Carson Hocevar’s Emotional Second-Place Finish at Nashville Superspeedway
Carson Hocevar experienced diverse emotions after securing a second-place finish at the Nashville Superspeedway during the Cracker Barrel 400, marking only his second runner-up position in the NASCAR Cup Series this season. This performance is particularly significant as it represents his first second-place finish on a traditional oval, following a drafting race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
“This feels really good,” Hocevar stated, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of the outcome. “It stings. It normally stings until about Monday or Tuesday, then you feel good about it.”
Hocevar’s No. 77 Spire Motorsports team was in a strong position late in the race, having cycled out behind leader Ryan Blaney. However, with a two-second gap and challenges navigating lapped traffic, Hocevar faced an uphill battle. “It’s impossible to get around (lapped traffic),” he explained, emphasizing the difficulty of passing in such conditions. Despite the frustration, he was proud of the team’s execution on race day.
After a disappointing exit from the Coca-Cola 600 a week prior, this performance provided some relief, but Hocevar remains focused on the bigger picture: winning. “My dream and expectation is to be here, win races, and be up front,” he affirmed.
Now, with just 12 regular-season races remaining, Hocevar’s ambitions are clear. He currently sits 17th in the championship standings, just four points below the playoff cutline. “You’re running out of opportunities,” he cautioned, acknowledging the urgency in his pursuit of a playoff spot.
With his sights set on Michigan next week, Hocevar plans to capitalize on his team’s momentum and the importance of qualifying. “A home race… I think that’s going to fit us even better than here,” he concluded, underscoring his determination to turn strong performances into victories as the season progresses.
