Carson Hocevar’s on-track aggression is again in the news following the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. His maneuvers, reminiscent of his full-time Truck Series stint in 2023, have drawn criticism from many Cup Series drivers, including Kyle Petty, who attributed it to the shift in racing ethos seen in the new generation of drivers.
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While Hocevar is known to push in races, one particular incident invited the most ire in Atlanta. Ryan Blaney was hooked on the rear by Hocevar in a position where he should have waited, causing the #12 Penske driver to spin. This came after Hocevar was on the end of a Kyle Busch tirade during Stage 1.
Petty acknowledged that Hocevar has the right to assert his presence on the track just like any other competitor. But then he also stated how his confrontational style and aggressive tactics are a far cry from the larger sportsmanship displayed by drivers in the past. This is something Denny Hamlin had also touched upon while talking about Hocevar.
“These kids, these young drivers have so much freaking talent but they’ve grown up watching Joey Logano do it. They’ve grown up watching Ross Chastain doing. So they’re taking it to another level. They’re moving that yardstick,” said Petty on the GoPRNLive podcast.
“Anytime you get somebody who shows up at the sharp end of the stick at the front of the pack who’s not used to running up there and who’s not been there, the established names are going to scream,” added Petty.
“They’re going to cry; they’re going to whine: Oh! There’s somebody else coming up here to get my trophy and get my money. Who is it? It’s Carson Hocevar. What’s he doing up here?” He concluded.
Hamlin, meanwhile, spoke about the way legends like Mark Martin and Tony Stewart shaped his approach to racing. He acknowledged on his podcast that there is a huge contrast in today’s racing dynamics, and Hocevar epitomizes that.
This shift, Hamlin noted, leans heavily towards overt aggression and often culminates in wrecks, a departure from the strategic maneuvering of yesteryears. He also mourned the erosion of subtlety in overtaking, critiquing today’s norm of forcefully barging through competitors.
Hamlin proposed Jimmie Johnson as a potential mentor for Hocevar, citing the NASCAR legend’s reputation for a tough presence on the track and pure racing abilities, devoid of reckless aggression. According to Hamlin, Johnson was feared not for his potential to cause wrecks but for his sheer skill and the speed at which he commanded his races.
Hamlin also advised Hocevar, emphasizing the importance of humility post-incident. Acknowledging one’s mistakes openly could foster respect among peers and fans alike, nurturing a more respectful racing environment.
Petty’s take on Chastain’s maturity
A few years ago, when Chastain won races by engaging in aggressive maneuvers like pushing competitors into the wall or spinning them out, he faced similar confrontations from other drivers. Chastain also had a word with Hocevar after the race in Atlanta. According to Petty, Chastain approached Hocevar intending to enlighten rather than provoke.
“Ross Chastain, who three years ago, Rick Hendrick is wanting to send to Brazil because he crashed a couple of his guys and he’s out there playing the role of coach and mentor to Carson Hocevar,” said Petty.
“That shows the maturity level of Ross Chastain. And I think, but Ross pulling him away and talking to him and standing there with that posture, it was not an aggressive posture — it’s let me teach you something,” he added.
While Hocevar finished in second place at Atlanta, it remains to be seen how long he can continue to ascend the NASCAR Cup Series ranks through aggressive racing before repercussions catch up to him.
