During a recent Dale Earnhardt Jr Carson Hocevar interview, rookie Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar addressed why he remains friendless within the NASCAR garage, showing little concern over his outsider status. In a revealing exchange, Hocevar offered an honest perspective on his relationships with other drivers, highlighting his choice to keep competitors at a distance as the season rolled into Dover Motor Speedway.
Hocevar Confronts Solitude Among Fellow Drivers
Hocevar, who drives the No. 77 for Spire Motorsports, has become something of a controversial figure in the Cup Series as he openly embraces being an outlier in the tightly knit racing world. While many drivers carefully manage their public image, Hocevar displays little interest in these conventions, drawing criticism but remaining unapologetic.
In his discussion with Dale Earnhardt Jr. on The Dale Jr. Download podcast, Hocevar’s directness was unmistakable when asked if he connected with anyone in the Cup Series community. He replied,
“Just a bunch of my iRacing buddies. Not anyone (in the industry).”
—Carson Hocevar, Cup Series Driver
Despite nearing a Truck Series title in 2023 and making waves as a rookie, Hocevar maintains that his only connections are online, away from the physical Cup Series paddock. Earnhardt pressed further about possible friendships across NASCAR’s three main series, to which Hocevar firmly stated he had none. “Nope. Not one.” —Carson Hocevar, Cup Series Driver
Brief Encounters, Not Bonds
Pressed about forming even casual connections, Hocevar recalled a single social occasion outside racing protocol.
“I’ve only hung out one time with any other driver,”
—Carson Hocevar, Cup Series Driver he explained, referencing an informal meeting with Shane van Gisbergen (SVG) and Bubba Wallace away from the racetrack.
“It was SVG and Bubba at his property. One time. We don’t, we don’t like ‘hangout.’ Like, it was just one time.”
—Carson Hocevar, Cup Series Driver
This solitary gathering underscores Hocevar’s preference for minimal interaction with fellow competitors, supporting his broader narrative of choosing self-reliance over camaraderie in the Cup garage.
Why Hocevar Prefers to Keep His Distance
When asked about the rationale behind his isolation, especially at Dover, Hocevar acknowledged that staying detached might sharpen his competitive edge. He confirmed, “Sure, yeah, it does.” —Carson Hocevar, Cup Series Driver He elaborated further, sharing candid opinions about authenticity in the sport.
“I donno, I just don’t like fakeness. I like genuineness and I know how I am as a driver, and I think we’re all two-faced. So, I might as well just cut at the cord, and know my friends are my friends, you know?”
—Carson Hocevar, Cup Series Driver
Hocevar’s stance is informed by past experiences at different racing levels, where interference between friendship and aggressive competition led to discomfort.
“It’s always just awkward when you’re on the limits, and you know, run into your friends, and whatever. And I have just had that from court of midgets and everything. And you know, you race your friends differently.”
—Carson Hocevar, Cup Series Driver
He admitted the challenge of balancing personal relationships with the demands of racing.
“I don’t, sometimes, like racing my friends because, you know, sometimes they want me to push them, or do everything.”
—Carson Hocevar, Cup Series Driver The stakes, he said, are much higher in real racing compared to the virtual world.
“It just reminds me of just like, man, imagine if you’re doing it, and you know, where are our jobs are at stake, and you know, investment money and everything, you know, we have that feeling of that, it means nothing on a video game.”
—Carson Hocevar, Cup Series Driver
Ultimately, Hocevar takes comfort in his clear boundaries:
“So yeah, it’s a lot easier to know my friends are in my circle, and yeah, we just go racing. Like that’s it. I don’t need anyone.”
—Carson Hocevar, Cup Series Driver
What Hocevar’s Approach Means for His NASCAR Future
Carson Hocevar’s candid dismissal of the need for friendships among NASCAR drivers sets him apart in the Cup garage, offering a stark contrast to the more polished personas of his peers. His stance invites debate about authenticity, competition, and the pressures of high-stakes racing. As the season continues, his reputation as a “lightning rod” in the NASCAR world is likely to intensify, keeping attention focused on how his solitary approach might influence his performance, and possibly, his standing in the paddock for years to come.
