Denny Hamlin Calls Out Carson Hocevar Drama After Darlington Chaos

The NASCAR playoffs have barely begun, but the drama is already reaching another level.

Carson Hocevar found himself at the center of controversy during the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway after contact with Brad Keselowski sent the RFK Racing driver spinning and ended his race early. Hocevar went on to finish 11th, but the incident quickly became one of the biggest stories coming out of the opening playoff race.

Keselowski didn’t hide his frustration afterward.

When asked about the incident, Keselowski said Hocevar “ran into me” and warned the young driver that payback was coming.

“His day is coming and it’s coming hard,” Keselowski said. “Watch out, Carson.”

Hocevar, however, didn’t appear particularly concerned.

When asked about Keselowski spinning, Hocevar simply responded, “He spun,” while later joking about racing for entertainment and clicks. He also said he had no real interest in sitting down with Keselowski to discuss the incident.

Hamlin Takes Aim At Spire

Denny Hamlin was asked about the controversy on his Actions Detrimental podcast, but rather than pile onto Hocevar personally, Hamlin focused his criticism on Spire Motorsports.

Hamlin suggested that the organization needed more veteran leadership and called the situation a sign that there were “no adults in that room.”

That criticism immediately added another layer to the controversy.

Hamlin and Hocevar have had their own history of tension this season, although Hamlin has also acknowledged Hocevar’s tremendous talent. Earlier this year, Hamlin criticized Hocevar’s on-track and off-track persona, arguing that his aggressive reputation could ultimately cost him opportunities on the racetrack.

Hocevar’s Reputation Is Growing

This isn’t the first time Hocevar has found himself at the center of controversy.

The young Spire driver has developed a reputation for aggressive driving and unapologetic comments. His talent is undeniable, but his willingness to push the limits has made him one of the most polarizing drivers in NASCAR.

That reputation could become especially important now that the playoffs are underway.

Hocevar entered the Chase as the No. 12 seed and currently sits 12th in the championship standings following his 11th-place finish at Darlington.

NASCAR has already acknowledged the growing tension between Hocevar and Keselowski, saying the feud was discussed during the competition department’s weekly debrief.

Is Payback Coming?

That’s the question everyone is asking.

Keselowski has made it clear that he hasn’t forgotten what happened, and NASCAR is now monitoring the situation.

With nine playoff races remaining, there will be plenty of opportunities for the two drivers to cross paths again.

And if Keselowski decides to settle the score on the racetrack, Hocevar could quickly find himself in the middle of an even bigger NASCAR controversy.

For now, Hocevar isn’t backing down.

The NASCAR playoffs are officially here and Carson Hocevar may have already made himself one of the biggest targets in the garage.