The new Carson Hocevar documentary RISING is offering a behind-the-scenes perspective on the young NASCAR driver’s real experiences, as it debuts on YouTube nightly this week. The series provides unprecedented access not only to Hocevar but also features Jesse Love and Rajah Caruth, focusing on the new generation of drivers reshaping stock car racing.
A Closer Look at Carson Hocevar’s Journey in RISING
Carson Hocevar stands at the forefront of RISING, representing the Cup Series among the documentary’s featured trio. His willingness to share his life publicly, already familiar to fans who follow his Twitch streams or meet him in the stands at dirt tracks across the country, now extends to letting cameras document his entire NASCAR season.
This level of openness is a continuation of Hocevar’s longstanding commitment to authenticity in a sport often dominated by polished images and sponsor commitments. He recalls attending Berlin Raceway as a teen, dressed plainly and focused only on racing, contrasting with peers presenting a corporate image. He continues to distance himself from that “salesman” mold today.
“I think it’s healthy for a show to have the good, bad, and the ugly,”
Hocevar explained during a recent teleconference.
“Life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, and when everything is PR or portrayed that way, the world can see through that pretty easily and feel like something is faked or whatever.”
– Carson Hocevar, Driver
Capturing the Reality of NASCAR’s Youngest Stars
While RISING shines a spotlight on Hocevar’s achievements, it doesn’t gloss over setbacks or tough moments. He admits there were points when he wished filming would stop, especially during more challenging parts of the season. However, in retrospect, he appreciates that those emotions were documented, as they reveal the full picture of striving for success in NASCAR’s highest ranks.
That spirit of honest storytelling is at the heart of NASCAR’s evolving content strategy, shaped by John Dahl, the senior vice president of content since 2024. Dahl previously played a key role as executive producer for ESPN’s popular “30 for 30” documentary series. His focus now is on projects like Full Speed and the Earnhardt documentary, aiming for deeper engagement through unfiltered personal stories.
“What we’re looking (to spotlight) is characters and people, drivers in this case, who are willing to open up and not just present a polished PR look at their lives,”
– John Dahl, Senior Vice President of Content
By sharing his vulnerability, Hocevar aligns with this approach, striving to be the kind of accessible, genuine driver he once admired. It is important to him not only to share triumphs but to display the reality of his journey, reinforcing a sense of connection with supporters and the next generation.
Hocevar’s Dedication to Fans and the Future of the Sport
For Hocevar, being part of the Carson Hocevar documentary RISING means honoring his younger self and every young aspiring racer. He continues the tradition of connecting personally with fans, signing autographs at Xfinity races and including them in his life outside of competition. Hocevar recognizes a sense of duty in remaining open and down-to-earth as his public profile grows.
“It would be a disservice to that kid and every kid like me if I shied away,”
– Carson Hocevar, Driver
As RISING’s episodes air on YouTube this week, audiences gain an inside look not only at racing action, but also at the events and emotions that define Hocevar’s unique path in NASCAR. The documentary is poised to broaden the sport’s appeal, inviting viewers to relate to the real challenges, setbacks, and victories experienced by its youngest stars. With John Dahl’s leadership guiding the narrative direction, RISING sets a new standard for authentic storytelling in racing, hinting at how NASCAR content may evolve to further engage both dedicated fans and newcomers alike.
