Carson Hocevar’s New Hampshire performance drew attention for all the right reasons, as the Spire Motorsports driver broke from his reputation for controversy with a composed run at Loudon. Racing at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Hocevar surprised fans and fellow drivers alike with a clean, controlled outing that showcased his developing skills on one of NASCAR’s challenging tracks.
Throughout the regular season, Hocevar was frequently in the headlines for on-track incidents and aggressive maneuvers, becoming one of the sport’s most talked-about rookies for turbulent performances. Yet in the latest postseason events, he shifted the narrative, posting two top-10 and two top-15 results. At New Hampshire, Hocevar came close to another top-10, finishing a respectable 11th, after starting sixth and holding his position during much of the race.
Hocevar’s No. 77 Chevy maintained a strong pace from the start, running within the top five for most of Stage 1 before finishing fifth in that segment. He continued to avoid trouble in Stage 2, securing another fifth-place stage finish by skillfully staying clear of accidents and aggressive skirmishes around him. While he could not hold onto a top-five spot in the final laps, his overall consistency marked a significant improvement in his approach during the postseason.
What was most notable was how Hocevar’s New Hampshire run contradicted the aggressive and sometimes reckless style he has displayed earlier in the season. For a driver who has often been at the center of dramatic moments and accidents, his ability to maintain control, manage the pace, and avoid contact with competitors highlighted significant progress in his racing maturity. This shift in performance has begun to alter the perception many had of the young driver, drawing both praise and acknowledgment from key figures within the NASCAR community.
Tommy Baldwin Jr. Commends Hocevar’s Clean Racing Effort
NASCAR veteran Tommy Baldwin Jr. gave public praise to Hocevar for his disciplined showing at Loudon, offering his thoughts during an episode of the Door, Bumper, Clear podcast alongside 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick. As the group recapped the weekend’s race, Baldwin went out of his way to highlight what he saw from Hocevar.
“I’m gonna hate saying this, but kudos to the 77 [Hocevar] yesterday,”
Tommy Baldwin Jr., podcast co-host.
Baldwin, who viewed much of the action from his team’s pit area, was particularly appreciative of the incident-free, measured approach Hocevar displayed throughout the event.
“I hate I’m saying this, but I watched from where we were pitted, he did a good job. He [Hocevar] didn’t run into anybody. He had a clean day. He ran in the top 10 all day because he didn’t run into anybody and hurt his car.”
Tommy Baldwin Jr., podcast co-host.
This recognition is significant for Hocevar, whose abrasive and assertive driving has at times overshadowed flashes of obvious talent. Although aggressive tactics have made him a polarizing figure—and even prompted comparisons to the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr.—his disciplined run at Loudon suggests a willingness to adapt and refine his style for sustained success.
For Spire Motorsports and those watching Hocevar’s progress, the New Hampshire race could serve as a sign of potential growth and consistency as he continues his rookie campaign. Continued performances like this may alter the trajectory of his reputation within the NASCAR community, potentially heralding a new phase in his development as a Cup Series driver.
