As the NASCAR Chase approaches, Carson Hocevar finds himself reflecting on his journey in the sport, particularly in light of recent comments made by seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson. Hocevar, who secured the 12th seed in the upcoming Chase, is relieved that fellow competitor Corey Heim will not be joining him in the postseason, not due to rivalry but rather the intense competition he already faces.
Hocevar, in his third full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series, expressed that the absence of Heim, who has yet to gain full-time status with 23XI Racing, makes his path a bit easier. "(Heim) is pretty fast, so with him sitting at home that just makes life a little easier for me," Hocevar stated, indicating his desire to minimize competition as he prepares for the critical ten-race playoff series that begins on September 6 at Darlington.
Johnson's remarks about Hocevar, however, have stirred attention. The former driver, who once employed Hocevar at Legacy Motor Club, took to social media to share his thoughts on the young driver's impact on the sport. While Johnson acknowledged Hocevar's potential, he also expressed frustration over the mistakes that have affected their team's performance. He stated, "He drove for us and has only spoken to (us) once in 2ish years since. I’m frustrated with his mistakes wrecking our cars. Merch sales don’t lie," highlighting the mixed feelings surrounding Hocevar's rise.
Despite the critical undertones, Hocevar chose to interpret Johnson's comments positively. "I thought it was a compliment. He owns a race team that we race against, and he was talking about me, so that’s cool," Hocevar said. He further elaborated that he appreciated Johnson's acknowledgment, suggesting that it reflects a broader interest in his contributions to NASCAR. The exchange led to a text conversation where Hocevar felt Johnson was genuinely supportive of his efforts.
Hocevar's unique approach to racing sets him apart from many of his peers. Known for his instinctive driving style, he prefers to rely on his instincts rather than data analytics, a method he believes allows him to enjoy the sport more fully. "For me, I don’t like looking at data; I don’t think it helps me at all," he explained. This philosophy underscores his commitment to enjoying the racing experience while still striving for success.
As he prepares for his first NASCAR Chase, Hocevar remains focused on his team's strategy. "All it is for us is every time we go to the racetrack we try to go as fast as we can, we see if we’re good enough and our car speed is fast enough to be up front," he said, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement.
With the NASCAR Chase on the horizon, Hocevar's journey reflects the evolving landscape of the sport, where new talents are emerging and established figures like Johnson are taking notice. As fans look forward to the upcoming races, the dynamics between these drivers will undoubtedly add to the excitement of the postseason.
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