Carson Hocevar will compete in the 2026 United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway, representing Young’s Motorsports in their No. 42 Chevrolet. The accomplished NASCAR Cup Series driver is set to make his first NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start at Daytona on February 14, 2026, as the team kicks off its season with Zeigler Automotive Group on board as primary sponsor. The Carson Hocevar Daytona race marks a significant milestone for both driver and team at the legendary Florida superspeedway.
One-Race Appearance with an Accomplished Team
At just 23, Hocevar will suit up for a one-race appearance with the Mooresville, North Carolina-based Young’s Motorsports. Racing the iconic 2.5-mile track, Hocevar brings proven skills and a fresh energy to the team, while Zeigler Automotive Group will have its branding featured prominently on his car.
“Any time you get the opportunity to race at Daytona, it’s special,”
said Hocevar.
“I’m excited for the chance to race with Young’s Motorsports in the United Rentals 300.”
– Carson Hocevar, Driver
With extensive experience across NASCAR’s top national touring divisions, including the Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Hocevar is well prepared for the challenge. He emphasized the unique intensity of racing at Daytona, where preparation and precision are as important as outright speed.
“I’m thankful to Zeigler Automotive Group for their support and looking forward to the challenge.”
– Carson Hocevar, Driver
Versatile Competitor Tackles Triple Duty During Speedweeks
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year has earned recognition as one of racing’s most versatile young competitors, remaining a fixture at NASCAR’s highest level. During the Daytona Speedweeks, Hocevar will be one of just a handful of drivers attempting a triple-header, racing in three major events. He will also compete for Spire Motorsports in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Fresh from Florida 250 on Friday night and back in the Spire Motorsports No. 77 Chevrolet for Sunday’s Daytona 500, making this his ninth career appearance at Daytona International Speedway and his third Daytona 500.
Strong Support from Zeigler Automotive Group
The Zeigler Automotive Group, one of the largest privately owned dealership groups in the United States, will serve as the lead sponsor for Hocevar’s Daytona entry. The company operates 88 franchises across 41 locations, with a workforce of more than 2,500 people, and has been recognized as one of the nation’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For.
“At Zeigler, we believe in backing individuals who show relentless drive and commitment to excellence,”
said Aaron Zeigler, President and CEO of Zeigler Automotive Group and Zeigler Racing.
“Carson embodies that mindset every time he gets behind the wheel, and sponsoring him at Daytona was an easy decision. We’re proud to see the Zeigler No. 42 take the track with Young’s Motorsports at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race.”
– Aaron Zeigler, President and CEO, Zeigler Automotive Group and Zeigler Racing
Team Leadership and Experienced Crew
Young’s Motorsports team principal Tyler Young highlighted Hocevar’s value and race experience as assets for their third season in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Industry veteran Andrew Abbott will serve as crew chief for the 120-lap Daytona contest on Saturday night, bringing stability and expertise to the team.
“Carson brings a lot of experience for a young driver, especially at the Cup Series level,”
said Tyler Young, Team Principal, Young’s Motorsports.
“Daytona is a race where discipline, communication, and execution are critical, and having someone with his background and aggression in the car is an asset for our team. We’re thankful to Zeigler Automotive Group and all of our partners for their support and look forward to kicking off the season with a solid effort.”
– Tyler Young, Team Principal, Young’s Motorsports
Connecting With Fans Off the Track
Beyond his racing schedule, Hocevar will participate in a public autograph session on Friday, February 13, at Luckiest Man Sports Cards in Orange Park, Florida. This appearance underlines his ongoing commitment to collectors and the hobby community, drawing from his family’s long-standing involvement in sports memorabilia through Scott’s Sports Cards, Coins & Jewelry in Portage, Michigan. Luckiest Man Sports Cards, founded in 2022, is known for its focus on keeping the trading card hobby accessible and fun for all collectors.
What Hocevar’s Daytona Entry Means for 2026
Carson Hocevar’s entry with Young’s Motorsports at the United Rentals 300 highlights his versatility and drive as a rising force in NASCAR. With the experience of a seasoned crew chief, a prominent sponsor in Zeigler Automotive Group, and support from team leadership, Hocevar is poised to make a memorable impact on the Carson Hocevar Daytona race. As he competes across multiple series during Speedweeks, his presence cements both his status and the team’s ambitions in NASCAR’s competitive landscape.
