How a NASCAR Cup win evaded Carson Hocevar in Nashville

Carson Hocevar charged through the field at Nashville after starting 26th, reaching as high as second at the end before seeing the checkered flag. He didn’t get there without some drama as Hocevar ended Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s day after some mid-race contact, drawing the ire of the fiery driver of the No. 47 Chevrolet.

Nonetheless, Hocevar’s march continued, climbing up to seventh by the end of the second stage. The No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet performed a successful undercut in the final round of green-flag pit stops, jumping all the way up to second place on track. 

He started slicing away at margin held by eventual race winner Ryan Blaney, but he stalled out after encountering a wall of traffic. He ended the race with his second runner-up finish of the year after Atlanta, still searching for his first career win after 59 career starts.

“It just proves how strong this group is to go from the disappointment last week to having a really bad qualify draw, qualifying really bad and sticking through it and having a shot. A shot, like a straightaway,” said Hocevar. 

He was referencing the Coca-Cola 600, where he was also capable of contending for the race win. Unfortunately, he suffered an engine failure on a mid-race restart while battling for the race lead.

“But just proud of this group, Ziegler Auto Group, everybody that puts [something] into this race car,” continued Hocevar. They deserve good finishes. I think our average with this car is like 38th (with that sponsor). So it’s a big upgrade.”

He thanked several other team members before continuing: “I was probably being a lot more vocal on the radio than I needed to be, but you’re just trying so hard and trying to find something that is just not there. One spot short again, which is — at least hopefully this is a step in the right direction.”

Photos from Nashville – Race