Carson Hocevar Opens Up On $50K NASCAR Fine Over Mexico Remarks

Newsweek

22-06-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
NASCAR Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar has revealed what prompted him to make a controversial comment about Mexico City on a live stream that led his team, Spire Motorsports, to hand him a $50,000 fine. This comes after Newsweek Sports reported his statement on X, where he shared his regret for his comment.
Hocevar came under fire after the race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez after he called Mexico City a "s**t hole" on a Twitch live stream. Following the action taken by his team, Hocevar has revealed that the comment did not reflect his own opinion but was reflective of what he had heard.
Acknowledging his mistake of not having done his homework, the 22-year-old driver spoke to Cup Scene during the pre-race presser at Pocono Raceway. He said:
"The issue wasn't for the team having their kind of frustrations, not that I'm giving my opinion and putting it out there. It's just the fact that, you know, my opinion wasn't my opinion. It was just based off everybody else, you know, that I've heard or seen, right? I didn't go do my own homework and voice my own opinion.
Carson Hocevar, driver of the #7 Delaware Life Chevrolet, walks the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series MillerTech Battery 200 at Pocono Raceway on June 20, 2025 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.
Carson Hocevar, driver of the #7 Delaware Life Chevrolet, walks the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series MillerTech Battery 200 at Pocono Raceway on June 20, 2025 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania."I didn't give it a shot, you know? I didn't give it a chance - I didn't go walk around, I didn't go see. And when I did, you know, hindsight's 20/20. Then I had my own opinion, but I had already put it out there.
"I think that was the biggest thing. I wasn't doing what I pride myself on—having my own opinion, putting it out there, and being me. I just didn't give it a fair shot. That's where it all stems from."
Newsweek Sports reported a statement posted by Spire Motorsports on X, announcing the action against Hocevar for his comment. It stated:
"After a thorough internal review of Carson Hocevar's recent livestream remarks about Mexico City, and in close consultation with NASCAR, Spire Motorsports is issuing the following disciplinary measures:
"A $50,000 fine, which will be donated in equal portions to three organizations that serve Mexican communities:
- Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross) - providing humanitarian and medical relief across Mexico.
- Un Kilo de Ayuda - a nonprofit combating childhood malnutrition and supporting early-childhood development in rural communities.
- Fondo Unido México (United Way Mexico) - funding local NGOs that improve education, health, and housing in 22 Mexican states.
"Mandatory cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training to be completed by Carson Hocevar.
"These actions are consistent with Spire Motorsports' core value of RESPECT, which is something we proudly display on every race car, team uniform, trackside hauler, and digital channel. Respect is not a slogan. It is a daily expectation that we 'walk the walk' in how we speak, compete, and serve the communities that welcome our sport.
"Carson Hocevar's recent comments made during the livestream fell short of that standard. They did not represent the views of Spire Motorsports, our partners, or NASCAR. He has acknowledged his mistake publicly, and his prompt, sincere apology demonstrated personal accountability. We now take this additional step to underscore that words carry weight, and respect must be lived out loud.
"Spire Motorsports has informed NASCAR of these penalties, and NASCAR has confirmed that our team-imposed discipline satisfies the sanctioning body's requirements. Together we remain committed to showcasing NASCAR's global growth, celebrating the passionate Mexican fanbase we experienced firsthand last weekend, and ensuring every member of our organization treats hosts, competitors, and communities with dignity.
"We look forward to turning the page by racing hard, representing our partners, and living our values on and off the track."