Carson Hocevar’s NASCAR Gateway history is marked by both heartbreak and moments of promise as he prepares to return to World Wide Technology Raceway, located just outside St. Louis, for another shot at redemption this Sunday. The 22-year-old Portage, Michigan, driver has faced setbacks and injuries at Gateway over the past several years, but his persistence and recent results have him hoping for a breakthrough.
Hocevar’s troubled record at Gateway began in 2022 during the Craftsman Truck Series, when he was involved in a crash that resulted in a broken ankle. Despite the painful setback, he remarkably did not miss any races that season and ultimately finished 10th in the standings.
The following year brought new challenges, as Hocevar made his NASCAR Cup debut at Gateway. Unfortunately, his race ended prematurely after a solo incident in Turn 1 on Lap 91, which caused him to finish last among the 36 drivers. Nevertheless, Hocevar displayed resilience, undeterred by another dashed opportunity at the 1.6-mile oval.
Gateway saw a positive shift in Hocevar’s fortunes in 2024. For the first time, he completed the entire Cup race at the track and secured an impressive eighth-place finish—his best result there to date. This performance gave him renewed optimism heading into the upcoming event.
Learning from Setbacks and Eyeing Progress
Building on recent momentum, Hocevar comes into this Sunday’s race encouraged by two career-best Cup finishes—both second place—at layouts similar to Gateway, specifically Atlanta and Nashville. These achievements reflect growth, and he hopes to capitalize on his experience to propel himself further at Gateway.
The memory of his 2022 accident still lingers somewhat, yet Hocevar remains focused on moving forward.
“I try not to think about the wreck and the injury,”
—Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver. He explained that this mindset is shared by many drivers, emphasizing the importance of staying present and not letting past misfortune dictate performance.
The disappointments and lessons from his earlier outings are not lost on Hocevar, either.
“The Cup debut and then coming back last year to kind of make up for how that first race ended, means a lot more to me.”
—Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver. Each race at Gateway has developed his determination and racing maturity, something he hopes will serve him well as he chases better results.
Gateway’s Special Meaning for Hocevar
Despite past misfortunes, Hocevar’s respect for Gateway has only grown. The track holds significance not just for his racing record, but as the place where Spire Motorsports and important figures like Jeff Dickerson recognized his potential.
“That’s where all of this started,”
—Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver. It was at Gateway that pivotal career opportunities began to take shape, paving the way for his current Cup Series role.
“Whether other people think it was good or not doesn’t really matter, but Gateway is a special place for me and I love racing there every year.”
—Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver. This sentiment underlines Hocevar’s personal connection to the venue—a place that has defined both his setbacks and his resolve.
Hope for a Turnaround and What’s Ahead
Hocevar isn’t presumptuous about what the future holds at Gateway, but his drive for redemption is clear. While he doesn’t expect the track owes him a victory or top finish, a win at Sunday’s Cup race would certainly alter the narrative of his NASCAR Gateway history and reaffirm his persistence.
Reflecting on the highs and lows of racing, Hocevar advises perseverance.
“There will be a lot of tough days, but the good ones make up for them. You’ll piss off a lot of drivers, and that isn’t always fun, but you’ll end up with a good group of guys on the No. 77 who have your back and believe in you.”
—Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver. The young driver’s focus remains squarely on determination, camaraderie with his team, and readiness for whatever this next Gateway race brings.
As Hocevar prepares to take the green flag at World Wide Technology Raceway, fans and peers alike will be watching to see if his persistence pays off, possibly reshaping his legacy at a track that has tested him repeatedly. His relationship with Gateway has been complex, but Sunday’s race offers a new opportunity for achievement—and perhaps, a measure of redemption.
