Carson Hocevar, a rising talent in NASCAR‘s Truck Series and now competing in the Cup Series, has recently addressed the misunderstandings surrounding his commitment. Despite initial assumptions that his aggressive driving style was his most controversial trait, Hocevar says that many people misjudge his dedication and effort, especially when it comes to his preparation and work ethic.
During a candid discussion on Jeff Gluck’s 12 Questions segment, Hocevar openly confronted these stereotypes, stating,
“I think the consensus is, ‘He doesn’t try. He doesn’t put in any effort. He just shows up.’ I feel like I do (try). I’ve been alive for 22 years, and I’ve been analyzing racing since I was 4.”
– Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver
Early Beginnings and Mental Preparation Behind the Scenes
Hocevar’s passion for racing took root early, sparked by hours spent with his mother at home. He would sit on the kitchen counter, with his mother reading off pylon positions from the television while he arranged diecast cars to simulate race scoring. Watching races at tracks like Kalamazoo and Berlin, he questioned competitors’ choices, wondering,
“Why didn’t you go to the top? Why didn’t you slide here?”
– Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver
This curiosity and analytical mindset laid the foundation for his current approach to racing, which involves intense mental rehearsal. Though his visible preparation may seem unconventional, Hocevar spends significant time mentally replaying race scenarios, continually breaking down his performances to improve.
Visualization as a Key Tool in Hocevar’s Strategy
In NASCAR’s high-pressure environment, Hocevar’s strategy relies less on endless data review and more on mental visualization. He recounted his 2022 Truck Series qualifying session at Sonoma as a perfect example, when technical issues prevented him from accessing video footage. Instead, he pictured the entire race for nearly two hours before the event, which led to winning the pole position.
He explained his methods further, pointing out,
“I don’t care what people think or say unless they’re in this hauler with me, but I think that translates to ‘I don’t care how I finish or how I run or putting in any effort or any work or looking at data.’”
– Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver
Far from being careless or disconnected, Hocevar views his reliance on instinct and visualization as a disciplined form of preparation. Rather than ignoring data, he prioritizes himself staying attuned to how the car feels during a race, emphasizing adaptability and intuition.
Defying Conventional Preparation to Forge His Own Path
While many outside the racing community perceive his style as lacking seriousness, Hocevar insists that constant mental simulation—whether walking, driving, or simply daydreaming—builds his edge. His process closely resembles other drivers like Kyle Larson, who also developed skills through unusual routes such as sprint car racing.
For Hocevar, individuality in preparation is not a drawback but an advantage that fuels his growth in NASCAR’s competitive field. Despite being labeled a “lightning rod” for his aggressive on-track maneuvers, his disciplined, introspective work ethic reveals a deeper commitment than many realize.
