Carson Hocevar, driver for Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series, reflected on the unforgettable Atlanta race in 2024, which featured an intense three-wide finish involving Daniel Suarez, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Busch. Anticipating a similarly close conclusion, Hocevar expressed excitement for the upcoming event at Atlanta Motor Speedway, highlighting the potential for another dramatic showdown.
The Ambetter Health 400 in February 2024 remains one of NASCAR’s most exhilarating finishes, where Daniel Suarez of Trackhouse Racing edged out Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch by mere thousandths of a second in a three-wide sprint to the finish line. Suarez’s victory, achieved in the #99 Chevrolet, was decided by just 0.003 seconds over Blaney and 0.007 seconds over Busch, marking the fourth closest finish in NASCAR history. Combining 260 laps on Atlanta’s 1.54-mile quad-oval with pack racing reminiscent of superspeedways, the race was a showcase of constant lead changes and fierce competition.
Following NASCAR’s return to Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hocevar posted a tribute to the legendary finish on social media, accompanied by Radiohead’s “Everything in Its Right Place” and a photo capturing the three-wide moment from the previous year. His caption, simply stating “Tomorrow,” hinted at his expectation of another nail-biting conclusion.
Though Hocevar did not participate in the Xfinity Series, he made his full-time debut in the Cup Series in 2024 and earned the Rookie of the Year honor. After sixteen races into 2025, he holds 20th position in the standings with 313 points, supported by two top-five finishes and three top-10 results, demonstrating steady progress in his rookie campaign.
Widespread Recognition for Hocevar’s Skillful Recovery at Pocono
One of the most talked-about moments in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series to date was Hocevar’s remarkable recovery during the Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway. Early in the race, on lap 19, his No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet lost rear traction, causing him to slide sideways and brush the outside wall hard enough to activate his roof flaps. Despite the risk of a serious crash, Hocevar managed to regain control and keep his car on the track, avoiding a potential race-ending incident.
“Just a really, really huge slide contact with the right rear. That is the best save of the year. I think it’s got to be a contender. I mean, I know the wall straight him out, but seriously, man, this car is wrecked,” he said via X/Sports on Prime.
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Commentator
Dale Earnhardt Jr., calling the race from the broadcast booth, emphasized the impressive nature of the save, noting that while the wall helped straighten Hocevar’s car, the control and skill it took to recover under such conditions was exceptional. The moment further established Hocevar as a rising talent to watch in the Cup Series.
As the season progresses, Hocevar’s hopeful prediction of another thrilling Atlanta finish underscores the excitement NASCAR fans can expect, especially as drivers continue to deliver close contests on highly competitive tracks like Atlanta Motor Speedway. His experience and growing confidence could position him well for future standout performances in these high-stakes, fast-paced environments.