With the NASCAR playoff cutline rapidly approaching, Carson Hocevar has made it clear he does not see victory at Watkins Glen as his ticket to postseason contention, choosing instead to focus his Carson Hocevar playoff hopes Richmond Raceway strategy on the upcoming event in Virginia. Hocevar, known for his assertive approach behind the wheel for Spire Motorsports, is currently positioned outside of playoff qualification and is setting his sights on Richmond as his best opportunity to turn his season around.
Hocevar Rules Out Watkins Glen as Playoff Breakthrough Venue
Carson Hocevar has emerged as a notable driver in NASCAR, carving a reputation for his daring moves and competitive spirit despite not yet securing a Cup Series win. With only three races remaining before the playoff field is set, the Michigan native addressed speculation about where his much-anticipated first victory—and potential playoff-sealing moment—might happen. Heading into the Go Bowling at The Glen at the historic Watkins Glen road course, Hocevar openly acknowledged that the New York track is not where he expects to make that breakthrough.
Currently ranked 23rd in points and trailing the 16th-place cutline, which is held by Chris Buescher, by 131 markers, Hocevar faces a formidable challenge. In his second full Cup season, he has demonstrated considerable progress, achieving six top-10 results and claiming two top-5 finishes for the No. 77 car. However, the defining win needed to secure a playoff berth has continued to elude him.
Direct Words From the Young Driver
During a pre-race press conference at Watkins Glen, Hocevar was asked about his prospects for qualifying for the playoffs and whether The Glen presented that golden opportunity. He offered a candid response:
“I think we can run well at road courses, but being the guy to beat or win is not really in my cards yet.”
—Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports Driver
He then discussed which track presents a better chance for victory:
“I’d feel a lot, you know, if you told me which one was a better opportunity, Richmond or Watkins Glen, then I’d say Richmond, but our stuff’s fast here, but you know, there are guys that can put together cleaner laps and more consistent laps still.”
—Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports Driver
Challenging Road Course Competition Underscores Decision
Hocevar did not hide his view that the technical demands and stiff competition at Watkins Glen make a win there a difficult proposition. The field is especially strong this year, with road course specialists such as Shane van Gisbergen, Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, AJ Allmendinger, and Hocevar’s own teammate Michael McDowell. The pressure on these contenders is significant; for McDowell and Allmendinger in particular, the upcoming race may represent their final realistic shot at postseason qualification, further crowding the list of favorites.
McDowell, piloting the No. 71, has delivered impressive results at Watkins Glen, with two top-10 finishes in his last three starts at the circuit, while Allmendinger also brings a strong resume at road courses. This level of competition is not lost on Hocevar, who concedes that other drivers exhibit greater consistency and lap-to-lap execution at road courses.
Looking Ahead to Richmond Raceway
While Hocevar is satisfied with the speed of his car at The Glen, he maintains a realistic perspective about his limitations and chances for a win. Instead, he’s placing his Carson Hocevar playoff hopes Richmond Raceway, identifying the upcoming Cook Out 400 at the Virginia short track as his main target for a breakthrough result. Hocevar see Richmond’s unique characteristics and his own readiness as a stronger combination for his playoff ambitions compared to the technical road course in New York.
With only a few races left in the regular season, the NASCAR community will watch closely to see if Hocevar’s calculated focus on Richmond Raceway pays off. His determination, paired with Spire Motorsports’ continuous improvements, sets the stage for an intense battle as the playoff field nears its final shape.
