Spire Motorsports has finalized a long-term contract with 23-year-old Carson Hocevar, ensuring the talented driver will continue piloting the No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 well into the coming decade. This extension cements Hocevar’s role within the team and reflects confidence in his ongoing development and performance.
Hocevar, originally from Portage, Michigan, earned the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year title and has quickly become one of the sport’s promising young drivers. Supported by a strong lineup of sponsors including Chili’s Grill and Bar, Delaware Life, MINER, Modo Casino, and Zeigler Automotive Group for the 2025 season, Hocevar delivered an impressive sophomore campaign highlighted by his first career pole position in NASCAR’s top series, two second-place finishes, and nine top-10 results.
Endorsement from Team Leadership Highlights Trust and Long-Term Vision
Jeff Dickerson, Co-Owner of Spire Motorsports, emphasized the importance of the deal for the team’s future plans.
“It’s a pretty big moment for our company to announce an extension with Carson (Hocevar) that takes us out for multiple years,”
Dickerson said.
“It’s not just about knowing he’ll be here with us for the long-haul, but it gives our sponsors and competition group the foresight to make their own plans knowing he’s in the seat of the No. 77 as far as we can see. It has been an absolutely rewarding experience getting to know Carson and watching him grow up, and learn from the good and bad both at and away from the racetrack. I love him like a son and it means a great deal to me, personally, knowing he’ll be here for several years. I expect this announcement could test the effectiveness of my blood pressure medication, so I’ve alerted my physician he may have to adjust the dosage appropriately but, it’ll be worth it.”
2024 Rookie Season Showcases Hocevar’s Potential
Throughout his rookie year in 2024, Hocevar established himself as a formidable competitor. He earned one top-five finish, six top-10s, and thirteen top-15 placements, including a career-best third place at Watkins Glen International in New York. That performance made him only the third Michigan-born driver to achieve a top-three finish at the track. Notably, Hocevar was the highest-finishing rookie in 15 of the 36 points races and amassed 686 total points, outpacing his closest rookie competitor by 107 points.
“I love to race and there’s really no place better to race than here,”
Hocevar stated, reflecting his passion for the sport.
Expanding Role Across Multiple Racing Disciplines
As part of his extended involvement with Spire Motorsports, Hocevar will contribute beyond the Cup Series. He is set to participate in the maximum number of races allowed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series for Spire’s No. 77 team during their 2026 pursuit of the series owner’s championship. In addition, Hocevar plans to return to dirt late model racing for select events and compete in high-profile pavement super late model races nationwide.
“This shows we’re all committed and eager to race with each other for a long time,”
Hocevar added.
“I think of Jeff (Dickerson) as a father figure, but the same could be said for Luke (Lambert, crew chief), Tyler (Green, spotter), Bill (Anthony, Spire Motorsports’ president) and all the No. 77 guys. Everyone in the building, has really become a family to me. Spire is such a different team now compared to how it was my rookie season, and especially when I made my debut in 2023. It’s fun to know I’m going to be around the Cup garage for a long time, and really a dream come true.”
Hocevar’s Journey to the Cup Series
Carson Hocevar made his NASCAR Cup Series debut on June 4, 2023, at World Wide Technology Raceway, driving for Spire Motorsports at just 20 years old. In the same year, he competed in four NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events for Spire Motorsports, securing top-10 finishes at Darlington Raceway (sixth) and Charlotte Motor Speedway (eighth).
Before joining Spire Motorsports full-time, Hocevar raced in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series with Niece Motorsports. Over 81 series starts, he has earned five wins, twenty-two top-five finishes, thirty-four top-10s, and led 731 laps. His consistent performance secured playoff appearances in each of his three full seasons, culminating in a spot in the Championship 4 in 2023.
Roots in Midwest Racing and Super Late Model Success
Hocevar’s driving skills were honed in Midwestern pavement late model competitions, where he claimed victories at some of the nation’s most prestigious super late model events. His titles include wins at the Battle at Berlin, Money in the Bank 150, Redbud 400, and Winchester 400, highlighting his versatility and talent on various racing surfaces.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Chapter for Spire Motorsports and Hocevar
With this long-term extension, Spire Motorsports and Carson Hocevar have solidified a partnership aimed at sustained success. The agreement provides stability for sponsors and team members alike, while allowing Hocevar to deepen his experience across multiple NASCAR series and racing formats. His proven ability and passion suggest a bright future as both a driver and a key figure in the organization’s growth.
