Imagine a young NASCAR superstar who's not just dominating the tracks but also turning heads with his quirky off-track adventures—think buying vintage race cars on Facebook Marketplace like it's a weekend hobby. That's Carson Hocevar, the 22-year-old sensation shaking up the NASCAR Cup Series with his bold, sometimes divisive driving style and undeniable skill under the Spire Motorsports banner. But here's where it gets controversial: Is his unconventional approach a fresh breath of air in a sport steeped in tradition, or just reckless endangerment? Stick around, because we're diving into his latest confessions that might just redefine what it means to be a modern racer.
Hocevar, who's become a household name this season for blending raw talent with a racing philosophy that polarizes fans, recently shared insights into his passion for collecting old NASCAR vehicles. In a candid interview with The Athletic (accessible at https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6673627/2025/10/01/carson-hocevar-nascar-car-collection-visualization-12-questions/), he revealed he's already amassed a small fleet of classic stock cars. For beginners in the NASCAR world, think of these as the relics of racing history—cars that once roared around ovals, now cherished by enthusiasts for their stories and mechanical charm. Hocevar isn't stopping there; he's got his sights set on even more treasures from the online marketplace.
When asked about his next Facebook Marketplace find, Hocevar didn't hesitate: 'Definitely another NASCAR car,' he said. 'I’m up to three or four that I own. One’s going to be a remake of a street car I saw in a funny Instagram post. Another is a real Cup car I want to get.' This approach highlights how social media can spark real-world passions, turning viral memes into tangible collections. It's a reminder that for collectors, the thrill isn't just in the purchase—it's in the hunt and the personal connection to the sport's legacy.
And this is the part most people miss: Hocevar's selective eye for acquisitions. Despite the buzz around a 1981 Dale Earnhardt Sr. car listed on Facebook Marketplace, he's firmly passing. 'There’s a 1981 Dale Earnhardt car or something on Facebook Marketplace that people DM and text me about all the time,' he explained. 'The people even DM’d me specifically asking if I wanted it before they listed it, but I’m like, 'No, I’m good. I have enough Dale stuff.'' This decision underscores a deeper appreciation for variety over sheer fame, showing Hocevar's thoughtful curation of his collection.
But wait, the intrigue doesn't end there. Fellow drivers are chiming in, adding to the fun. 'Christian Eckes texted me something, Jesse Love sent me something. Even drivers I don’t really talk to that much are sending me stuff,' Hocevar noted. It's a glimpse into the camaraderie—and perhaps a bit of friendly rivalry—within the NASCAR community, where social connections can lead to unexpected opportunities.
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Now, shifting gears to something even more eyebrow-raising: Did Carson Hocevar really buy a Chili's branch? On the surface, it seemed plausible—after all, this is a driver known for his out-of-the-box purchases, and he's sponsored by the chain. But as we peel back the layers, it turns out to be a clever ruse.
Hocevar posted on social media: 'I BOUGHT MY HOMETOWN CHILI’S LOCATION IN PORTAGE, MICHIGAN. I am excited to announce after seeing this post [from a local radio station claiming the Chili's location would be torn down], I made a call and got a hold of my friends at Chili’s. I wanted to be able to save this location as it’s very close to home. It shocked me to find out the folks at 107.7 RKR had no base to their claims, and this location was open. I figured it would be worthy investment to still invest and so I am proud to announce that I bought this Chili’s location in my hometown.'
But here's the twist that sparks debate: It was all a playful jab at clickbait culture. 'So, in Portage some radio station made some clickbait thing about the Chili's shutting down,' Hocevar later admitted. 'And [Chili's] asked me if I would promote it, say it's not closed, and I was like...can I just say I bought it? Until the first payment hits? They loved it, so that's kind of how you fight fire with fire nowadays. Clickbait, you gotta fight it with another clickbait. The radio station made a retraction that got about 11 likes, but the original post got about 600 comments and 500 shares or something.'
This prank raises questions about the ethics of misinformation in the digital age. Is Hocevar a savvy marketer using humor to combat falsehoods, or is he contributing to the very chaos he mocks? For instance, while it boosted engagement and corrected a rumor, it also blurred the line between truth and exaggeration—something that could mislead fans or even affect local businesses. What do you think: Does this make Hocevar a hero for standing up to clickbait, or a troublemaker adding to online noise? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with his 'fight fire with fire' strategy, or disagree? Could this set a precedent for how athletes handle media mischief?
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