish. However, tensions between the two drivers escalated following a wheel-to-wheel confrontation in Mexico, where Hocevar spun Stenhouse Jr., leading to heightened scrutiny from fans and media alike.
During an appearance on the ’12 Question Podcast’ with Jeff Gluck, Hocevar addressed critics who questioned his dedication and effort in racing. He described himself as a lifelong student of the sport, having analyzed racing since the age of four, and insisted he brings a deeper level of preparation than some perceive.
“I think the consensus is, ‘He doesn’t try. He doesn’t put in any effort. He just shows up.’ I feel like I do. I’ve been alive for 22 years, and I’ve been analyzing racing since I was 4… Now I’ve done this long enough that I can show up ‘blind,’ but I’m not actually blind. I’ve got so many years of watching and studying,” he said.
— Carson Hocevar
After 31 starts this season, Hocevar ranks 22nd in the Cup Series points standings with 625 points, achieving eight top-ten finishes, two top-five results, and one pole position earned at Texas Motor Speedway. His consistent performance indicates resilience despite recent controversies and setbacks.
What the Fine Means for Hocevar and NASCAR Moving Forward
The $50,000 fine imposed on Hocevar signals NASCAR’s continued emphasis on maintaining safety protocols and enforcing strict regulations during caution periods. The incident highlights the fine line drivers must navigate between competitive drive and adherence to on-track safety measures, especially when safety crews are present.
For Hocevar, the penalty serves as a costly lesson but also an opportunity to refine his in-race judgment, reinforcing the importance of visible actions over intentions in NASCAR’s rule enforcement. As the season progresses toward key races like those at Charlotte ROVAL, how Hocevar adapts to this heightened scrutiny may affect both his reputation and performance in the fiercely contested Cup Series.
Carson Hocevar on the $50,000 fine for spinning his tires by safety workers last week at Kansas. He said he wasn't trying to spin the tires, just get the car in neutral. But the minimum fine for this safety violation is $50K so he said he understood the fine. pic.twitter.com/lvUeYado7j
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 4, 2025
