Spire Motorsports’ driver Carson Hocevar earned his first career NASCAR Cup Series win this April after out-negotiating the field on three late race re-starts at one of the sport’s most famous – and famously tough – tracks, Talladega Superspeedway.
The victory – and the one-of-a-kind ensuing celebration with Hocevar sitting on the window ledge of his No. 77 Chevrolet for a Victory Lap – helped propel the 23-year old Michigan native to great popularity among the NASCAR faithful. And the fondness has remained.
“My life hasn’t been the same, but it’s just more fun because a lot of it is very visual memories,’’ Hocevar said. “I remember what everything looks like and what we experienced and all. A lot of my friends … I’m glad I won here of all places. My agent was like, ‘Man, with Carson winning everybody wants to come here, all his friends want VIP passes. I was like, “Dude, it’s Talladega. They were gonna come anyways. … It’s by far the most fun track you could win your first one at.”
“I don’t think anything’s really changed other than I signed a few more autographs,’’ he added with a grin, “But I’ve always enjoyed it. Obviously, the crowds are a lot bigger, and I get recognized in a lot weirder spots and a lot more spots. There’s a lot more female fans for sure, which has been cool. All of it’s been awesome for me.
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