Carson Hocevar openly criticized the tire wear at the 2025 Bristol NASCAR race, where extreme tire degradation played a pivotal role in determining results and limited what drivers could achieve on the track. The racing at Bristol forced competitors into unpredictable situations, with Hocevar comparing the outcome to “a lottery” due to the substantial impact of tire fall off— a prominent concern for those seeking to use strategy and skill to their advantage.
Hocevar, who drives for Spire Motorsports, found himself disadvantaged by missing out on the top lane—a part of the circuit usually known for multiple racing lines, now restricted by the new tire package. This adjustment left drivers struggling to manage tire life and fighting for track position under unusual and risk-heavy circumstances.
Race Strategy Disrupted by Tire Conditions
The challenges escalated for Hocevar during the last restart when he was forced to continue on worn tires, attempting to defend his spot while others capitalized with fresher rubber. Although visibly upset by the lack of multi-lane racing, he remarked that increased tire wear also curbed the effect of dirty air and reduced the usual close-contact incidents that lead to frequent cautions.
“I miss running the top. It’d be nice if we could get tire wear, where it’s not like a lottery as much, and we could still go up and run the top. I enjoy running the top here, and you get to move around. It eliminates some of the bumper tag cautions, but yeah, it was nice not complaining about dirty air. So there’s a bright side to everything.”
—Carson Hocevar, Driver
Consistent Performance Despite Setbacks
Currently holding the 24th spot in the standings with 577 points, Hocevar has not yet landed a victory this season, though several top-10 finishes underscore his consistency. Despite these solid efforts and notable performances, he narrowly missed out on making the NASCAR playoffs, demonstrating that persistent tire issues and altered race dynamics have impacted competitive opportunities for the season.
Standout moments for Hocevar include securing a runner-up position at the Nashville race, along with strong showings at classic NASCAR venues like Talladega and Atlanta. His ongoing presence in the series highlights both his adaptability and his ability to remain competitive in challenging circumstances.
Personal Passion for NASCAR’s Historic Vehicles
Beyond the racetrack, Hocevar’s passion extends into his personal life as a collector of street-legal vehicles inspired by NASCAR icons. Growing up near Kalamazoo Speedway, he developed an appreciation for cars connected to legendary figures such as Dale Earnhardt Sr., keeping the spirit of the sport alive in his daily routine.
Recently, Hocevar added a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado adorned with Dale Earnhardt’s GM Goodwrench No. 3 livery to his collection, acquiring it through Facebook Marketplace. This addition brought him a sense of nostalgia and connection to fans, often stopping for extended conversations about NASCAR history whenever the truck is recognized on the road.
“So it’s a lot of fun when you drive it. Like the Dale truck, I blew a tire, and I think I got 100 honks, and hell yes, and go Dale, and stuff like that. And I haven’t drove the Oldsmobile yet on the road, so I’m curious [about] that reaction. But it’s pretty awesome, history of NASCAR, but also too, it’s super fun. The first time I drove the Dale truck, I had about six people walk over to me, and I was stuck at a gas station for an hour. We just talked NASCAR. So I think that’s what I’ve most enjoyed with it.”
—Carson Hocevar, Driver
Expanding the Collection and Looking Forward
Hocevar’s automotive interests include more than just the Earnhardt-themed truck. His growing garage houses tributes like a 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass styled as Buddy Baker’s ‘Gray Ghost’ and another vehicle reminiscent of Kasey Kahne’s time with Hendrick Motorsports. These vehicles reflect Hocevar’s deep-seated connection to NASCAR’s past and showcase his role as both driver and devoted fan.
As Hocevar navigates the challenges of the current racing season—particularly high tire wear at events like Bristol—his commitment to honoring the sport’s legends and his consistent performance keep him in the spotlight. The debate over race strategies, tire management, and the future of competitive balance remains ongoing, with drivers and teams eager for changes that might restore some of the multi-lane action and tactical depth that defined Bristol in earlier eras.
