Carson Hocevar, a second-year driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, is gaining attention not just for his performance on the track but for an unusual pastime: collecting Chevrolet vehicles tied to NASCAR history. Currently driving the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet NextGen, Hocevar has expanded his interests to acquiring street-legal race cars and vintage trucks that celebrate iconic moments and figures in the sport.
This summer, Hocevar added a 1997 Silverado pickup outfitted with Dale Earnhardt-themed vinyl to his collection, and most recently, he purchased a 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass modeled after the 1980 Buddy Baker car nicknamed the ‘Gray Ghost.’ His growing passion for vintage NASCAR cars is becoming a well-known hobby within the racing community.
How Hocevar’s Enthusiasm for Vintage Cars Began
Hocevar’s affection for collecting race cars stems from childhood memories and his connection to local racing culture. He shared during a press conference at World Wide Technology Raceway that,
“I mean, I’ve always wanted cars or like street legal race cars as a kid,”
explaining his fascination started near home at Kalamazoo Speedway.
He elaborated on his discovery of the Intimidator SS at the track, describing it as
“the coolest thing in the world.”
Observing frequent listings on Facebook Marketplace also fuels his hobby, though he hinted it might be a mix of algorithmic targeting and sellers aware of his interests.
“So every time I look on Facebook marketplace, it seems like there are more and more coming up. Either that, or it’s my algorithms knowing it or people making these listings knowing I’ll probably buy them.”
—Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver
Expanding the Collection: What’s Next for Hocevar?
Continuing to grow his collection, Hocevar recently expressed keen interest in a 2012 Kasey Kahne Hendrick Motorsports Car of Tomorrow, though this vehicle is currently not for sale. His passion lies in embracing the cultural side of NASCAR, finding joy in driving these cars and making connections with fans.
The 22-year-old driver revealed how his Dale Earnhardt-themed truck has sparked considerable public attention, citing an incident where he blew a tire while driving it and received numerous honks and texts from passersby.
“You know, the first time I drove the Dale truck, I had about six people walk over to me and we talked and I was stuck at the gas station for an hour,”
Hocevar said, emphasizing the camaraderie fostered by his hobby.
“When I stopped and got fuel, started rolling down the road, a bunch of people rolled down their windows and shouted ‘hell yeah,’ and honked at me. I didn’t know there were that many people on the highway that knew me and had my number because I got like eight texts and calls from people who said they saw me.”
“So, it’s nice to know that if you have an issue, I guess the Dale truck’s pretty obvious that if I have a problem, someone’s got the hook up.”
—Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver
Fan Interaction and the Impact of Hocevar’s Visible Passion
Hocevar’s visible enthusiasm for NASCAR culture has opened up new interactions with fans, including an unexpected experience at a Darlington hotel. By driving his truck from his Charlotte area home and parking it clearly in front of the hotel, he quickly attracted admirers eager for autographs and pictures.
“I had a few fans that were camped out in the parking lot of the hotel because they knew I was staying there and just waited until I came out because they want some things signed and they wanted pictures, which, which I thought was cool,”
Hocevar recalled.
“But I thought I was like ‘damn,’ because that was the first time that’s ever happened. I thought maybe that was kind of weird but you also open yourself up to it when you make it very obvious and park out front and make it clear ‘yeah, I’m staying at this hotel’ but it’s been a lot of fun for me.”
Describing his collection as a “conversation starter,” Hocevar believes his visible passion helps introduce new fans to NASCAR, even those who might not have followed the sport since Dale Earnhardt’s passing. He views his vehicles as more than just collectibles — they are tools to grow the NASCAR fanbase.
Plans for the Collection and Driving Every Vehicle
Although Hocevar has not yet driven the Oldsmobile Cutlass, he treats it with the same enthusiasm as his truck. Looking ahead, he hopes to add more racing classics such as a Monte Carlo, a Lumina, and potentially the Car of Tomorrow once he completes building a proper workshop space.
“I have the Oldsmobile, and I’m just trying to collect them all, the Monte Carlo, the Lumina and hopefully the COT but I need to build a shop first,”
he said, emphasizing the value he places on driving every car he acquires.
“I think what is most fun is any car I get, I’m going to drive it and it’s not going to collect dust for the duster to come in on Wednesday. I’m going to drive them.”
The Growing Significance of Hocevar’s Collection in NASCAR Culture
Carson Hocevar’s evolving NASCAR car collection offers a fresh lens on how drivers connect with the sport beyond the racetrack. His dedication to preserving and celebrating NASCAR’s heritage through visible, street-legal race cars fosters fan engagement and preserves racing history in a tangible way.
As Hocevar continues to acquire more classic vehicles, he not only expands his personal collection but also strengthens his relationship with fans, creating meaningful experiences that bridge generations of NASCAR followers. His approach highlights a modern appreciation for motorsports nostalgia and its importance for building the sport’s future audience.
