Carson Hocevar, currently driving for Spire Motorsports, is preparing for the next NASCAR Cup Series showdown at Atlanta while reflecting on last year’s dramatic three-wide finish at the iconic speedway. The anticipation for another close contest remains high following the gripping finale that involved Daniel Suarez, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Busch racing to the wire.
Looking Back at the Historic Atlanta Showdown
The 2024 Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway produced a finish that will be remembered as one of the most electrifying moments in NASCAR Cup Series history. Daniel Suarez, piloting the #99 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, clinched victory by a razor-thin margin over Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch in a dramatic photo finish. The trio crossed the line within thousandths of a second, with Blaney trailing by just 0.003 seconds and Busch only 0.007 seconds behind the winner.
This thrilling conclusion marked the fourth closest finish in the history of the Cup Series, captivating fans and drivers alike. The 260-lap race, held on Atlanta’s 1.54-mile quad-oval, featured intense superspeedway-style pack racing and frequent lead changes, setting the stage for such a tight ending.
Hocevar openly shared his excitement ahead of the next Atlanta event, referencing the heart-stopping three-wide finish from the previous year. He posted an image from that decisive moment, accompanied by the single word:
“Tomorrow”
This nod to the past captures both the intensity and the high expectations as teams and fans look ahead to Atlanta’s next NASCAR Cup Series contest.
Hocevar’s Steady Climb in His Debut Cup Season
Having bypassed the Xfinity Series, Carson Hocevar entered the NASCAR Cup Series full-time in 2024 and quickly made a name for himself. His efforts were recognized with the NASCAR Rookie of the Year award. Halfway through his debut season, Hocevar held 20th place in the 2025 standings with 313 points, earned through two top-five and three top-ten finishes, marking an impressive start to his Cup career.
Pocono Raceway: A Notable Save Garners Praise
During the 2025 season’s Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway, Hocevar delivered a moment that drew significant attention from fans and NASCAR veterans alike, among them Dale Earnhardt Jr. Early in the race, on lap 19, Hocevar lost the rear of his No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet and made contact with the outside wall, activating the car’s roof flaps. Despite the seriousness of the incident and evident damage to his vehicle, Hocevar remarkably managed to regain control and continue racing, narrowly avoiding a major accident.
“Just a really, really huge slide contact with the right rear. That is the best save of the year. I think it’s got to be a contender. I mean, I know the wall straight him out, but seriously, man, this car is wrecked,”
he said via X/Sports on Prime. —Dale Earnhardt Jr., Broadcaster
Dale Earnhardt Jr. commended Hocevar’s presence of mind and driving skill, emphasizing how challenging it was to recover from the slide. While Earnhardt acknowledged that the wall did play a role in stabilizing the car, the execution was considered exceptional, especially given the condition of Hocevar’s Chevrolet after the hit.
The Anticipation for Atlanta’s Next Photo Finish
As Carson Hocevar targets another strong outing in the upcoming Atlanta race, the memory of last year’s extraordinary finish continues to energize him and inspire the NASCAR Cup Series community. With fierce competitors like Daniel Suarez, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Busch set to return, expectations are elevated for another dramatic showdown at Atlanta Motor Speedway. For Hocevar, the opportunity to build on his Rookie of the Year campaign and earn another memorable moment in front of a passionate Atlanta crowd lies just ahead, signaling a new chapter in his promising NASCAR journey.
