The Carson Hocevar Chicago Street Race crash unfolded early during Sunday’s competition, as Hocevar struck the wall exiting Turn 10, triggering a heavy pileup that brought the event to a sudden halt. The pileup, involving eight drivers including Hocevar, occurred on Lap 4 at the downtown Chicago street course, sparking frustration and sharp commentary from those affected.
Chaotic Start Leads to Massive Early Wreck
Within minutes of the green flag, the tight Chicago layout set the stage for what became a dramatic multi-car crash. After losing control off Turn 10, Hocevar’s error sent him into the wall and then into a spin, effectively blocking much of the racing line and collecting several following cars in the process. This incident became the talk of the day as numerous contenders’ hopes ended before they had a chance to compete in earnest.
Denny Hamlin, who analyzed the crash on his Actions Detrimental podcast, provided a technical breakdown of Hocevar’s mistake.
“At first glance, I was like, ‘How in the world did he misjudge the corner that bad?’ Not the first one that he actually hit, but the second one where he flat sided the left side. You look at the replay a little better and they did a good job on TV of showing this — he clipped the right side first and then that shot him into that area,”
—Hamlin, NASCAR driver.
According to Hamlin, split-second misjudgments can lead to severe outcomes, particularly on a street course with unforgiving barriers and narrow turns.
“Listen, it’s a mistake that can definitely happen. Many people cut the corners a little sharp, it’s just that’s a high speed one — yikes, I don’t know if you want to cut that one close. It was a mistake, it cost him. Certainly, he probably wishes he could do it all over again, but not ideal because it stacked up a bunch.”
—Hamlin, NASCAR driver.
Hocevar’s Early Exit Clouds Promising Start
The aftermath for Carson Hocevar was particularly disappointing. After showing speed in his No. 77 chevrolet/”>Chevrolet during qualifying and starting on the front row, Hocevar quickly dropped positions once racing began. His day ended abruptly at the same location that has troubled other drivers, ending with a severely damaged car and his fifth “Did Not Finish” of the 2025 campaign. The crash also impacted other major teams and drivers, disrupting what had been solid preparation and strong strategies among the field.
Austin Dillon Responds with Frustration
Austin Dillon, one of the drivers ensnared by the wreck, expressed clear disappointment in the aftermath. As the dust settled and tempers flared, Dillon’s frustration was evident in his team radio comments.
“Carson Hocevar is the biggest dumbass in the entire sport,”
—Austin Dillon, NASCAR driver.
Dillon, driving the No. 3 Breztri Chevrolet for RCR, later elaborated on his view of the incident. The wreck eliminated his car only a few laps into the race, nullifying the RCR crew’s hard preparation and hopes for a strong result. He expressed regret at not being able to capitalize on a fast racecar and competitive starting position, placing blame squarely on the actions ahead of him.
“It’s a shame and I’m just at a loss for words at this point. We’ll just keep bringing cars like this and hope our luck turns around for us at some point.”
—Austin Dillon, NASCAR driver.
Street Circuit Demands Highlighted by Carnage
The Chicago street course, with its high-speed transitions and unforgiving walls, proved again how a single error can ripple through an entire field. In this instance, the Carson Hocevar Chicago Street Race crash not only ended the day for several hopeful drivers but also became a case study in the risks of aggressive moves in tight spaces. Denny Hamlin’s detailed breakdown of the sequence reinforced how quickly conditions can shift from promising to disastrous. Key teams like RCR and drivers such as Austin Dillon and Carson Hocevar are left regrouping, aiming to repair both cars and confidence as the season continues.
