Carson Hocevar has addressed the recent on-track chaos in Mexico City that reignited his intense rivalry with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. During NASCAR’s first-ever international race held in Mexico City, the 22-year-old driver from Spire Motorsports admitted to experiencing what he called “the biggest brain fade ever,” which caused him to lose control and collide with Stenhouse’s car with only five laps remaining. This moment has brought fresh attention to the Ricky Stenhouse Jr feud update that has captured NASCAR fans’ interest.
A Detailed Account of Hocevar’s Mental Lapse on the Track
In an honest and detailed interview on The Dale Jr. Download, Hocevar recounted the events that led to the crash. His attempt to push Stenhouse’s car for better drafting on Mexico City’s high-altitude straights quickly unraveled. The 15-turn circuit demanded full concentration, which Hocevar admitted he lost entirely, describing himself as a passenger in his own vehicle during the crucial final laps.
I saw him in front of me, and he was kind of like pushing up, and so I was trying to help him,
Hocevar explained, acknowledging that his goal was to support Stenhouse late in the race.
However, Hocevar’s focus slipped completely once they reached a difficult corner. He confessed to suddenly realizing the corner’s presence too late, causing a panic reaction that locked up his brakes and set off the crash.
I just had the biggest brain fade ever. I just got in the corner and I was like, ‘Oh f*** there’s a corner here.’ And so I went to the brakes. I locked up,
he said.
I just kind of got zoned out. I was just like, you know, just banging gears. Just like, oh, now it’s like five to go and I’m just like, ‘caution’s not going to come out.’ Yeah, yep, yep. You know, this feels normal.
This disconnect was so extreme that his crew initially feared Hocevar had suffered a medical emergency, perhaps passing out in the heat, because his car remained straight and unresponsive on the track. In reality, Hocevar was fully conscious but mentally detached, holding the steering wheel without reaction and observing the unfolding events as if he were a spectator.
Anticipating Retaliation From Ricky Stenhouse Jr After the Collision
The crash left many confused, including both Hocevar’s team and Stenhouse himself. The veteran driver expressed his anger immediately after the race, confronting Hocevar near his car. Stenhouse reminded Hocevar that he was a lap down and should not have interfered with the race, then declared his intention to retaliate.
I’m going to beat your a** when we get back to the States.
—Ricky Stenhouse Jr, NASCAR driver
Hocevar acknowledged Stenhouse’s frustration, noting that this clash came as their second on-track incident within three weeks. Their previous encounter in Nashville saw Hocevar spin Stenhouse into the wall during aggressive racing. In Mexico City, however, the collision stemmed from Hocevar’s mental lapse rather than competitive aggression.
Understanding the consequences of his mistake, Hocevar has accepted that payback is likely as a result. He recognizes that errors like these are part of racing, though this incident stands out for its unusual cause and impact on his relationship with Stenhouse.