2001 was a heartbreaking and inspiring year for the NASCAR world. We lost the Intimidator to a fatal crash at the 43rd Daytona 500 on February 18. But hats off to Dale Earnhardt Jr., who won the 2001 Pepsi 400 at the same track, five months after the tragic loss of his father. What better example of focus beyond loss? “I dedicate this win to him. There ain’t nobody else I could dedicate this win to that it would mean more to me,” Junior said on the victory lane. However, not all racers have such nerves of steel. Personal losses take a toll on people, and it was never clearer than the recent race at Bristol.

Carson Hocevar, the young and aspiring No. 77 Chevrolet driver with Spire Motorsports, was perhaps one degree shy of executing that challenge at the Bristol Motor Speedway. Just a couple of days ago, his grandmother passed away. Despite this, Hocevar rolled onto the track with the personal loss heavy against the roar of engines and the glare of lights. It was a test of resilience and toughness for him. He spun around the half-mile oval racecourse, the emotional tide evident, but he carried on like a true competitor.

Grieving while going fast 

In the days leading up to the race, Hocevar took to social media to pay tribute to his grandmother, Margret Hocevar. There was one great photo of him holding her hand during her last moments, so testament to their bond. He honored her by attaching her name to his car so she would ride along during the weekend of the race. Despite the emotional burden, Hocevar showed skills at the early part of the race, maintaining his position in the top five. However, he made an error on the pit road, costing him some extra time, and he lost some momentum, which put him a lap behind. But first, let’s get to the error in detail.

In the green flag pit stops in Stage 3, the No. 77 Chevrolet fell off the jack, resulting in a 22-second pit stop. Reflecting on the outcome, Carson Hocevar said, “You just go back out and run. For me, it was really helpful the fact that, motivation-wise, the five and eleven are right there. I did everything I could to work past the eleven and try to get myself a free pass spot or get in the top ten. It just didn’t work out right there.” In the end, Hocevar attained 11th place, a reasonably good result under the circumstances. His performance didn’t make the podium, but it reflected the tough nature of the sport. Well, Hocevar just repeated his own history from 2023 without fans realizing it!

In September 2023, the #44 ran on the same track, finishing P11. He maintained a top-5 finish position the entire race, running between 4th and 5th, ending up at 11th. In the post-race presser, Hocevar said, “This is Luke’s [Lambart- Crew Chief] favorite race. They were super excited about it. And, I always say, if you are excited and your guys are confident walking into this place, you’re gonna run really good.” He further added, “I am excited for what the next future holds, and I’m gonna see if I can steal the setup sheets, cause the car was so good.” Seems like he wasn’t able to steal the sheets that season.

However, the experience he built from these races will take him far in his cup series runs.

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Building wins on experience

Hocevar’s experience in Bristol would be a turning point in his career as NASCAR moves forward with its season. One of the traits that seasoned athletes possess is their ability to perform under emotional duress, and Hocevar’s conduct tells us he has that maturity beyond his years. In an X post after the run, he said, “idk if i cry or laugh. but i do know i am proud of our speed and our team to bring that good of quality of race car.” Maybe some things never change. It’s good to see Hocevar being grateful for his car. He could surely figure out a way to outshine his opponents soon. But that will come with experience. 

With races on the horizon, Hocevar could channel in future successes anything learned recently. The experiences at Bristol from the personal and professional side will be most important for him as he goes into races hereafter.