The departure of Noah Gragson from the #42 cockpit left Legacy Motor Club and Jimmie Johnson in a whirlwind of uncertainty. Weekend after weekend, they tinkered with a temporary driver rotation. Young guns like Josh Berry, Carson Hocevar, and Mike Rockefeller took their shots, climbing from NASCAR’s junior series into the upper echelons of stock car racing.

But as the dust settled, the question loomed large: would we see a permanent driver claim the seat for this season? We finally have the answer, with Legacy Motor Club teasing retired veteran and one of the co-owners, Richard Petty, for the seat.

Jimmie Johnson unveils Cup driver to take the wheel for season remainder

The Jimmie Johnson-led camp has faced a daunting challenge since August, when their driver, Noah Gragson, found himself entangled in a web of controversy that stirred a relentless storm of backlash. This turbulent saga culminated in Gragson’s departure from the team, leaving behind an empty seat that had yet to find a permanent occupant for the remainder of the 2023 NASCAR season.

Legacy Motor Club took to social media to unveil their long-awaited decision. The video that dropped on Instagram was nothing short of tantalizing: “Guess who’s racing for the rest of the year?” The screen revealed none other than “The King,” Richard Petty himself. But alas, this was merely a clever marketing ploy by their social media team.

The real announcement was just as exciting, as it was revealed that Carson Hocevar would take the helm of the #42 Chevrolet, starting after the ROVAL race. Hocevar had already proven his mettle by piloting the Chevy in all five races since the Cup playoffs began at Darlington Raceway. During this stint, he notched up four consecutive top-20 finishes and one top-15 result, a stat that undoubtedly contributed to the decision.

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Hocevar wasted no time sharing his excitement on Twitter, posting, “Happy to have the rest of the cup season after the ROVAL!! Earlier this year, I had thought I may never get a shot in a Cup car, and by the end of this year, I will have 10+ starts. Truly blessed and thankful. Thank you, @LegacyMotorclub, @JimmieJohnson, and Maury Gallagher!”

Rising Star leaves a mark at Talladega: A DNF can’t diminish his Cup potential

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This announcement came hot on the heels of Hocevar’s impressive superspeedway debut in a Cup car in Talladega. While the race ended in a DNF for the rookie, his racing prowess was undeniable. Carson Hocevar claimed the free pass at the end of stage 2 and managed to keep up with the pack, demonstrating his potential in the top-tier NASCAR competition.

The 20-year-old driver had also recently opened up about the secret weapon he employs while behind the wheel. In an interview with NBC Sports, Carson Hocevar explained, “I felt comfortable really being aggressive.

“I think a lot of guys that get in this car are scared to crash, whereas I haven’t been scared once. Crashing is a part of racing, and making mistakes is a part of racing. I think the biggest mistake for me would be not driving at 100% because I’m nervous. If I was nervous about crashing or spinning, I don’t belong out there.”

The Michigan native’s fearless approach and burgeoning talent make him a to-watch addition to the Cup Series, and it is to see what he’ll achieve in the remainder of the season.

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