Carson Hocevar has often been compared to Ross Chastain, especially as both found early NASCAR Cup Series opportunities through Niece Motorsports. The Ross Chastain racing influence is apparent in Hocevar’s style, and while he acknowledges the expectations to adapt, he remains committed to elements of his approach that have shaped his rapid climb in NASCAR.
Since Carson Hocevar emerged as a standout rookie, close parallels have been drawn between him and Ross Chastain. The pair share history at Niece Motorsports, having each earned their initial breaks in the Truck Series with the team. As Hocevar’s profile has grown, so have comparisons to Chastain, particularly regarding the scrutiny both have faced for their aggressive driving.
Pressure to Change and the Chastain Parallel
In recent seasons, both drivers have felt pressure to modify their racing styles after becoming frequent scapegoats for incidents on the track. During the 2023 season, Ross Chastain endured widespread criticism, often blamed merely for his presence in controversial moments. Now, Carson Hocevar is experiencing similar attention as he competes toward the front in Cup Series races.
Speaking with Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Dale Jr. Download, Hocevar detailed his connection to Chastain and described how he learned by watching him closely over the years. He explained how competing with Chastain in the early days left a strong impression on him, notably a defining event at Martinsville.
“I studied Ross when I was, because we were at Niece. My first time at Martinsville, I got on the front row, spun me out,”
—Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver
“First corner. Just backed me right in the fence, got back up to fifth, spun me out again. And I left that race track saying, ‘I will never, I’m not going to be the f***ing guy that gets beat around. Especially when I have Ross in the shop, I’m like, ‘He just annihilates everybody. They never give it back to him. They don’t do anything.’”
—Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver
These experiences provided Hocevar with a clear lesson about standing his ground and not letting others push him around on the track. He saw that toughness is necessary for success in NASCAR’s top tiers, a trait Chastain often exemplifies.
Limits to Change: Hocevar’s Distinct Style
While Hocevar listens to feedback about his aggressive approach, he insists that much of his style is innate and unchangeable, shaped by years behind the wheel.
“Yeah, I mean, I mean, I’m 22 now, right? I’ve raced for a long time,”
—Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver
He acknowledged that some habits are difficult to break. Hocevar emphasized that once in the car, instinct tends to take over, making self-analysis after the fact more common than adjusting in the moment. He recounted a recent qualifying session at Chicago as evidence of the unpredictable, instinct-driven nature of top-level racing.
“You’re instinctly [sic] – you know, when I race, I don’t, s**t, I don’t half the time, know what I’m doing. It’s just autopilot. You know, when I ran Chicago last week, we were qualifying and we qualified third, but we actually should have qualified a tenth off SVG. Actually, the only corner I remember and like thought of just like, I had a thought of how I’m going to approach this corner, I lost four and a half tenths. I completely f***ed it up.”
—Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver
A Breakout Season and the Road Ahead
Despite not yet winning a Cup Series race, Hocevar has become one of the most talked-about drivers on the circuit. He was named 2024 Rookie of the Year, underscoring his rapid ascent. Fans and analysts remain captivated whenever Hocevar runs near the front, recognizing both the excitement and unpredictability he brings to each race.
Alongside his reputation for bold moves and intensity, Carson Hocevar’s steadfastness in the face of outside criticism sets him apart. The lessons learned from the Ross Chastain racing influence continue to inform his mentality, as he forges his own path in the sport while refusing to abandon the core of what made him successful. The NASCAR community watches closely, anticipating the day Hocevar’s boldness brings him his long-awaited first Cup win, with expectations high for even greater achievements in the future.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Ross Chastain hit the wall?
A. Conflict with Denny Hamlin NASCAR stepped in and informed Hamlin that he had effectively communicated his message. Later in that race, Chastain collided with Chase Elliott, making him spin out. During the restart, Elliott nudged Chastain toward the wall while Hamlin maneuvered closely to show his displeasure once more.
Q. What is the Ross Chastain rule?
A. On Tuesday, NASCAR revealed several rule changes for the 2023 season, with one being particularly significant. They have banned the exciting wall-riding move by Ross Chastain, known as the “Hail Melon,” from last fall’s Martinsville event.
