Ricky Stenhouse Jr. confronted Carson Hocevar following an on-track incident at the Viva Mexico 250 in Mexico City, intensifying a rivalry that has spanned several races. The latest clash unfolded at Autodromo Hermano Rodriguez, where Hocevar admitted past misjudgment about the city, while Stenhouse Jr. warned of consequences once they return to the United States.
Carson Hocevar addresses earlier remarks and racing frustration
Carson Hocevar, who drives the #77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, found himself attracting attention beyond the racetrack. Prior to the Mexico City race, Hocevar drew criticism for bluntly describing the city’s environment, a moment captured during a live Twitch session.
“If the travel was better, if getting here was easier, if you felt safer getting to and from everywhere, if it wasn’t such a shithole, if the track limits were a little better enforced, it’d be a great experience,” the #77 driver had previously stated.
Recognizing the impact of his words, Hocevar later reflected publicly and clarified that his initial opinion was misinformed. He shared that Mexico City changed his perspective following his visit, and he admitted he had never been outside the United States until the trip for this event. Authentically, he addressed fans and locals directly, seeking forgiveness for his earlier comments.
“I was skeptical about the trip so far and believed everything I read or heard about Mexico City from people who more than likely also had never been here. Now that I’ve actually left my hotel a couple times and raced here in front of some of the most passionate fans I’ve ever seen, my opinion has changed. I am embarrassed by my comments, by the race I ran, and I may have to move here to hide out from Ricky anyway,” he wrote on X.
The Michigan native further requested to be viewed as an ally by those in Mexico City. On the racing front, Hocevar’s troubles continued as he finished 34th—his seventh result outside the top 30 in the current Cup Series season.
Rivalry escalates: On-track clash reignites tension
Tensions between Stenhouse Jr. and Hocevar simmered after their earlier altercation in Nashville, but the conflict returned with greater intensity in Mexico City. On lap 19 from the end, Hocevar made light contact that spun Stenhouse Jr.’s #47 Chevy off-track, adding another layer to their contentious relationship.
Post-race, as teams gathered on pit road at Autodromo Hermano Rodriguez, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. from Hyak Motorsports approached Hocevar’s car, not hesitating to address the altercation directly. Insider Jordan Bianchi described the heated confrontation and Stenhouse Jr.’s pointed message.
“Ricky Stenhouse Jr. went over to talk to Carson Hocevar after the race. I asked Ricky what he told Carson: ‘I told him I was going to beat his ass once we got back in the States,’” Bianchi wrote.
The rivalry played out on the track as well, with Stenhouse Jr. finishing ahead of Hocevar in 27th place in the first-ever NASCAR points race in Mexico City. Both drivers are now set for their next confrontation at Pocono Raceway, continuing one of the season’s most emotional storylines.
Looking ahead as tempers flare
The Stenhouse-Hocevar feud is poised to impact the remainder of the Cup Series season, with NASCAR fans anticipating heightened drama at upcoming races. Their next chance to settle differences arrives at Pocono Raceway on June 22, a matchup that has garnered the attention of drivers, teams, and viewers alike. Key entities such as Hyak Motorsports, Spire Motorsports, and broadcaster TNT Sports will also be under the spotlight as the series transitions from Amazon Prime Video after the next event. The unfolding conflict illustrates the emotional and competitive challenges drivers face both on and off the circuit, promising more fireworks as the Cup season moves forward.
