Carson Hocevar, currently in his sophomore NASCAR Cup Series season with Spire Motorsports, recently discussed his distinctive spotter code word system on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s popular podcast. Bringing fresh insight to the Cup Series garage, Hocevar’s approach is designed to help him manage his emotions and maintain composure during races, an essential factor given the sport’s intense rivalries and high-pressure moments. The Carson Hocevar spotter code word system aims to keep his on-track performance sharp while reducing the temptation for retaliation behind the wheel.
Inside Hocevar’s Code Word Method for Staying Cool on the Track
During his appearance on the Dale Jr. Download, Hocevar described how his team has implemented different code words to prevent unproductive radio chatter and help him stay calm in stressful race situations. The idea took root after a period when Hocevar found himself overly reactive on the radio and distracted by emotions during crucial laps. The system not only supports better racing decisions but fosters a strong connection between Hocevar and his spotter, Tyler Green.
“We have code words, just like when they think I’m like going to get ready to see red. Yeah. You know they they tell me, like, we have code words for everything now of just like, just to just click me out. I had a I had a stint where I was just like being unproductive on the radio, and so they, you know, the code word was ‘bubble goggles’ because they were going to make me wear these bubble goggles and look like a on the way home if I was any more upper or just like was mouthing off to them.”
—Carson Hocevar
“Yeah. And um, after a few weeks I kind of fixed it because they would just, like, I’m just like, okay, yeah, you got it, man, like, perfect. And, um, you know, anytime you hear Superman, that’s when I’m getting ready to tee somebody up or just go drive bonsai this thing four wide or six wide because I just got you know, I’m just, you know, just got used up or something happened. So Tyler Green will just be like Superman relax Superman I’ll get here, man. And um, yeah, so we have we have a bunch of code words there that just you just kind of trigger for that,”
he concluded. —Carson Hocevar
With Tyler Green delivering purposeful cues over the radio—like “Superman” when Hocevar is on the brink of an aggressive move—the system forms a psychological safety net, steering the young driver away from costly errors or on-track revenge. Such strategies are vital as drivers face intense rivalries and quick decision-making scenarios at tracks like the Daytona 500, Atlanta Motor Speedway, and Chicago Street Course.
Highlights from Hocevar’s Second Full Cup Season
After debuting in the NASCAR Cup Series with both Spire Motorsports and Legacy Motor Club in 2023, Carson Hocevar committed to a full-time seat with Spire for 2024. Entering the 2025 season, he was keen to showcase his growth but started with modest results, qualifying outside the top-30 at the Daytona 500 and finishing P30 at the Greatest American Race. His early momentum improved at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where he secured a career-best P2, only to slip back to P13 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
Subsequent races proved challenging, as Hocevar struggled to break into the top-20, facing unpredictable situations at Michigan, Mexico City, and Pocono Raceway. However, Nashville Superspeedway marked a turning point when he narrowly missed victory, finishing just behind Ryan Blaney in second place. Returning to Atlanta, he managed another top-10 finish, demonstrating resilience amid the season’s ups and downs.
The 19th race of the season at the Chicago Street Course saw Hocevar caught up in an accident, resulting in a disappointing P35 finish. Despite setbacks, the driver currently holds 21st in the Cup Series points table, accumulating 368 points and proving that consistency can sometimes mean more than wins in a grueling season.
Looking Ahead to Sonoma and Season Momentum
Carson Hocevar now prepares for the Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway, set for July 13, 2025. The high-profile, 110-lap event will be broadcast by TNT Sports, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90, offering Hocevar another chance to deploy his spotter code word system to remain focused and avoid unnecessary incidents. As the season progresses, fans and teams will be watching whether these discipline-driven strategies pay off with Hocevar breaking through for his first Cup Series win.
Hocevar’s journey this year has underlined both the challenges and emotional intensity that come with competing at NASCAR’s highest level. By relying on his unique code word approach and support from Tyler Green and Spire Motorsports, Hocevar demonstrates how emotional control is just as important as raw speed or technical skill on the track. The upcoming races will reveal whether his system can tip the balance in favor of breakthrough success as he continues to make his mark in the Cup Series.
