Carson Hocevar’s aggressive NASCAR style divides drivers but appeals to fans, Bubba Wallace says. Denny Hamlin sees him as good for the sport, while Kevin Harvick said Hocevar was defending himself after Ryan Blaney grabbed him at Bristol.
At Bristol, Hocevar’s contact with Blaney with 43 laps remaining ended Blaney’s race; he had led 202 laps and finished 33rd. Blaney then grabbed and pushed Hocevar, who threw two punches. Later, Blaney called the racing incident “50-50,” acknowledged initiating the confrontation and said he regretted his actions.
Some drivers remain openly critical: Brad Keselowski warned Hocevar after a Darlington collision, and Zane Smith said he was not a fan. Hocevar has also used controversies for merchandise promotions, including 12% off for 12 hours after Bristol; sales reportedly surged toward $200,000 after an earlier Darlington promotion.
