Carson Hocevar saw his strong run at Sonoma Raceway derailed after a late-race incident with Josh Berry, igniting frustration and disappointment in Hocevar. With only three laps remaining, Berry made contact with Hocevar’s right rear, sending him into the grass and ending what could have been a top-10 finish. The event has stirred significant attention, especially as the phrase
“Josh Berry wrecks Carson Hocevar Sonoma”
now trends among NASCAR fans.
Hocevar spoke about the incident Monday night during his Twitch stream, expressing disbelief at the outcome and, most notably, at the identity of the driver responsible for the collision.
“I didn’t do anything. I was just like ‘Man, of all people to wreck me.’ I thought it would be somebody like I had it coming. I don’t know what I did. It’s just like, ‘well, shit,’”
—Carson Hocevar, Driver. According to Hocevar, Berry was not the competitor he expected to have issues with on the track during Sunday’s race in California’s Wine Country.
Hocevar’s Reaction and Lingering Tensions
The outburst didn’t end with confusion. Hocevar’s anger became more apparent as he continued to share his perspective of the wreck.
“Why did I get dumped yesterday? I don’t know, I didn’t do anything. I was just like, ‘Man, of all people to wreck me.’ Thought it would be somebody like I had it coming. Don’t know what I did,”
—Carson Hocevar, Driver, via Steven Taranto of CBS Sports. Hocevar detailed that his afternoon had been hard-fought, referencing the team’s strategy and the sense of futility that set in after the spin. He explained that reaching fifth place was a product of teamwork and perseverance before misfortune struck in the closing laps.
Hocevar’s exasperation about the Sonoma outcome was laced with dark humor.
“I think what’s disappointing is that it was an unbelievably terrible day that we somehow put it together and then it was like, ‘Nope, never mind.’ It was like the opposite of our whole year where Stage 1 and Stage 2, it’s like we’re a top tier team, and then by Stage 3, it’s oh by the way, we’re Spire Motorsports again. Where like this one, I’m just like, ‘Well, this is f*cking hilarious.’ We have the biggest shitshow in Stage 1 and Stage 2 and then we finished eighth. And then it’s like, ‘Oh, never mind, you still finished 32nd. Get f*cked, loser.’ I’m just like, ‘Aw, damn it, that’s lame,’”
—Carson Hocevar, Driver. The blunt remarks captured the intense frustration that has followed Hocevar through recent weeks, compounding his struggles late in the regular NASCAR Cup Series season.
Recent Slump Threatens Playoff Chances
Before the incident with Berry, Hocevar seemed poised to snap a streak of underwhelming finishes. Instead, the spin relegated him from eighth to 32nd at the checkered flag, marking the fourth time in the last six races he has ended 29th or worse. Such results have considerably damaged Hocevar’s NASCAR Cup Series playoff hopes, at a point in the season where every finish is critical.
Hocevar’s standings are further complicated by his reputation among competitors. Tensions built over recent run-ins with other drivers were evident, with personalities like Ricky Stenhouse Jr. publicly pledging some form of payback. In a heated moment from the previous week, Austin Dillon called Hocevar the
“biggest dumbass in the entire sport.”
—Austin Dillon, Driver. These reactions, though not directly related to Berry’s move at Sonoma Raceway, form the background to a challenging campaign and illustrate how past actions are shaping Hocevar’s path through the Cup Series.
Looking Ahead After Sonoma Disappointment
For Hocevar and his Spire Motorsports team, the aftermath of the Sonoma collision raises more questions about strategy, on-track relationships, and the likelihood of future conflict. The surprise factor of Berry being the driver to spin Hocevar was not lost on observers, and while no overt rivalry has yet emerged, the situation could evolve as the season progresses and the series heads to venues like Dover Motor Speedway.
What comes next for Carson Hocevar remains uncertain amid discouraging results and simmering tensions. With playoff possibilities fading, every upcoming race will put renewed pressure on both the driver and his team to rebound from setbacks—including headline-making incidents such as when Josh Berry wrecks Carson Hocevar Sonoma. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see if Hocevar can change the narrative on and off the track as summer races continue.
