Carson Hocevar<\/a> told Dale Earnhardt Jr., \u201cI mean, I think there\u2019s just multiple ways to skin the cat on it, just like how I thought, like there\u2019s a car directly in front of him [Ricky Stenhouse Jr.]. I\u2019d show my nose really early. He\u2019s probably going to want clean air. He\u2019s going to run the middle. And he didn\u2019t. And I\u2019m going to take that hole. I\u2019m gonna at least make him go higher\u2026 Why can\u2019t we just race side-by-side?\u201d This calculated aggression is evident in his on-track decisions and the resulting statistics: high-risk moves, frequent run-ins, and a polarizing presence in the Cup garage. When the opening appears, he\u2019s unapologetic about taking it, even if it means contact or controversy.<\/p>\n Hocevar continued, talking about his driving style and what he tries to do while racing hard, something his Cup competitors should probably note down: \u201cI\u2019m gonna force things to happen\u2026 That\u2019s just who I am<\/strong>. When you start doing something, I\u2019m just gonna take that last second; \u2018Hold on, I\u2019m on my way, I\u2019m gonna get there\u2019\u2026 Sometimes that leads to people trying to cut over.\u201d However, he\u2019s also aware when he crosses the line. \u201cThere\u2019s plenty of instances where I\u2019m like that\u2019s too much. I feel like that one [Stenhouse incident] was kinda racing where he thought I was gonna cut him a break, and I\u2019m like, why can\u2019t I get one?\u201d<\/p>\n via Imago<\/p>\n NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series 2025 16. Mai: NASCAR All-Star-Rennen North Wilkesboro, NC USA \u2013 May 16, 2025:CARSON HOCEVAR 77 of Portage, MI gets ready to practice for the NASCAR All-Star Race in North Wilkesboro, NC. LicenseRM 23679339 Copyright: xZoonar.com\/GrindstonexMediaxGroup\/ASPInc.\/StephenxArcex 23679339<\/p>\n Hocevar\u2019s approach has led to high-profile clashes, and one that stands out among the rest is his antics during the Championship race in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2023. Hocevar was racing for a championship against Corey Heim and other contenders, and in an aggressive move to take the championship lead on Lap 120, Hocevar spun out Corey Heim. This led to a retaliatory move from Heim later in the race, leaving both of them out of a quest for the championship. Reflecting on this incident on the Dale Jr. Download, Hocevar said, \u201cI remember getting into him twice, I was just trying to get there\u2026 Anytime I see the video, I\u2019m embarrassed.\u201d<\/p>\n He\u2019s matured as a driver since then, but flashes of that uncontrolled aggression still seep through at NASCAR\u2019s top tier, which is much more unforgiving. In his sophomore NASCAR Cup Series campaign, Hocevar has started 19 races, earning 1 pole position and logging 72 laps led. Despite his raw speed, he\u2019s yet to capture a Cup win, and if he continues this pattern of aggression, he might get a win, but he probably won\u2019t see too many happy peers on his way to Victory Lane.<\/p>\n Reactions and the cost of aggression from the garage<\/p>\n Carson Hocevar\u2019s unapologetic style has been throughout the NASCAR garage, drawing pointed reactions from some of the sport\u2019s most seasoned veterans, including Kyle Busch<\/a>. After a heated on-track exchange at Atlanta, where Hocevar\u2019s No. 77 car executed a bold move that cost Busch several positions, Busch erupted on the team radio: \u201cYo, tell that 77 he\u2019s done that same f\u2014\u2014- move 10 times. I don\u2019t care if I wreck the whole f\u2014\u2014- field. I\u2019m over him. He\u2019s a f\u2014\u2014- douchebag. I\u2019m gonna wreck his a\u2013\u201c<\/p>\n ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n This wasn\u2019t a one-off outburst. Busch\u2019s frustration with Hocevar\u2019s repeated aggression was palpable, and his crew even echoed his sentiments, responding, \u201c10-4. Love it. I\u2019ll let him know\u2026 thinking the same thing\u201d. Even after the incident, as Hocevar finished second and Busch eighth, the animosity lingered, with Busch adding, \u201cI don\u2019t give a f\u2014 if he taps his roof like it\u2019s his fault. No s\u2014, Sherlock.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"article-image\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/imago1063313328.jpg\")
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