Carson Hocevar, a prominent figure in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, found himself at the heart of a heated debate following an incident during the Sonoma race on May 16, 2025, in North Wilkesboro, NC. Known for his aggressive racing style, Hocevar’s clash with Josh Berry of Wood Brothers Racing has fueled the ongoing Carson Hocevar NASCAR controversy, raising questions about sportsmanship and team dynamics on the track.
Hocevar, driving the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, had been struggling this season, marked by four finishes outside the top 25 since Charlotte. Despite this, his determination to improve clashed with Berry’s effort to recover from an earlier wreck in Chicago. The collision in the closing laps of Sonoma, where Berry contacted Hocevar in Turn 2, caused Hocevar to spin out and drop to 32nd place, while Berry secured 13th. The incident sparked a wave of criticism and support from various NASCAR insiders and fans alike.
Wood Brothers Racing’s Response and Past Rivalries
Following the Sonoma altercation, Wood Brothers Racing (WBR) revived a previous conflict involving Hocevar and their former driver Harrison Burton during the 2024 Coke Zero 400 race. In that incident, Hocevar’s contact caused Burton to spin, resulting in a $50,000 penalty for Hocevar. WBR’s social media response to Berry’s wreck on Hocevar mocked the situation:
Trying to remember if we ever got wrecked for absolutely no reason by the 77, but I’m coming up empty.
This post included a link to the Hocevar-Burton incident, implying justification for Berry’s actions.
The tactic of dredging up last year’s dispute, particularly targeting a driver who no longer races for WBR, struck many as disproportionate and petty, intensifying the controversy surrounding the recent collision.
Industry Experts and Commentary on the Clash
Voices within the NASCAR community expressed bewilderment and criticism toward Wood Brothers Racing for their handling of the situation. The co-host of the podcast “Rubbin’ is Racing,” known as Quigs, addressed the issue directly:
Wood Brothers put out what I think is one of the most petty f–king responses to criticism about it. I don’t know what Wood Brothers is trying to say… Yeah, that’s a little weird to me. We told Josh Berry to internalize that pain even though it wasn’t him, it was the season before. And take it out on him at the end of the f–king Sonoma race.
According to Quigs, the reasoning behind Berry’s aggressive move remains unclear, especially since other drivers have had more visible conflicts with Hocevar this season. The host continued:
Dale just casually said, ‘Josh Berry just hooked Carson Hocevar’…there was no follow-up to it, I think everyone was baffled why. If it were some of the other people that Carson has had some smoke with earlier this season, it might make some sense. But I think they just chocked it up to like, ‘Ah, Carson must have done something.’ It’s kind of unfair for the kid, but to bring up the whole idea of him stupidly taking out Harrison Burton last season, I don’t know if that’s the f–king reason you wanna put up.
These insights highlight a growing perception that the tactics used against Hocevar in Sonoma were not only unexpected but questioned for their fairness, igniting a broader debate on respect and retaliation in NASCAR racing.
Wood Brothers Racing’s Pursuit of a Competitive Comeback
The 2025 season has emerged as a significant turning point for Wood Brothers Racing, the oldest team in the NASCAR Cup Series. With Josh Berry leading the charge, the team celebrated its 101st victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and recorded additional strong finishes at Phoenix and Kansas. Berry’s performance represents a clear effort to revitalize WBR and reaffirm its presence in the highly competitive field.
Berry reflected on the challenges leading up to Sonoma:
Getting knocked out that quickly is never how you want to end a weekend. That’s behind us now, and I’m focused on Sonoma. The team has been working really hard. And I believe we’ve got a group capable of putting together a solid run.
Such determination extends beyond individual races, as WBR commemorates its rich history through initiatives like “Wood Brothers Wednesdays” on The NASCAR Channel. Ahead of the Dover race, the team aired a special titled Survival of the Fastest: Wood Brothers Racing — Dover, celebrating the team’s 75 years of racing heritage. David Pearson, a legendary driver for WBR, dominated Dover with three consecutive victories between 1972 and 1973, leading over 1,000 laps in total. The team has led laps at Dover six times, showcasing their enduring competitive spirit.
Implications of the Controversy for Future NASCAR Events
The uneasy aftermath of the Sonoma race places Carson Hocevar and Wood Brothers Racing under intensified scrutiny as the season progresses. Hocevar’s recent incident has generated sympathy and support among fans and commentators who view the tactics used by Berry and WBR as unjustified. This controversy also spotlights the underlying tensions between drivers and teams seeking to assert dominance or settle past scores on the track.
Looking ahead, Wood Brothers Racing’s efforts to regain momentum may continue to influence race dynamics and rivalries, particularly as Josh Berry aims for consistent top finishes. Meanwhile, Hocevar’s resilient presence amid this controversy signals an ongoing saga that could shape narratives around fair play and competitive conduct in NASCAR’s 2025 season.
