How many good races does Carson Hocevar have to put together in the Cup Series before people stop acting surprised that Carson Hocevar has a strong fan base? Because I feel like they are running out of excuses.
Hocevar arrived at World Wide Technology Raceway after a week when seemingly everyone had something to say about him. His run-in with Brad Keselowski at Darlington had sparked another round of criticism about his aggression, attitude, and race craft.
Naturally, everyone wondered what would happen when they got back on track.
Then Gateway gave us 18 cautions, two red flags, double overtime and approximately 47 moments where I thought, “Surely THIS is when Brad Keselowski gets him.”
It never happened. Instead, Hocevar finished eighth.
Add that to a season with one Cup Series win, five top-five finishes, nine top 10s and two poles. His 159 laps led have already surpassed his total from all of 2025.
Does that make every criticism of Hocevar wrong? Absolutely not. There are still moments when I watch him make a decision and immediately think, Carson. Please.
He’s frustrated plenty of competitors and there are parts of his race craft that still need work. But here’s where I struggle with the conversation surrounding him: why are we pretending his popularity is difficult to understand?
He’s 23. He’s fast. He has a personality. He’s constantly online. He’s willing to lean into a rivalry. And whether you love what he says or hate it, you’re probably still talking about him.
Then after finishing eighth at Gateway, Hocevar spent roughly 20 minutes signing autographs and taking photos with fans. “Some of us are still fans at heart,” he explained.
That’s the part of Carson Hocevar I don’t think we talk about enough. You don’t have to like how he races. You don’t have to become a fan. But between the improving results, personality, rivalries and genuine connection with fans, maybe the better question isn’t why Carson Hocevar has built a following. It’s why anyone is surprised that he has.