Zane Smith has opened up about the Carson Hocevar NASCAR controversy, describing the intense aftermath of their clash earlier this year at Iowa and explaining why he chose not to physically confront Hocevar. Smith shared his reasoning during a recent appearance on the Stacking Pennies podcast, touching on the consequences and implications of any on-track conflict in today’s NASCAR environment.
Smith Details Tensions with Hocevar and the Consequences at Stake
After an on-track incident at Iowa Speedway, Smith admitted he was extremely frustrated with Carson Hocevar of Spire Motorsports. He felt there was little value in trying to resolve matters face-to-face, given Hocevar’s reputation for being unresponsive to confrontation. Addressing the situation, Smith referenced the high costs and risks involved in resorting to violence in the NASCAR paddock, as shown in past high-profile incidents.
“I didn’t talk to him, and it’s just you’re not going to get anything from it. I don’t really know how else you can explain that. I mean, yeah, you wanna go up to him and punch him in the face, but that’s $75,000, and that’s not very cool.”
— Zane Smith, Driver
This reflects Smith’s awareness of the hefty penalties that can follow such actions. Last year, NASCAR fined Ricky Stenhouse Jr. $75,000 and suspended two of his crew members after he threw a punch at Kyle Busch during a confrontation at North Wilkesboro Speedway. These consequences serve as a cautionary tale for other drivers considering similar retaliation, as NASCAR’s Member Code of Conduct (sections 4.4 D) is strictly enforced.
NASCAR Standings and Upcoming Challenges
Smith, in his second season at Front Row Motorsports driving the No. 38 car, and Hocevar, racing for Spire Motorsports, both missed the NASCAR playoffs this year. Despite sitting outside playoff contention, both drivers continue to compete for wins and improve their standings. Currently, Smith holds 27th position in the drivers’ points with 519, while Hocevar is ahead at 24th with 577 points after 29 races.
Looking ahead, both drivers are set to compete in the Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The event, scheduled for Sunday, September 21, promises to test their resolve and skill, airing nationally on USA with live radio coverage on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Previous Controversy: Hocevar Fined for Livestream Comments
The Carson Hocevar NASCAR controversy extends beyond the track. Earlier in the season during a team visit to Mexico, Hocevar received a substantial fine from Spire Motorsports after making inappropriate remarks while streaming a virtual race on Twitch. Reports indicated that Hocevar used offensive language, prompting immediate backlash from the NASCAR community and his own organization.
Spire Motorsports released a statement to explain the disciplinary measures:
“Carson Hocevar’s recent comments made during the livestream fell short of that standard. They did not represent the views of Spire Motorsports, our partners, or NASCAR.”
— Spire Motorsports
“He has acknowledged his mistake publicly, and his prompt, sincere apology demonstrated personal accountability. We now take this additional step to underscore that words carry weight, and respect must be lived out loud,”
it added. — Spire Motorsports
Following an internal review, Hocevar was fined $50,000, with the funds allocated to Mexican charities including Cruz Roja Mexicana, Un Kilo de Ayuda, and Fondo Unido México. As part of the penalty, Hocevar also completed mandatory cultural sensitivity and bias-awareness training.
Understanding the Impact and What Comes Next in the Rivalry
The ongoing tensions between Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar exemplify how internal conflicts, both on and off the track, can have lasting repercussions for NASCAR drivers and teams. As the series continues, both athletes will likely remain under scrutiny from fans and the league, with every action potentially impacting their careers and reputations. The next race offers each driver a chance to move past previous controversies and refocus on performance, but the spotlight on their rivalry is unlikely to fade soon.
Our drivers are fierce competitors anytime they strap in a race car. @ZaneSmith talks about his on-track rivalry. 👀 pic.twitter.com/X8a28kdcUz
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 16, 2025
