Carson Hocevar has once again found himself in the spotlight due to clashes with other drivers, this time involving Chase Elliott during the recent Darlington race. While Hocevar is not currently a playoff contender, his aggressive racing led to friction with Elliott and Christopher Bell, drawing attention amidst the Cup Series competition. Despite the conflict, Hocevar insists he holds no ill feelings toward Elliott as they prepare for their next encounter at Gateway.
The on-track battle between Elliott and Hocevar intensified during the 2025 Cook Out Southern 500, where the two Chevrolet drivers collided twice on the frontstretch in Stage 2. Elliott’s move caused Hocevar to nearly spin, prompting a raw response from the rookie on the radio. The heated moment was widely noted by NASCAR followers and commentators alike. However, ahead of the Gateway event, Hocevar spoke on the matter, emphasizing a willingness to move past the confrontation.
Details of the Physical Exchange and Hocevar’s Reaction
During the Southern 500’s second stage, Chase Elliott drifted down the track searching for an opening, inadvertently making contact with Hocevar twice. These instances left Hocevar visibly upset and his frustration spilled onto the team radio where he exclaimed,
“F**k him… I don’t care who he drives for.”
The incident was captured and shared by motorsports journalists, highlighting the intensity of their encounter.
When questioned by WVJS Radio’s Blake Smith about whether the drivers had discussed the incident ahead of Gateway, Hocevar offered an unexpectedly calm outlook.
“Yeah, I mean, you just move on,”
he said, adding,
“It was super early, and it didn’t affect either one of us, so I don’t think too bad. You just move on.”
Hocevar explained their differing approaches on the track:
“One thinks you’re going to give a little bit extra room, and the other, you’re trying to kind of play a pick, you know, and I think that’s just racing.”
The results at Darlington reflected their differing fortunes, as Hocevar finished a strong ninth, while Elliott struggled to seventeenth. Known for his bold driving style, Hocevar appears to be prepared to leave the past behind and focus on competing cleanly at Gateway.
Hocevar Addresses the Pit Road Collision With Christopher Bell
The tension surrounding Hocevar was not limited to Elliott, as he also faced questions about a pit road collision involving Christopher Bell. Bell, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, had shown promise before the incident that hampered his progress and hurt his shot to advance in the playoffs. Bell acknowledged his frustration but pointed some blame toward circumstances beyond Hocevar’s control.
“Honestly, I don’t really give blame to Carson. I think it’s more on his team to not let him know the circumstances that he’s pitted on an island with all the playoff cars,”
Bell said in a post-race interview with Frontstretch. Bell described how the contact
“just spun, brought out the yellow. He’s not going to gain a spot on pit road, and he didn’t give way, and ruined my night. It’s a bummer.”
Hocevar later revealed that communication between the crew chiefs had taken place to clear the air. He also underlined the challenges drivers face on pit road, explaining,
“Drivers, most of the time on pit road, are kind of just blind, per se, right? It’s more on the crew chiefs from that aspect to guide us in and out.”
This admission highlights the complexities of racing strategy and coordination under high-pressure conditions.
Implications for Upcoming Races and Season Outlook
With the Gateway race approaching, Hocevar hopes to avoid further controversy and secure his first victory of the season, aiming to build momentum despite the tensions earlier in the year. Meanwhile, Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott face the challenge of recovering from their setbacks at Darlington as they attempt to strengthen their playoff bids. How these rivalries and past incidents influence on-track behavior will be a key storyline for fans and analysts alike as the Cup Series moves forward.
