Over the 2026 NASCAR season, Carson Hocevar has built a reputation as one of the most aggressive drivers. While his aggressive driving style has earned praise from some, he has also received a lot of criticism for the same. With the growing frustration about his performance on track, Tommy Baldwin, racing team owner, has given his take on Hocevar. 

The No. 77 Spire Motorsports driver recently found himself amidst yet another on-track controversy at the Eero 400 held on Sunday, July 5, at Chicagoland. While discussing the incident on the Door Bumper Clear podcast’s latest episode, Baldwin gave his opinion about the incident while also criticizing Hocevar for his on-track antics. 

"Look, I hate talking about the #77, I really do," Baldwin said. "He’s driving like a f***ing lunatic at the beginning of the race. Just bouncing off everybody, moving everybody on. They’ve had enough.

Hocevar and Zane Smith collided on track on Lap 32 after Smith ran Hocevar high on the track, causing them to slide sideways and hit the wall. While some fans saw it as Smith’s fault, several others, including Baldwin, blamed the incident on Hocevar. 

"Even his posts, 'Oh, we didn’t qualify very good. I hope we run good.' By the time it’s lap 30, there’s nothing left of his car to go fast," added Baldwin. "It’s like, #38 got into him, and obviously it ruined the #38’s night. He didn’t run very well after that, and they’ve been good all year. People are tired of it."

Just before this, during the race at Sonoma, the No. 77 driver was involved in an incident on Lap 64 during which he made contact with Denny Hamlin and spun him out. Many of the fans were quick to blame Hocevar for spinning out Hamlin, sending him to the back of the field.

While Hocevar remains one of the most talked-about drivers and NASCAR’s upcoming talent, it is his aggressive driving style that has landed him in hot water on multiple occasions throughout the 2026 campaign. 

Tommy Baldwin draws a comparison between Carson Hocevar and Ross Chastain

Before the No. 77 driver was known for his aggressive racing style, Ross Chastain was the driver who was known for it. But in recent years, he has toned down on the aggressive style of driving. 

While discussing the same in the aforementioned podcast, Baldwin drew a parallel.

“I think Ross is not being as aggressive as he used to be," Baldwin shared on the same podcast. "One, because right now he doesn’t have the car to do it. Number two, I think he’s smart enough now. He has become smart because he doesn’t really have the car to do it, and he’s in a nice, safe spot in his career, finally.” 

Back in February, Nascar.com reported that Spire Motorsports had signed Carson Hocevar to a long-term contract. Baldwin further explained how Hocevar has the chance to drive for Spire Motorsports and make the best out of it. But he needs to be patient and keep a clean record. 

What are your thoughts on Carson Hocevar's driving style? Let us know in the comments.

Read more on the Daytona Racing Digest. 

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar