Carson Hocevar, recognized for his Carson Hocevar aggressive racing mentality, offered a firm response to criticism during a recent discussion with Dale Earnhardt Jr., after a series of controversial NASCAR incidents this season. The 22-year-old, who has polarized both fans and fellow drivers, insisted his approach on the track will not change despite mounting backlash.
Accepting Critique Without Apology
Appearing on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s podcast, Hocevar addressed questions about his infamous clashes, particularly the incident involving Ricky Stenhouse Jr. He openly acknowledged the intense online scrutiny surrounding his racing style and stated that he would not be apologizing for his approach anytime soon.
“I mean, I’m 22 now, right? I’ve raced for a long time,”
—Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver
Hocevar emphasized that much of his racing is instinctual, describing how his decisions behind the wheel are often made automatically rather than being rehearsed or meticulously calculated. This instinct-driven style has drawn both admiration and criticism, especially after high-profile conflicts on the track.
Driving on Instinct and Staying Unfiltered
Throughout the interview, Hocevar discussed his feelings after key moments during races, particularly during debriefs after qualifying. He described being self-critical at times, especially when he felt he hadn’t met expectations, yet he remained unshaken by negative reactions around him.
“Like I think the biggest thing for me is like I realized that like there’s certain things you just can’t change. Like you’re instinctively, you know, when I race, I don’t half the time know what I’m doing. It’s just autopilot.”
—Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver
He elaborated that after finishing a qualifying lap, he sometimes does not recall the details, operating on what he called ‘autopilot’. When praised or criticized, his reactions remain consistent—often shifting quickly between modesty and disappointment, regardless of the actual result.
“Yeah. I don’t remember what I did, you know? Or I’m just like that I f****** suck. Like, I’m the worst race car driver of all time. I completely f***** that up. And they’re like, ‘P2, good job.’”
—Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver
Controversy From the Chicago Street Race
Hocevar’s refusal to rein in his daring racing style was most evident during the Chicago Street Race, where he was involved in a significant multi-car pile-up that caused a race stoppage. His aggressive maneuvering prompted an outcry from both fans and other drivers, many of whom labeled his actions as reckless and damaging to the competitive spirit of NASCAR.
Despite criticisms, Hocevar remained firm about his method behind the wheel, seemingly unconcerned by negative perceptions.
“Like the only thing that, like clicks me out of that [flow state] is just like when I f***** up, you know, or just like when I’m just, ah, that’s not very good. You know, I’m never just like click out of that like autopilot flow state of just like, oh, that was bada**.”
—Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver
What the Future Holds for Hocevar and NASCAR
With a reputation as one of NASCAR’s most headline-grabbing young figures, Carson Hocevar’s stance reveals little interest in changing how he races for the benefit of critics, fans, or peers. His commitment to competing on his own terms ensures he will continue to be a focus of discussion within the sport and among names like Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., and an ever-watchful community of drivers and critics. As NASCAR continues to navigate evolving expectations around sportsmanship and competitiveness, Hocevar’s unapologetic aggression may shape future debates on racing conduct within the series.
