Tensions between Carson Hocevar and Zane Smith have escalated, bringing added intensity to the Carson Hocevar NASCAR rivalry as the 2026 Cup Series season approaches. Recent incidents at the Iowa Speedway and Kansas Speedway have intensified the competitive atmosphere within the Cup Series, drawing attention from fans and fellow drivers alike.
Conflict Peaks Between Hocevar and Smith After Iowa Speedway Incident
The rivalry between Carson Hocevar and Zane Smith took a contentious turn during the August 2025 Cup Series event at Iowa Speedway. During the race, Hocevar made contact with Smith and sent him into the wall, sparking immediate controversy and heated emotions. The incident resulted in no immediate resolution, with Smith later describing Hocevar’s move as underhanded. Although Smith contemplated a physical response, he avoided further escalation due to the risk of a $75,000 fine imposed by NASCAR for such confrontations. After the collision, Hocevar managed to finish eighth, while Smith struggled home in thirty-first position.
Zane Smith’s Blunt Response and Future Outlook
Reflecting on the Iowa collision during a Stacking Pennies podcast episode with Corey LaJoie, Zane Smith delivered a clear message for Hocevar just months before the new season.
“No, I didn’t talk to him. And it’s just, you’re not gonna get anything from it. Like, I don’t really know how else you can explain that. I mean, yeah, you want to go up to him and punch him in the face, but that’s 75 grand, and that’s not very cool, and I really don’t think that would do anything.”
— Zane Smith, Cup Series Driver
“Yeah. So ultimately, what it’s came down to me is like, I just, I treat him as if, how he would treat me. And it’s just how it goes until that changes, I’m not gonna change,” Smith concluded.
— Zane Smith, Cup Series Driver
Both drivers have since reflected on the fallout, with Smith making it clear his approach toward Hocevar will remain unchanged until circumstances shift on or off the track.
Reviewing the 2025 Cup Series Performances
Carson Hocevar completed the 2025 Cup Series season ranked twenty-third, achieving 702 points with nine top-ten finishes, two top fives, and a single pole across thirty-six races. In comparison, Zane Smith finished the year in twenty-eighth, compiling 615 points and five top-ten results. Despite their competitive finishes, it is the confrontations, including the high-profile Iowa clash, that have defined much of their season’s narrative and further fueled the ongoing rivalry.
Hocevar’s October Incident at Kansas and NASCAR Fines
The turbulence surrounding Carson Hocevar continued later in the season at the Kansas Speedway. Following a race incident in October 2025, NASCAR levied a $50,000 penalty against Hocevar, citing violations of the rule book related to conduct during a caution, specifically involving the #77 Chevy’s attempt to rejoin the race while safety crews attended to his car. The incident drew scrutiny and was later discussed by Hocevar during an interview with Bob Pockrass, where he shared his perspective on the contentious sequence of events.
“Obviously, like, there is a tow truck in front of me not going anywhere; it was trying to go places earlier. You know, the tires are off the ground, and they just spin. But they judge off of actions in visibility not intent, right? So, like, I had tires spun black and white. Yeah, next time I might have them rock the car to throw me in neutral. That’s on me.”
— Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports Driver
During qualifying for the Kansas event, Hocevar secured a top ten starting position and began the main race sixth on the grid. However, the crash that triggered the fine also resulted in a disappointing twenty-ninth-place finish. Meanwhile, Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports capitalized on the chaos to claim his second victory of the 2025 season.
Impact of the Rivalry and Season’s End
The ongoing Carson Hocevar NASCAR rivalry with Zane Smith continues to draw attention within the Cup Series as tensions remain unresolved. Past events at Iowa and Kansas, combined with meaningful penalties and public comments, indicate that the animosity may carry into the 2026 season. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if the competitive friction escalates further or finally finds closure as drivers prepare for another challenging year in NASCAR.
