NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar clarified the Carson Hocevar Chili’s prank that swept social media after rumors suggested he bought a Chili’s restaurant in his hometown of Portage, Michigan. Hocevar addressed the situation at Charlotte Motor Speedway before an upcoming playoff race, revealing there was more to the story than met the eye.
Hocevar, who had posted on Facebook about the supposed purchase, admitted that he never actually bought the property. The viral post began as a response to misleading local media narratives. The 22-year-old explained to reporters that the whole incident stemmed from a mix of local clickbait and his own playful approach to social media rumors.
“In Portage, some radio station made a clickbait thing about the Chili’s shutting down. They asked me if I would promote it that it’s not closed and I was like, can’t I just say bought until the first payment hits? They loved it so you know, that’s kind of how you fight fire with fire nowadays.” – Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Cup Series driver
This revelation highlighted how Hocevar navigates viral stories, using humor and self-awareness to interact with fans. While many believed he owned the Chili’s franchise, the truth was far tamer—a reflection on the challenges athletes face when myths emerge in rapid-fire online culture.
Hocevar’s Racing Year: Chasing First Cup Win Amidst Setbacks
Carson Hocevar is currently in his second year driving the No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro for Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series. Earlier in the season, Hocevar celebrated a significant win at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in Kansas (May 2025), but a Cup Series victory has remained elusive.
Despite not being included in this year’s playoffs, Hocevar remains a contender for his first career Cup triumph. Across 31 races, the former Winchester 400 winner has achieved two top-five and eight top-ten finishes, leading 116 laps in the process. As it stands, he holds the 22nd spot in the driver standings with 625 points, striving for greater results before the season ends. The next race—the Bank of America ROVAL 400—kicks off Sunday, October 5, broadcast live on USA and covered by PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).
Financial Penalty at Kansas Speedway
Off the track, Hocevar was recently at the center of controversy during a Cup Series event at Kansas Speedway. NASCAR fined the driver $50,000 for violating member conduct rules during a critical moment in the race. The incident occurred on Lap 260, when Hocevar spun his No. 77 car on the backstretch, bursting several tires and prompting a caution flag.
As safety workers and personnel approached the car, Hocevar attempted to rejoin the competition by revving his engine and spinning his tires while officials were still nearby. NASCAR officials deemed this behavior unsafe and issued a substantial penalty.
“NASCAR has fined Carson Hocevar $50,000 for what NASCAR termed as a behavioral infraction,” Pockrass wrote. “After he spun and came to a stop at Kansas and safety workers had gotten to his car, he revved and spun his tires as he tried to rejoin the field.” – Bob Pockrass, Renowned journalist
The episode saw Hocevar slip from running in 13th position to finishing 29th, four laps behind race winner Chase Elliott, who claimed his second Cup Series victory of 2025 for Hendrick Motorsports. The penalty and result added to a season marked by intensity and emotional ups and downs for the young driver.
This series of events underscores the scrutiny and challenges faced by athletes like Hocevar, especially in a high-profile arena such as the NASCAR Cup Series. The Chili’s prank incident demonstrates the viral potential of rumors in a digital landscape, while his recent penalty highlights the intense pressure drivers face, both on and off the track. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Carson Hocevar continues to chase his first Cup Series win and navigates the fast-paced world of professional racing.
Carson Hocevar bought the Chili's restaurant in his hometown. Or at least, that's what he said on the internet. But you should never believe everything you see on the internet: pic.twitter.com/huGmJg033i
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) October 4, 2025
NASCAR has fined Carson Hocevar $50,000 for what NASCAR termed as a behavioral infraction. After he spun and came to a stop at Kansas and safety workers had gotten to his car, he revved and spun his tires as he tried to rejoin the field.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 1, 2025
