Carson Hocevar has admitted he doesn’t have friends in the NASCAR Cup Series, but he has created issues with plenty of his peers for his on-track actions. As the polarizing driver now competes in The Chase for the first time in his career, Sunday’s incident at Darlington Raceway with Brad Keselowski could potentially bring payback that he has largely avoided this season.
With 10 laps to go in Stage 1 of Sunday night’s Southern 500 at Darlington, Hocevar seemed to get a bit aggressive and got loose going into turns 3 and 4, which led to him getting into Keselowski. The contact to the back of Keselowski’s car resulted in the No. 6 hitting the wall and then spinning out. Rather than backing up to allow Keselowski to avoid further damage as he regained control, the No. 77 seemed to drive into him and spin him out further.
After the race, Above The Yellow Line Media caught up with Keselowski and asked him about the incident. The 42-year-old driver, who isn’t competing in The Chase, made it clear that some payback against Hocevar will be coming. When asked if there was history between the two drivers, Keselowski responded, “No, but there will be.”
“He ran into me…His day’s coming and it’s coming hard. Watch out, Carson.”
Brad Keselowski on the incident with Carson Hocevar at Darlington Raceway
With Keselowski out of contention for the Cup Series championship, he would seemingly have less to lose if he decides to intentionally get into the No. 77 car later this season. However, as the RFK Racing co-owner knows all too well because of his teammate Ryan Preece, the only time NASCAR has chosen to discipline drivers for intentionally wrecking one another is when it’s premeditated and made clear publicly over the radio or in an interview.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday night, Hocevar said that Keselowski “just spun” and didn’t seem to have any regret for what happened, nor did he believe that he was at fault. Later, when he was informed about Keselowski’s comment that he was “coming” for the No. 77, Hocevar sarcastically said he will “tighten my belts.”
Fittingly, the 23-year-old took another opportunity to respond later on social media. After getting his phone, Hocevar responded to the graphic reused by RFK Racing that Spire Motorsports put out to defend its driver by announcing he will have a 6 percent discount on the merch on his website.
For all of the on-track incidents Hocevar has caused this season and frustration he’s ignited among his peers, few have been willing to actually get payback this season. The only exceptions are Corey Heim and Bubba Wallace, with all other drivers largely just voicing their frustration and suggesting Hocevar’s time is coming but never acting on it.
Keselowski will certainly still try to compete for wins in the final nine races this season, making those his top priority. If an opportunity arises to get payback on Hocevar, however, the veteran driver certainly seems like the one who would follow through on his word and actually do something.
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