Drivers Already Upset With Carson Hocevar | Hamlin, Harvick Say Caution Was CORRECT Call at Atlanta
The NASCAR world has been abuzz after the controversial late-race caution call at Atlanta, and drivers have not held back in sharing their opinions. The Carson Hocevar experience is only just beginning, but it’s already ruffling feathers among some of the sport’s biggest names. The young driver’s aggressive style and bold moves during Sunday night’s race have made waves, leaving both fans and competitors debating his actions on the track.
NASCAR’s Caution Call at Atlanta: Right or Wrong?
One of the biggest talking points from Atlanta was NASCAR’s decision to throw the caution on the final lap, which ultimately ended the race. While fans were split on the ruling, two prominent voices in the sport—Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick—defended the call on their respective platforms.
Hamlin, speaking on his podcast Actions Detrimental, emphasized that safety should always be the priority. “If you ask the fans who want entertainment, no, it was not a good call in their eyes. But I can assure you there’s not a driver in the field that would want that race to stay green. Somebody could have been seriously hurt.” Harvick echoed similar sentiments, stating that while he had previously criticized NASCAR’s inconsistencies—especially at Daytona—he agreed that Atlanta’s caution was the right move.
While some fans may have wanted a dramatic three-wide finish, Hamlin and Harvick’s reasoning is hard to argue against. NASCAR’s inconsistency in officiating week to week remains a concern, but prioritizing driver safety is something few can oppose.
Carson Hocevar: A Lightning Rod for Controversy
While the late-race caution stole headlines, Carson Hocevar found himself at the center of another storm. Several drivers expressed frustration with the 22-year-old Cup Series sophomore. Kyle Busch was irritated after being cut off at the end of Stage 1, Ryan Blaney was upset after getting spun in Stage 3, and Ross Chastain had issues with how the final overtime restart unfolded.
Despite the criticism, Hocevar made it clear that he wasn’t about to apologize for being aggressive. “I’m not going to apologize for having a shot to win a race,” he said. While some see his approach as reckless, others admire his fearless mentality.
Hocevar’s Reputation: Has He Crossed the Line?
Hocevar has a history of aggressive moves dating back to his time in the Truck Series. He has intentionally caused cautions, rear-ended competitors, and even wrecked his championship rival in a title-deciding race. However, in Sunday’s race at Atlanta, aside from the Blaney incident, his driving did not seem to cross the line into outright recklessness.
Hocevar was consistently near the front, taking every available run and making bold maneuvers. His decision to split Chastain up the middle during the overtime restart was unconventional but not dirty. In fact, he finished second, proving his approach was effective. While Chastain had reason to talk things over with Hocevar post-race, the way both drivers handled the situation—discussing it privately instead of creating unnecessary drama—was commendable.
Should Hocevar Change His Driving Style?
Many fans and analysts have debated whether Hocevar should rein in his aggression. But as of now, he hasn’t done anything on the Cup level that would warrant a major change in his approach. If he continues making overaggressive mistakes weekly, then adjustments may be needed. However, at this stage, his unique driving style sets him apart in a field often criticized for lacking personality.
Ross Chastain went through a similar phase, crossing the line at times—such as his infamous Darlington restart incident with Kyle Larson—but eventually found balance. Hocevar will likely follow a similar path as he gains more experience in the Cup Series.
Final Thoughts
Sunday’s Atlanta race provided plenty of talking points, from NASCAR’s caution call to the ongoing debate surrounding Carson Hocevar’s aggressive style. While opinions on the caution call remain divided, Hamlin and Harvick’s perspective reinforces the importance of driver safety. As for Hocevar, he remains a polarizing figure, but it’s too soon to say he needs to change his approach. If he does eventually cross the line, the criticism will be warranted—but for now, his unique and fearless style is a breath of fresh air in NASCAR’s Cup Series.
The discourse surrounding Hocevar and the Atlanta finish will likely continue into the next race weekend. Until then, fans and drivers alike will be watching to see how Hocevar handles the increasing scrutiny as he carves out his place in the sport.
