Isn’t it classic for drivers to explore new avenues once they hang up their helmets? While 21-year-old Carson Hocevar isn’t retiring anytime soon, it seems he already has a vision for life beyond the driver’s seat. Known for his recent triumph as NASCAR’s 2024 Cup Series Rookie of the Year, Hocevar is set to embrace a different role in the upcoming Snowball Derby.

Despite not participating in this year’s rendition of the event, Carson Hocevar will serve as an owner, as Chase Pinsonneault drives the Carson Hocevar Racing No. 14. However, Hocevar will still be an integral part of the Snowball Derby in 2024 as he revealed his job in the booth for this weekend in a conversation with Rob Blount of FloRacing.

Carson Hocevar is pumped to call the 57th Snowball Derby

Carson Hocevar is all set to swap his helmet for the microphone this Snowball Derby as fans get to see a different side of Hocevar. Hocevar was added to the Snowball Derby Broadcast Team following a late-night text exchange with Rob Blount from FloRacing. Blount recalled their conversation, and said, “Carson Hocevar and I were texting late last night and we came up with an idea, so, why don’t you tell everyone what you’re going to be doing for the rest of the weekend, specifically on Sunday for the Snowball Derby.”

Being a driver all his life and never having tried his hands at hosting, Hocevar was seen as both excited and a tad bit nervous about this stint. He said, “I guess they’re gonna give me a mic and let me into the booth. I’ve never been up there. It won’t be the first time I watched Snowball Derby, but it’s the first time I have been here in person and planned not to race. So I am pumped to be able to call it and everything. It’s been fun. I have been down here all week, it’s been good.”

The Snowball Derby is a legendary event, and it has witnessed icons run the tracks for more than half a century. NASCAR legends like Darrell Waltrip (1976), and Kyle Busch (2009) have won the race. Chase Elliott became the youngest driver to ever win the race at just 16 years of age in 2011. For someone as fiercely competitive as Hocevar, the idea of not racing at such a prestigious event might seem unusual. Yet, he seems excited about his role with the mic, as he added, “I’ve done work… a little bit on CARSTour and whatnot. So pumped to do it at the biggest short track race.”

Carson Hocevar loves the Snowball Derby

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Carson Hocevar made it clear that he came down this year with the plan not to race but his love for the event is undeniable. In his conversation with Rob Blount, he added, “It is my favorite race of the year… I can’t wait to be myself a little bit part of this as well and keep growing this thing to where it’s 60 cars-70 cars and paying big money.”

Notably, the Snowball Derby this year is featuring the lowest car total in Derby history with just 44 cars as confirmed by Matt Weaver on X. The prize money for the event is set at a record $50,000 with marquee names such as 2024 Truck Series Champion Ty Majeski coming in as the defending champion. As well as Chandler Smith, Carson Kvapil, Sammy Smith, and William Sawalich — four drivers who had or will have full-time Xfinity Series rides. Noah Gragson is the only driver with a NASCAR Cup Series ride for the 2025 season, confirmed to compete in the 57th Snowball Derby.

Hocevar also shared his stance on what he wants for the future of this event in response to Matt Weaver’s post, saying, “i hope it pays more, yes, but the amount of practice and long drawn out over done schedule is the draw for me. this feels exactly like the daytona 500 used too. i hope nothing changes moving forward other the check you get at the end of the event. best “event” we have imo.” With multiple practices and qualifying rounds that last almost an entire week, the drivers get to soak in the atmosphere, which is something that Hocevar loves about the Derby.

Will the prize money increase? Time will tell, but for now, Hocevar is set to take the mic and enjoy his favorite race of the year. Who do you think will win the 57th Snowball Derby?