The debut of the NASCAR rising stars docuseries, titled “RISING” and presented by Craftsman, will air with a fresh episode each night from November 17 through November 21 on YouTube, shining a spotlight on the determination, setbacks, and victories of up-and-coming racers. NASCAR Studios, working with Words + Pictures, has crafted an intense and intimate look at the journeys of Carson Hocevar, Jesse Love, and Rajah Caruth through the 2025 season, offering fans an unfiltered view of what it takes to reach greatness on the track.
The series offers exclusive access to these competitors, revealing both the high points and the challenges they face as they pursue racing careers. From raw behind-the-scenes footage to up-close accounts of their racing milestones, viewers will get a unique glimpse into victories, crashes, and the emotional turmoil that defines the path to racing stardom.
Carson Hocevar: From Homemade Tracks to NASCAR’s Bright Lights
Carson Hocevar, at just 22 years old, stands out as an unconventional rookie in the NASCAR Cup Series after making a rare leap from the Truck Series, bypassing the traditional Xfinity Series route entirely. The driver of the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet proved his worth in 2024, capturing the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title by earning six top-10 finishes in his first Cup season.
Hocevar’s passion for racing ignited early in Portage, Michigan, where he crafted stop-motion car races as a child and dominated quarter midget racing from age six. By 12, he had secured 55 national wins—more than any driver in United States Auto Club (USAC) history—proving that his deep-rooted love for motorsport was matched only by exceptional talent.
Now, as he enters another demanding season, Hocevar faces the fresh challenge of demonstrating maturity and consistency, striking a balance between his fearless driving style and the poise required to contend at NASCAR’s elite level.
“Ultimately, you always want to show people more of the insights and everything,”
Hocevar said about the docuseries. — Carson Hocevar
“I remember as a kid buying every DVD I could find of mini docs. I think Kasey Kahne had one, Tony (Stewart) had one, (Dale) Jr. had plenty. And obviously (Dale) Sr. had a lot of them. So, yeah, I mean, that’s what made me a fan, or just kept me in racing. So, the more we can do of that as a sport is big, and for me to be a part of it, I think, is super cool.”
— Carson Hocevar
Jesse Love: Achieving Milestones and Making History
Jesse Love, the youngest driver featured in “RISING,” launched his career behind the wheel at just five years old. By 15, he was already a standout, winning consecutive ARCA Menards Series West championships. The Menlo Park, California native then took the national ARCA title in 2023, solidifying his reputation as a rising force in motorsports.
In 2024, Love made his much-anticipated debut in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, which saw him claim Rookie of the Year honors and secure eighth place in the championship standings. His determination was further displayed this season as he won the Xfinity Series championship, outpacing friend and competitor Connor Zilisch at Phoenix Raceway.
Love’s story is not only defined by accomplishments on the race track. Driving for Richard Childress Racing, he also finds balance and intensity in his passions for surfing, wakeboarding, and DJing, revealing an athlete committed to growth both on and off the circuit. His remarkable fire and focus make him a standout character in the docuseries.
Rajah Caruth: Breaking Barriers and Forging New Paths
Rajah Caruth’s introduction to racing defied convention, growing up in Brooklyn and Washington, D.C., where his journey began virtually in NASCAR’s iRacing youth esports league at just 16 years old. His digital prowess soon translated into on-track opportunities through NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity development program, propelling him through late model racing and into the ARCA and Craftsman Truck Series.
Caruth’s persistence paid dividends when he recorded his first Truck Series victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2024, positioning him as the third Black driver ever to win a NASCAR event. Balancing the demands of competitive driving with academic commitments, Caruth continues to stand out as a role model for aspiring racers from underrepresented backgrounds. Looking ahead, he will compete in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series—previously the Xfinity Series—in the next season.
The Vision and Production Behind “RISING”
Words + Pictures, the documentary studio behind this series, brings experience from projects like NASCAR: Full Speed and Super League: The War for Football, ensuring that the journeys of these NASCAR hopefuls are depicted with depth and authenticity. Each episode of “RISING” debuts nightly at 7 p.m. ET on NASCAR’s YouTube channel, inviting fans to witness the passion, adversity, and victories firsthand.
Impact and Future of NASCAR’s Rising Talent
“RISING” not only offers a behind-the-scenes look at high-octane racing, but it also elevates the visibility of emerging stars in NASCAR, including Carson Hocevar, Jesse Love, and Rajah Caruth. Their journeys, marked by ambition, resilience, and significant milestones, signal a dynamic shift in the sport’s landscape. As new episodes continue to roll out, fans and newcomers are invited to connect with the stories that will define the next era of racing heroes, with each chapter set to inspire and energize the NASCAR community at large.
