Carson Hocevar has been identified by fellow NASCAR drivers as the competitor most likely to cause a wreck in the upcoming 2026 Cup Series. Ahead of the season opener at Daytona International Speedway, where the Daytona 500 takes place on Sunday, Hocevar responded to the label with a blunt warning to other drivers. Starting 29th after qualifying, he told his peers to
“just get the f— out the way,”
emphasizing that accidents could be avoided if drivers simply moved aside.
Daytona 500 Kicks Off New Cup Series Campaign
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series officially launches at Daytona International Speedway, marking the beginning of a highly anticipated season. Kyle Busch, who has yet to win the Daytona 500 in 20 prior attempts, secured the pole position and aims to capture this elusive victory. Hocevar, meanwhile, enters the season under close scrutiny following several incidents last year that have fueled this reputation.
Drivers Weigh in on Who’s Most Likely to Cause a Collision
As NASCAR builds excitement for the new season, a recent YouTube video featured drivers answering pointed questions about each other’s tendencies on the track. When asked who was most prone to causing accidents, many declined to speak directly, while others were quick to mention Hocevar. Michael McDowell, a teammate of Hocevar’s, hinted indirectly:
“Probably my teammate, I won’t have to mention which one.”
This sentiment was echoed overwhelmingly by a group of nine prominent drivers—Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, Ty Dillon, Noah Gragson, John Hunter Nemechek, Ross Chastain, Josh Berry, Alex Bowman, and Zane Smith—who all simultaneously named Hocevar as the likely cause of wrecks.
Comments from Leading Drivers Highlight Hocevar’s Track Record
Kyle Busch noted,
“Hocevar. He’s done that a lot. Lately. That’s not an answer you want to be the number one answer for.”
Tyler Reddick added,
“Hocevar would kind of just be the cheap shot [answer] I guess,”
while Chris Buescher stated,
“Stats are hard to argue right now.”
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. recounted specific encounters:
“Crashed me twice last year, and cause a few others,”
with Ty Dillon affirming, “Numbers don’t lie.” These remarks reinforce the perception that Hocevar’s aggressive driving style has led to numerous incidents over the previous season.
Hocevar’s Reaction and Recent On-Track Conflicts
When confronted about the question, Hocevar responded,
“Goddamit. This the one they said me, right?”
He then told his competitors directly,
“Just get the f— out the way. And there wouldn’t be a wreck. Just move! Just move out the way.”
Last year’s incidents included a collision during the Chicago Street Race where Austin Dillon referred to Hocevar as
“the biggest dumb— in the entire sport.”
Additionally, in Mexico City, Stenhouse Jr. confronted Hocevar during a heated moment, warning,
“I’m going to beat your a–. You are a lap down; you’ve got nothing to do. Why did you drive right into me for the second time?”
Implications for the Upcoming NASCAR Season
Carson Hocevar’s reputation as a wreck risk sets a tense tone for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series. Starting near the back of the grid at Daytona and carrying this label from his peers, Hocevar faces pressure to adjust his approach or continue to provoke frustration among drivers. As the season unfolds, his performance and conduct will likely draw significant attention, influencing rivalries and race dynamics.
The persistent identification of Hocevar as a source of collisions highlights ongoing concerns about driver safety and competitiveness within NASCAR. How he addresses these challenges could impact his career trajectory and the sport’s broader atmosphere in the months ahead.
