Kyle Busch secured his third straight NASCAR Truck Series win at EchoPark Speedway—formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway—on Saturday, thanks in large part to a crucial assist from teammate Carson Hocevar. The Kyle Busch Atlanta victory was sealed after Hocevar provided a pivotal push in the closing laps, helping Busch capture a record ninth win at the venue.
Teamwork in the Final Laps Delivers Victory
Driving the #7 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, Busch found himself in a tight battle during the final moments of the race. Hocevar, competing full-time in the Cup Series for Spire, became a strategic partner, giving Busch the extra boost needed as the laps wound down, which allowed Busch to overtake the competition and defend his lead until he crossed the finish line first. The duo’s cooperation proved essential, as Hocevar played a critical role in controlling their line through the race’s time-restricted final segment.
In a post-race interview with FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Busch reflected on the teamwork, describing how Hocevar embraced the wingman role, helping manage both the race’s pace and their tactical positioning. Echoing the importance of that partnership, Busch said:
“Great teammate I got today, and then in stage two, there was a chance there where Hocevar was in front of me, and he started kind of playing the air a little bit, and I was kind of like, okay, this is good. I’m impressed, you know. I got you, and I pushed him, and we made our way.”
– Kyle Busch, Driver
As the field prepared for the final run, Busch described how the relationship on the track continued to evolve:
“We started ratcheting ourselves back forward. So that was really good, being teammates, and then there at the end he was back to being my wingman and, you know, keeping us in, uh, pace to control the lane and pace to win the race.”
– Kyle Busch, Driver
Spire Motorsports Achieves a 1-2 Finish
The collaboration didn’t just benefit Busch—Hocevar crossed the line in second, handing Spire Motorsports both the top spots at EchoPark. The synergy between the two drivers resulted in a memorable celebration as Busch began his post-race burnout, with Hocevar joining alongside and ending the moment with a high five exchanged through the window netting of their trucks. The win not only capped off a successful strategy but also marked Busch’s 68th career victory in the Truck Series.
Following the win, Busch emphasized how much Hocevar contributed to the outcome:
“Had a great teammate [Hocevar] behind me and have to give credit where credit is due. Early on was a little worried he wasn’t helping but there at the end he was right there … definitely made it a whole lot easier.”
– Kyle Busch, Driver
A New Milestone for Busch, a Boost for Spire
With the checkered flag in hand and another record added to his résumé, Busch now looks ahead to future challenges in the season. For Spire Motorsports, the Atlanta performance was a high point, demonstrating the value of effective teamwork in NASCAR’s fiercely competitive environment. Fans interested in seeing the pair back in action can catch the next race at EchoPark Speedway as the season progresses, with both drivers poised to contend at the Cup Series level.
Kyle Busch on the help from Carson Hocevar and working with him throughout the truck race on the way to victory. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/OhaaYoVsiV
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 22, 2026
