Carson Hocevar Answers Jimmie Johnson’s Command Ahead of Darlington

Legacy Motor Club’s suspension of Noah Gragson over a controversial internet moment has shifted the racing landscape and has brought a whirlwind of changes for the No. 42 team

Jimmie Johnson, in a bid to fill the gap, reached out to trusted ally Mike Rockenfeller to commandeer the #42 at both Watkins Glen and Indianapolis. The momentum didn’t stop there. Josh Berry revved up the Chevy for the Coke Zero Sugar 400, and soon after, Carson Hocevar was announced to showcase his skills at the Darlington race. As for who’s up next for the remaining races? The suspense has finally lifted.

Jimmie Johnson announces driver for upcoming playoff races

The race to fill the #42 seat took an exciting turn. With rotations of drivers at Legacy Motor Club, Carson Hocevar is primed for the playoff spotlight at Darlington, marking his second Cup start after a debut with Spire Motorsports at WWT.

While Hocevar is only confirmed for Darlington, Jimmie Johnson has his eyes on emerging talent for what is more to come. And sure enough, a recent tweet from the team showcased calls from Kansas and Bristol Speedways, with Hocevar’s voice chirping, “Hello?”

This suggests he’ll be at the helm for all three round-16 races.

This season, the 20-year-old secured a 5th place at Darlington in the Truck series. However, his outings at Bristol and Kansas proved to be unsatisfactory with 17th-place and 31st-place finishes. But it is worth nothing that he clinched second place at Bristol and Darlington last year, establishing him as a favored driver to excel on those tracks. So what does the young gun has to say about that?

With a stellar current Truck Series season boasting three wins and a secured playoff spot, all eyes are on Hocevar. The burning question remains: Can he lock in a permanent #42 seat for the upcoming Cup season? Only time will tell.

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Who will take the #42 seat next year?

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Following the suspension, Noah Gragson’s decision to request a release from his contract with Legacy Motor Club was publicly acknowledged, as confirmed by the team’s tweet. Sitting at 33rd overall and without any top-10 finishes this regular season, Gragson’s future in the sport remains uncertain. His public acknowledgment and accountability for the incident have significantly increased his social media footprint, garnering a surge of new followers.

Legacy’s CEO has commended Gragson’s abilities, expressing confidence in his eventual return to the sport in an even stronger form. Yet, the racing world is dynamic, and performance often dictates decisions. If Carson Hocevar outperforms Gragson in the upcoming races, it could solidify his place in the #42 seat next year. Adding to the intrigue is Jimmie Johnson’s team’s anticipated transition from Chevrolet to Toyota in 2024, thanks to a new partnership.

While speculation is rife, the team has yet to make an official announcement regarding their driver lineup for the next season or the subsequent playoff rounds. Given the current circumstances and the sport’s unpredictable nature, there’s a strong possibility Hocevar could replace Gragson, especially if he delivers commendable performances. What do you think?

READ MORE: Jimmie Johnson Delivers Shocking Update Amidst Noah Gragson Fiasco