Carson Hocevar criticized for NASCAR Mexico race crash after his spin at the Viva México 250 changed the race’s momentum on Lap 66, drawing complaints from fans and fellow drivers at Mexico City’s event. The incident, involving Hocevar’s No. 77 Chevy and a caution that disrupted Ty Gibbs’ lead, has reignited debate around his aggressive style and reputation.
Hocevar’s Spin at the Viva México 250 Triggers Controversy
The NASCAR international debut in Mexico City saw heightened intensity when Carson Hocevar spun out in Turn 14 on Lap 66. His No. 77 car came to rest sideways, blocking a critical section of the track. Race officials hesitated in hopes Hocevar could restart the car, but the situation forced a caution, changing the strategy for drivers, especially those who had not yet pitted under green. This caution directly affected Ty Gibbs, who was leading the race at the time, causing him to lose position as a result of an unexpected pit stop sequence.
Shane van Gisbergen took over command of the race after the restart, but the mood was far from celebratory. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. openly criticized Hocevar over his team radio, a sentiment echoed by journalist Jeff Gluck, who reported the incident on social media.
“Ricky Stenhouse Jr. says Carson Hocevar brings out BS caution all the time.”
—Ricky Stenhouse Jr., NASCAR Driver, as per Jeff Gluck
The frustration reflected a pattern some believe has followed Hocevar throughout recent races, adding fuel to an already volatile situation within the NASCAR community.
Uproar from Fans as History Repeats Itself
The fallout extended beyond the drivers’ paddock, with NASCAR fans voicing their displeasure both trackside and online. One contributor, recalling a previous incident in Nashville where Hocevar’s contact ended Stenhouse Jr.’s hopes on Lap 106, commented:
“Hold him a lap. Stenhouse got it going again in the same spot,”
—Unnamed Fan
Other fans referenced Hocevar’s struggles in Michigan, where leading for 32 laps ended in a flat tire and a 29th-place result, and the March crash at Phoenix, with his car needing to be towed off track. Their discontent reflected a broader skepticism:
“Leave it to Hocevar to ruin a good race,”
—Unnamed Fan
“If you took Ross but made him worse and you’d get Hocevar,”
—Unnamed Fan
“Literally sat there so he could get a yellow but that’s not surprising,”
—Unnamed Fan
The pattern of late-race cautions and on-track mishaps has fueled the image of Hocevar as either reckless or extraordinarily unlucky, with no easy answer for fans or competitors. Some insist that his frequent involvement in incidents stems from poor judgement, while others argue a streak of misfortune is at play.
Spotlight and Fallout in the Wake of NASCAR’s International Debut
As the aftermath of the Viva México 250 unfolded, the spotlight remained fixed on Carson Hocevar and his role in the race’s narrative. Despite the debut of NASCAR on an international stage drawing attention for all the right reasons, Hocevar’s incident dominated discussion across fan forums and social media. Public reaction was passionately divided, reflecting a mixture of disappointment, frustration, and concern over the influence one driver has had on race outcomes.
While drivers such as Shane van Gisbergen and Ty Gibbs continued their campaigns in the wake of the chaos, it was clear that the disrupted finish left many feeling shortchanged. The persistent cloud of controversy surrounding Hocevar’s driving style now hangs heavier than ever.
The reaction in Mexico City—and across the NASCAR fanbase—indicates this is more than an isolated incident. As NASCAR continues to expand internationally, debate over driver conduct and consistency of officiating is likely to intensify, with Carson Hocevar at the center of these ongoing discussions. The next events will be closely watched to see if lessons are learned, or if the cycle of tension and controversy continues.
