Denny Hamlin criticizes Carson Hocevar actions following a controversial crash at Iowa Speedway last Sunday, where the Spire Motorsports driver was involved in wrecking Zane Smith. The aftermath saw Hocevar taking to social media with an unapologetic attitude, drawing sharp criticism from Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin, who lamented both the young driver’s behavior and its possible long-term impact on his career and relationships within the sport.
Last weekend, a dramatic incident at Iowa Speedway led to Zane Smith’s race ending prematurely when he was taken out after contact with Carson Hocevar’s No. 77 Chevy. Smith, a Front Row Motorsports competitor, expressed his anger over the radio and was later backed up by a physical confrontation between his team and Hocevar post-race. Heightening the tension further, Hocevar shared an Instagram story featuring Drake’s “IDGAF” in the background, a move that many interpreted as a public dismissal of the controversy and criticism he was facing.
Veteran Perspective: Denny Hamlin’s Analysis and Advice
Denny Hamlin addressed the fallout on his “Actions Detrimental” podcast, using the opportunity to highlight how Hocevar’s cavalier approach might backfire. Hamlin’s extensive experience on the circuit informs his concern that an attitude focused on social media notoriety could generate lasting resentment among fellow NASCAR Cup Series drivers. He warned that such a stance, while perhaps gaining short-term attention or “clout,” leaves younger competitors vulnerable to retaliation during future races.
“It seems like Carson is definitely brushing it off to say, ‘Tough luck, buddy.’ That’s a tough way to live… It hurts you in the long run. If that’s the attitude you wanna have, it’s good for social media and it’s bad for on-track results. [Drivers are saying] ‘I don’t mind sticking that guy three-wide in the middle and if he’s an innocent bystander, so be it.’”
—Denny Hamlin, Actions Detrimental podcast
Recommendations for Hocevar: Owning Up to Mistakes
Hamlin’s scrutiny extended beyond Hocevar’s digital persona to his approach on the track. According to Hamlin, a more honest, sportsmanlike acknowledgment of mistakes would serve Hocevar better. He suggested that the Spire Motorsports driver would have defused the controversy by openly admitting fault, stressing that durable respect among drivers grows from accountability not arrogance, especially when racing outside of contention for the win.
“It was an accident; he got loose. Say ‘Sorry about that. I f*cked up, I got loose. I went into the corner, I shook the right rear out and I got into you. I apologize.’ Instead of ‘Ha, take a number.’ … I don’t know where they were running at the time, but when you’re doing it for a win versus when he whacked out Ricky [Stenhouse Jr.] for 15th or 20th, that’s just not the time.”
—Denny Hamlin
The expectation from veterans like Hamlin is that young competitors temper their aggression, especially when there’s little at stake, in order to build better relationships in the paddock and avoid a reputation that could make them targets on the track. This outlook reflects growing frustration within the NASCAR garage as up-and-coming talents engage with fans and rivals in increasingly provocative ways, both through racing and on social channels.
Consequences Looming: Will Rival Drivers Strike Back?
Despite conceding that the incident with Zane Smith appeared to be unintentional, Hamlin argued that Hocevar’s online attitude is undermining his own defense. As the drama continues, Hamlin warned that such antagonism could prompt a kind of payback culture, with drivers who feel slighted looking for opportunities to return the favor.
“I can tell you 100 percent, without a doubt, he did not purposely hit Zane Smith. It was an accident, but I’m telling you that it’s good for clicks and bad for results. I think he’s out for clicks right now…That’s my opinion. I could be wrong. You’re gonna be in contention and someone is gonna clean you out and they’re gonna say, ‘I took a number.’ I just feel you’re gonna pay.”
—Denny Hamlin
This stark warning from Hamlin encapsulates mounting pressure for Carson Hocevar to reconsider how he conducts himself, both in the car and online. Hocevar now faces potential issues not just from established stars like Chase Elliott or even front runners such as Zane Smith and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., but also from midfield and newcomer drivers who might seize any chance to “make him pay” when competing closely. As the season progresses, observers will watch closely to see whether Hocevar adapts his approach to avoid future confrontations and consequences.
The Broader Impact on NASCAR’s Competitive Landscape
With the spotlight intensifying on high-profile personalities—ranging from veteran voices like Denny Hamlin to drivers like Carson Hocevar and Zane Smith—the ripple effect extends beyond singular confrontations. The growing reliance on social media for personal branding has shifted the culture in NASCAR, placing new drivers such as Hocevar under scrutiny for their public actions as much as their performance on the track.
Hamlin’s insistence on professionalism and accountability reflects deep-rooted values within the garage, but also signals a generational clash that could shape team dynamics and racing strategies in upcoming events. As pressure mounts on young racers to balance reputation, competitiveness, and style, the consequences of missteps—both online and in car-to-car battles—could influence standings and rivalries as the series continues.
As NASCAR heads further into the season, the ongoing conversation about driver conduct, both on and off the track, is likely to persist. All eyes will be on Hocevar to see if he heeds Hamlin’s stern advice or if continued controversy leads to sharper clashes in the highly competitive environment of modern motorsport.
