Carson Hocevar has secured his future in the NASCAR Cup Series, signing a long-term Spire Motorsports contract extension that will see him drive the #77 car into the next decade, as announced on February 5. The Michigan native’s commitment follows a lively rookie campaign in 2024, where he impressed many with his consistent performances.
Strong Start to NASCAR Cup Series Career
Hocevar’s journey with Spire Motorsports began with an energetic rookie season in 2024, during which he claimed three top-five finishes and fifteen top-ten results. Building on a strong debut in 2023, the young driver established himself as a key figure for the team and quickly became familiar around the Cup garage. His efforts, including leading 18 laps at the recent Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, have helped the organization raise its profile within the busy NASCAR landscape.
This latest contract secures Hocevar’s presence in the Cup Series well into the next decade, signaling Spire’s intention to nurture young talent for lasting success. The extension also ensures that Hocevar will compete in 13 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races for Spire in 2026, expanding his racing responsibilities across multiple platforms for the team.
Hocevar Reflects on Commitment and Team Spirit
Hocevar expressed deep appreciation for the organization and its people, crediting the team’s evolution and support with helping him grow as a racer. His gratitude shone through as he spoke about the relationships and family atmosphere fostered within Spire Motorsports, highlighting how different the environment feels compared to his early days as a rookie.
“Everyone in the building, has really become a family to me. Spire is such a different team now compared to how it was my rookie season, and especially when I made my debut in 2023. It’s fun to know I’m going to be around the Cup garage for a long time, and really a dream come true,”
Hocevar said.
Adding levity to the milestone, Hocevar shared a humorous moment from contract negotiations, recounting how he jokingly requested that the contract read:
“If I had a pulse, I would be driving a Spire race car.”
This playful spirit reflects his joy and the tight bond he feels with the organization.
Demonstrating his passion for racing, Hocevar declared his intention to remain in the sport and with the team for many years to come:
“I am here for a long long time in the sport I loved as a kid. Thank you, to everyone that has stuck by me,”
Hocevar added.
Team Ownership Praises Hocevar’s Growth and Future
Jeff Dickerson, co-owner of Spire Motorsports, shared his heartfelt thoughts about Hocevar’s growth since joining the organization. Dickerson spoke about the rewards of witnessing Hocevar’s development and emphasized his personal investment in the driver’s continued journey with the team. The new agreement, Dickerson noted, provides the team with clarity and stability for the future.
“It has been an absolutely rewarding experience getting to know Carson and watching him grow up, and learn from the good and bad both at and away from the racetrack. I love him like a son and it means a great deal to me, personally, knowing he’ll be here for several years,”
Dickerson said.
With Hocevar now entering his third full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series, expectations for the young driver continue to rise. Last year, he captured a career-best second-place finish at Nashville Superspeedway, rounded out the season with nine top-ten finishes, and ended 23rd in the points standings. His enduring contract not only reflects Spire Motorsports’ faith in his abilities but also cements the partnership as a cornerstone for the team’s ambitions moving into the next era of competition.
What Lies Ahead
As Hocevar’s Spire Motorsports contract extension becomes official, both driver and organization look forward to a future marked by stability and shared goals. With his commitment to both Cup Series and Truck Series events, Hocevar’s journey promises to influence Spire’s trajectory and inspire fans across the NASCAR landscape, making his continued presence in the garage and on the track a significant development for the team and the sport.
He's here to 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆.
📰: https://t.co/3AqUtCn07M pic.twitter.com/ifbrUmXmRF
— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) February 5, 2026
during contract negotiations i think i asked if it could read “if i had a pulse, i would be driving a spire race car”, but into the next decade sounds good too.
i am here for a long long time in the sport i loved as a kid. thank you, to everyone that has stuck by me.
— Carson Hocevar (@CarsonHocevar) February 5, 2026
