Carson Hocevar is focusing on moving forward after recent incidents surrounding the NASCAR Cup Series race in Mexico City. Speaking with Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Hocevar shared how his NASCAR mindset update reflects his approach to overcoming challenges from the event and its aftermath.
During the conversation, Hocevar acknowledged the mistake he made with his comments while streaming, deciding to take a temporary break to reassess his position.
If I didn’t enjoy everything, I wouldn’t do it,
Carson Hocevar told Dale Earnhardt Jr. about streaming and racing.
Obviously, I made that mistake of saying that stuff. For me, I was just like, ‘Okay, I’ll take a break.’
He explained to his content editor that he would pause streaming for a few weeks to evaluate how to proceed. Hocevar also highlighted the importance of being both a fan of the sport and himself as a driver.
I felt like for me, I’ve been a fan of everybody growing up. …For me, I want to race and be exactly what I wanted you (Earnhardt) to race like and be like. …I wanted to be a fan of me. I wanted to be the person I am today and look back and just be like I would be a fan of me watching.
Determined Not to Miss Racing Opportunities
Hocevar expressed a strong desire to embrace every chance that comes his way, refusing to let nerves prevent him from competing fully in races. He views each event as critical and remains committed to pushing his limits.
I feel like I didn’t want to take my lumps and miss out on these opportunities, young or whatever. Every race is an opportunity. When you’re at he end of it, you’re always going to wish you had one more or one more opportunity, to look back of just like, ‘Man, it would have been nice to have this or this.’ Ever since I got into a Cup car, I was like I’m never going to lose an opportunity because I was nervous.
Adding to this, Hocevar recalled the challenge of driving a NASCAR Cup car for the first time and his mindset to give full effort regardless of outcome.
…I much rather lose out going 100 percent or my best and it not being good enough,
he said.
That’s how it was, and I’ve just kind of carried that through, of just every race is an opportunity. You never know when the last one is. And when you’re done, whether it’s 20 years from now, you’re always going to look back and be like, ‘Man, I think I could have won this one if I tried harder or just knew this then.’ I just try to speed up that timeline.
Progress in Hocevar’s NASCAR Cup Career
Now in his second year as a full-time driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, 22-year-old Carson Hocevar has already made strides in establishing himself as a competitive racer. This season, he has achieved four top-10 finishes, including notable second-place results at Atlanta and Nashville.
Despite the earlier controversy in Mexico City, Hocevar’s reflections demonstrate a focused and determined NASCAR mindset update, emphasizing learning from mistakes while maintaining enthusiasm for racing. His willingness to take responsibility and pause streaming suggests a measured approach to managing public perception and personal growth.
Looking ahead, Hocevar’s dedication to seizing every racing opportunity and striving for improvement points toward continued development in his career and potential future successes on the track.
