Spire Motorsports Suspends Carson Hocevar for Homestead Season Finale
The 23-year-old driver will miss the final race of the 2026 season after a team statement cited respect and integrity following a controversial incident at Martinsville.
By Evelyn Henderson ·
NASCAR drivers in all three top series conclude the 2026 racing slate this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida. Spire Motorsports confirmed on Tuesday that Carson Hocevar will not compete in the November 8 season finale due to a team-imposed suspension.
The decision follows accusations that Hocevar intentionally spun his vehicle during the November 1 race at Martinsville to trigger a caution flag. The incident occurred in the final laps of that event. The No. 77 driver, who is 23 years old, also had a contact incident with Austin Cindric during the same race.
Spire Motorsports issued a statement explaining the rationale behind the move. The team noted that leaving the matter to NASCAR officials would have been the easier path. Instead, the organization prioritized respect and internal integrity over financial considerations or points accumulation.
The team stated that the decision carries a cascading effect on its operations. It described the choice as the right one for an organization that values integrity, even if it causes short-term pain for a valued member. Spire Motorsports emphasized that the suspension is not about money or standings.
Justin Haley, a NASCAR veteran and former driver for Spire, will take over the No. 77 seat for the final race. Hocevar responded to the news in a personal statement, describing the day as embarrassing for him. He acknowledged that his on-track actions crossed a line, leaving owner Jeff Dickerson and the team with no alternative but to replace him for the weekend.
Hocevar cited the opportunity to drive a Cup car as a lifetime chance that he let down by his behavior. The driver gained popularity this season due to an aggressive style and charismatic presence. However, his career has included multiple incidents with other competitors, including a viral altercation at Bristol in September.
Prior to the suspension, Hocevar had achieved his first Cup Series victory at Talladega on April 26. He qualified for the postseason for the first time in his career. In 35 races this season, he recorded one win, six top-five finishes, and 12 top-10 results. He entered the final race ranked 12th in the points standings.
Source: WDRB
