Carson Hocevar, known for his unpredictable persona both on and off the track, has presented a comprehensive five-point strategy to address the ongoing issues within NASCAR, a sport currently grappling with declining TV viewership and widespread criticism of its playoff system. The Carson Hocevar NASCAR five-point plan aims to restore excitement and prestige, while addressing concerns voiced by fans, drivers, and analysts.
At just 22 years old, Hocevar—nicknamed ‘Hurricane’—has become a prominent and sometimes controversial figure in the racing world, drawing attention for his aggressive driving as much as his off-track hobbies, like collecting classic vehicles. He’s established himself as a major talking point, both for supporters and detractors, in a sport searching for new ways to engage audiences and reverse sagging ratings.
Calling for an End to the Playoff Format
One of the strongest points in Hocevar’s plan is his stance against the current playoff format, preferring a return to the traditional full-season championship system that values consistent performance. During a recent interview conducted by Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, Hocevar said,
“A full-season points format would help. That’s a start. Or a lot closer to one,”
— Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver
This shift would mark a significant change from the current system, which many believe leads to confusion and diminishes the meaning of regular season performances.
Addressing Internal Conflicts and Financial Strain
Hocevar did not shy away from discussing the ongoing infighting within NASCAR, including the high-profile legal battle involving Denny Hamlin, Michael Hamlin, the 23XI Racing team, and NASCAR itself. He drew a direct correlation between these conflicts and the sport’s broader challenges, describing an atmosphere filled with blame and competition over shrinking resources.
“Right now, it feels like the whole sport is in a finger-pointing challenge: the networks, teams, drivers, NASCAR – everyone’s fighting for their margin of it while the total pool of funds gets smaller. As you’re bleeding, you’re not (addressing) the wound, you’re just wanting to blame who caused the wound. But you’re still losing blood.”
— Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver
This statement captures the turmoil among major stakeholders in the sport, including drivers like Ryan Blaney and organizations such as 23XI Racing, highlighting a culture of division that some feel is preventing real progress.
Building Genuine Fan Engagement
Another key element in the Carson Hocevar NASCAR five-point plan is to reinvigorate passion from viewers, both at the track and on television. Hocevar questioned what would persuade someone to watch NASCAR over other sports, particularly when viewership of NFL games remains strong during the same periods. He emphasized the lack of prestige and tradition compared to global motorsports like F1.
“Ultimately, people just need to care,”
— Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver
Directly addressing current attendance and viewership issues, Hocevar added,
“Attendance at the track has been good, but TV numbers aren’t. People blame ‘society’ (for less viewers), but football still gets watched. It needs more prestige. F1 racing isn’t great, but the prestige is very high, and it’s very traditional.”
— Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver
Here, Hocevar points to the importance of restoring NASCAR’s reputation and appeal, especially when compared to other team sports or racing leagues like F1, where tradition remains a draw despite criticism of on-track excitement.
Encouraging Drivers to Express Themselves
Arguing for more visible and authentic rivalries, Hocevar wants drivers—including himself, Ryan Blaney, Ricky Stenhouse Jnr, and Zane Smith—to be free to show frustration and emotion, which he feels would improve the entertainment value for viewers. His own history of on-track conflicts gives weight to his suggestions.
“Drivers need to be willing to show more and be allowed to show more frustration. The TV product could be a lot better compared to how it used to be. You’ve just somehow got to get people to care all year. There shouldn’t be a format where it’s like, ‘This race doesn’t matter to this guy’.”
— Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver
This approach aims to bridge the gap between loyal fans and those casual viewers who might tune in for the drama, rather than just the racing itself.
Making NASCAR Easy to Understand for New Fans
Acknowledging the complicated nature of current formats—especially the playoffs and points system—Hocevar stressed that these barriers prevent new or returning fans from fully embracing the sport, even when they are interested in the on-track action. He recounted personal experiences with confused newcomers and long-time fans alike.
“There are people who want to become fans because they see the racing, but it’s very difficult for them. They have to try really hard to push through to (understand the formats and points), and I think that’s very difficult.”
— Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Driver
The call to simplify the rules highlights a movement in NASCAR to prioritize accessibility, echoing the frustrations of viewers and analysts who believe complexity is driving audiences away.
The Path Ahead for NASCAR
Hocevar’s proposals add fuel to the ongoing debates about how NASCAR should evolve to safeguard its future. With unresolved legal disputes involving organizations and drivers still looming and the sport’s leadership under pressure to make changes, his five-point strategy offers a vision for transformation grounded in the perspective of a new generation of competitors. As the offseason continues and 2026 approaches, industry insiders, fans, and participants will be watching closely to see if steps inspired by Hocevar’s ideas—including the return to a full-season championship, greater authenticity, and simpler formats—are adopted in the fight to restore NASCAR’s standing in American sports.
