Carson Hocevar, the 2024 NASCAR Rookie of the Year, has openly discussed the impact of Ross Chastain’s racing style on his own approach, sharing insights on what aspects he has adopted and what remains unchanged. As both drivers started with Niece Motorsports in the Truck Series, Hocevar explains how Chastain’s aggressive tactics have shaped perceptions and expectations of his racing conduct.
The Early Influence of Ross Chastain on Carson Hocevar
Comparisons between Hocevar and Chastain are common, largely because both drivers launched their careers through Niece Motorsports. Hocevar recalls specific moments that left a lasting impression, especially from his first Martinsville race. He described how Chastain’s assertive driving style affected him on the track, shaping his mindset about defending his position firmly during competition.
I studied Ross when I was, because we were at Niece. My first time at Martinsville, I got on the front row, spun me out,
Hocevar said.
First corner. Just backed me right in the fence, got back up to fifth, spun me out again. And I left that race track saying, ‘I will never, I’m not going to be the f***ing guy that gets beat around. Especially when I have Ross in the shop, I’m like, ‘He just annihilates everybody. They never give it back to him. They don’t do anything.’
This experience solidified Hocevar’s desire to be aggressive and resilient rather than passively accept contact or being pushed around on the track. Although the intense competition pressures both drivers to modify their driving sometimes, Hocevar insists that defending his position firmly is a core part of his racing identity inherited from observing Chastain’s approach.
Challenges Faced by Both Drivers in Their Racing Styles
Both Chastain and Hocevar have faced criticism and blame for on-track incidents, reflecting how their styles can generate conflicts or misunderstandings. The 2023 season was especially turbulent for Chastain, who was often held responsible for accidents caused during races even when he was only nearby. Hocevar is beginning to encounter similar scrutiny, which he acknowledges as part of the competitive nature of NASCAR racing.
The pressure to soften their racing tactics is frequent, yet neither driver seems willing to abandon their instinctual, high-intensity driving style completely. This determination contributes to their reputations as fiercely competitive racers who command attention when battling near the front.
What Hocevar Is Unwilling to Change About His Racing
While Hocevar is open to adjustments, he is clear about the limits. The racing instincts and driving style that brought him success so far form an unalterable core of who he is as a driver. He recognizes that certain elements are innate to his racing and cannot be consciously edited without compromising performance.
Yeah, I mean, I mean, I’m 22 now, right? I’ve raced for a long time,
Hocevar reflected.
I think the biggest thing for me is like I realize that there are certain things you just can’t change.
He explained how much of his decision-making happens instinctively, often without deliberate thought. Hocevar illustrated this with an example from a recent qualifying session at Chicago, where despite qualifying third, he felt he lost time due to a mistake on a corner because he overthought his approach.
You’re instinctly – you know, when I race, I don’t, s**t, I don’t half the time, know what I’m doing. It’s just autopilot. You know, when I ran Chicago last week, we were qualifying and we qualified third, but we actually should have qualified a tenth off SVG. Actually, the only corner I remember and like thought of just like, I had a thought of how I’m going to approach this corner, I lost four and a half tenths. I completely f***ed it up.
Hocevar’s Rising Career and Future Potential
Despite not yet securing a race win, Hocevar has consistently excited fans and analysts with his performances at the front of the pack throughout the 2024 season. His ability to compete with experienced drivers and take bold actions on the track reflects a promising trajectory in NASCAR. The breaks have not always gone his way, but many see his first victory as an inevitability, likely to herald a strong future at the highest competitive level.
Maintaining his distinct style, influenced but not dominated by Chastain’s manner of racing, Hocevar appears determined to build on this momentum. His rookie of the year honor confirms his talent and adaptability, setting the stage for greater achievements ahead.
As the racing season progresses, fans and stakeholders will observe how Hocevar balances his inherited aggression and instinct with the practical demands of NASCAR competition, potentially carving out a unique and successful path forward that honors lessons learned from Ross Chastain while preserving his individual identity.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Ross Chastain hit the wall?
A. During a disagreement with Denny Hamlin, NASCAR told Hamlin he had “made his point.” In that race, Chastain also collided with Chase Elliott, causing Elliott to spin. When the race resumed, Elliott pushed Chastain into the wall, and Hamlin squeezed by closely to show his annoyance again.
Q. What is the Ross Chastain rule?
A. On Tuesday, NASCAR revealed several rule updates for the 2023 season. One particularly noteworthy change is the ban on the exciting wall-riding move used by Ross Chastain in the “Hail Melon” event last fall at Martinsville.