Carson Hocevar attracted significant attention following his aggressive move against Ricky Stenhouse Jr. at the Nashville Speedway on Sunday, where he pushed Stenhouse’s No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet into the wall during Stage 2. This stunt ignited discussions about Hocevar’s rising profile and confrontational approach in NASCAR, with some questioning whether he chose the wrong opponent in Stenhouse, who is known for his fierce competitive style.
Many in the racing community predicted that the established drivers would eventually rein in younger, rowdier competitors like Hocevar. However, former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty strongly disagreed with these views, openly backing Hocevar during NASCAR’s Kiss My A**phalt segment.
Kyle Petty Emphasizes Hocevar’s Rare Racing Spirit
Kyle Petty highlighted Hocevar’s unique presence within the sport, comparing him to iconic figures known for their unyielding personalities like Dale Earnhardt, Darrell Waltrip, and Kurt Busch. Petty argued that these drivers never conformed to pressure to soften their styles, so expecting Hocevar to change is unreasonable. He insisted that the garage won’t suppress Hocevar’s attitude but will instead recognize and respect it.
Petty said,
“Who he is is an emerging superstar in this sport. Somebody that we, as fans, are going to have to deal with for a long time. Some of us will cheer him. Some of us will boo him. But let me tell you something. They talk about the garage fixing this thing. The garage is not going to fix this thing. The garage is going to respect this. The garage is going to embrace this.”
He further explained that Hocevar’s behavior is supported by his strong performance, consistently competing with front-runners. Petty described Hocevar as a driver who belongs
Image of: Carson Hocevar
“where the winners live and where champions survive.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Shares Mixed Feelings on Hocevar’s Conduct
While Dale Earnhardt Jr. has often praised Hocevar’s boldness and the excitement he brings to NASCAR, he expressed concern over Hocevar’s recent actions. Earnhardt Jr. acknowledged the importance of fiery personalities but urged Hocevar to be more selective about his aggressive moves, especially when they involve respected drivers like Stenhouse Jr.
Earnhardt Jr. remarked,
“It is entertaining. I just don’t like it when he wrecks the good guy. You have got to pick and choose who your enemies are. You can’t just blanket the garage. I want him to really dial it back because it’s great as a fan to see him in controversy, we need a little color and personality, and he brings tons of it.”
He also commented,
“The garage will police it a little bit,”
adding,
“Nobody has stepped up to it just yet. But I think he might have messed with the wrong guy tonight.”
The Path Forward for Hocevar’s Controversial Rise
Despite the backlash, Hocevar has not apologized for the incident with Stenhouse Jr., signaling that he may continue embracing his aggressive racing style. His willingness to challenge veterans and race hard has positioned him as a potentially transformative figure in NASCAR, capable of reshaping the competitive landscape. With support from established voices like Kyle Petty and cautious warnings from Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hocevar’s journey as a NASCAR rising superstar amid controversies remains closely watched by fans and insiders alike.
