"I felt like we could" - Carson Hocevar reflects on his standout rookie season with Spire Motorsports

Carson Hocevar took a look back on a successful rookie campaign in the NASCAR Cup Series in an interview via his team, Spire Motorsports. The driver of the #77 machine ended the season 21st in the standings and earned the 2024 Sunoco Rookie of the Year award.

The 21-year-old believes he was doubted by some if he could put together the best full season among the other rookie drivers. However, the Michigan native made it clear that together, he and his crew chief, Luke Lambert, could be successful.

"I don't know if anybody would've guessed that I would be the most consistent rookie per se or put together a really strong whole year, but I feel like we could and everybody on our team did," Hocevar said. "That's our strength. I was able to come in with Luke Lambert. Me and him had ran well in a Cup car before this year, so we knew we both can do it together."

Hocevar posted six top-10 finishes and one top-five as he registered a third place at Watkins Glen International for his best-career finish. The Spire Motorsports driver said the biggest learning curve in his rookie season was learning how to put races together and to run up front. Hocevar pointed to his third-place effort at Watkins Glen and Homestead-Miami, where he finished ninth, as examples of where he was able to run towards the front.

"Just being able to execute at those high levels and being able to not let the moment be too big for the guys on the pit wall, guys going over the wall, guys on the radio, and then obviously myself," Hocevar said. "Just being able to take moments and when the opportunity comes, say thank you, move on, and be able to execute still at a high level." (0:38 onwards)

Looking ahead to the future, Hocevar said a strong rookie season will help build momentum. Having finished 20th overall in the points (21st with the playoffs), Hocevar said he was only a few spots outside of the top 16, noting that being above 16th can put you in contention for the playoffs. He added:

"Realistically, 16 cars make the playoffs, right? So, if it was all points-related, you're only looking for four more spots in points to put together a campaign that you can be comfortable making the playoffs." (1:27 onwards)

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Carson Hocevar's journey to the Cup Series

Carson Hocevar wasted no time making his presence felt in NASCAR. He moved up to the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series full-time in 2021, driving for Niece Motorsports.

He continued driving for the team the next two seasons and won his only four career victories in 2023. That same year, Hocevar jumped to Cup level to fill in for Noah Gragson in the Legacy Motor Club #42 car.

In 2024, Hocevar moved to Spire Motorsports, where he claimed the 2024 Rookie of the Year honors.