NASCAR driver Hocevar suspended for season finale by own team

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 01:02 · Archive

Spire Motorsports suspended driver Carson Hocevar for the final race of the 2026 NASCAR season after he allegedly intentionally spun himself at Martinsville.

NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar has been suspended by his own team, Spire Motorsports, for the final race of the 2026 season. The suspension applies to the 8 November season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The 23-year-old driver of the No. 77 car was suspended after allegations that he intentionally spun himself during the 1 November race at Martinsville to cause a caution flag. Hocevar also had a confrontation with fellow driver Austin Cindric during that race.

Spire Motorsports announced the suspension on Tuesday. In a statement, the team said: 'The way Carson conducted himself at Martinsville doesn't meet the standard we set for our drivers, team members or employees, and there are consequences for that.' The team also stated that 'this isn't about money or points. We believe in respect. Our integrity matters.' The team added: 'Sometimes the right decision for someone you care about hurts in the short term', whilst affirming support for Hocevar.

Veteran NASCAR driver Justin Haley, a former Spire Motorsports driver, will race in Hocevar's place at Homestead. In his own statement, Hocevar said the suspension was 'an embarrassing day' for him and acknowledged that he 'let the people down that gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to drive a Cup car'. He added that he 'crossed the line with my on-track actions and gave Jeff Dickerson and Spire Motorsports no option but to put someone else in the 77 car this weekend'.

How it is being reported

• Star NASCAR driver suspended by own team for final race of seasonA star NASCAR driver has been suspended by his own team for the final race of the 2026 season.WECT · 4 Nov, 00:28
• Star NASCAR driver suspended for final race of 2026 seasonCarson Hocevar was suspended by his own race team.WBTV · 3 Nov, 19:26

In this story: Carson Hocevar · Spire Motorsports · Justin Haley · Austin Cindric · Homestead-Miami Speedway · Martinsville

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log