Breaking:Carson Hocevar Stands by Playful Gesture After Thrilling Truck Series Finale...read more

Last Saturday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race delivered fireworks on the final lap, and none of us will soon forget the cheeky salute exchanged between Spire Motorsports’ rising star Carson Hocevar and fellow competitor Layne Riggs. While the incident raised eyebrows—and a few pulses among fans—the 22-year-old Hocevar insists his extended middle finger was all in good fun.

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Last-Lap Drama

Engaged in a fierce duel for the lead, Hocevar and Riggs made slight contact as they barreled toward the finish line. Riggs, in just his second full-time Truck Series season, nudged Hocevar’s rear-left corner, nearly sending both machines into a spin. Their split-second saves, however, kept both trucks pointed straight, and it was Hocevar who ultimately crossed the line first, clinching a hard-fought victory.

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A Lighthearted Salute

Rather than a raw display of anger, Hocevar chose to commemorate his triumph with a playful gesture—leaning out his window and flashing the middle finger at Riggs as he coasted to the checkered flag. Critics were quick to label the move “immature,” but Hocevar insists there was nothing malicious behind it.

> “It was somewhat friendly, right? It was just kind of a joke,” Hocevar laughed during his post-race remarks. “I honestly don’t remember exactly how I threw it up there. I just wanted to remind him that I still came out on top.”

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Respect for the Rookie

Despite the banter, Hocevar was quick to praise Riggs’ prowess behind the wheel. The young Californian, who has shown flashes of brilliance this season, earned Hocevar’s respect for his aggressive—but fair—driving.

> “He did an awesome job,” Hocevar continued. “He’s super talented and that team built a fast truck. I remember seeing Zane Smith win in that exact rig.”

By acknowledging Riggs’ performance, Hocevar sought to quell any notion of real animosity between the two drivers. “It’s all harm, no foul,” he said, noting that the contact was minimal and all part of the game. “I’m sure our little bird flick was so small, you had to look twice to see it.”

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Looking Ahead to the Cup Series

The Truck Series victory marked another milestone for Hocevar, but the action doesn’t stop there. On Sunday, he’ll make his return to the NASCAR Cup Series, rolling off from the 22nd position. Just a week prior, Hocevar celebrated the first pole of his career at Texas Motor Speedway—a sign that he’s ready to compete at any level.

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What This Means for NASCAR Fans

Hocevar’s lighthearted approach to racing incidents offers fans a glimpse into the camaraderie that underpins even the most heated rivalries. While some may view the middle-finger gesture as unsportsmanlike, others see it as evidence of the raw emotion that drives competitors to push their limits.

As Hocevar shifts gears toward the Cup Series, all eyes will be on how he balances his spirited personality with the heightened stakes of NASCAR’s premier division. If his Truck Series performance is any indication, he’s poised to bring both speed and spectacle to the big league.

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Stay Tuned
Whether you’re tuning in for the next Truck Series battle or watching Hocevar’s ascent through the Cup ranks, one thing is certain: this young driver knows how to keep fans talking. Keep an eye on Carson Hocevar—he’s not just racing for wins, he’s racing to make headlines.