02-06-2025
Stenhouse Jr. Hints Payback Is Coming for Hocevar After Nashville Clash
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Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has hinted that he would respond to Carson Hocevar's move during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Nashville Superspeedway. The Hyak Motorsports driver lost control in P17 and crashed into the wall after Hocevar made contact with his car from behind.
The onboard footage from Hocevar's car suggests that the incident could have been prevented. Unfortunately for Stenhouse Jr., the mishap cost him positions and crucial points as he finished last in the race.
However, it seems as though the clash may not have ended at Nashville, considering Stenhouse Jr.'s statement that hints at an imminent action on his part. Speaking after the race to NASCAR On Prime, he said:
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #47 NOS Energy Chevrolet, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on May 31, 2025 in Lebanon, Tennessee.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #47 NOS Energy Chevrolet, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on May 31, 2025 in Lebanon, Tennessee."A lap or two before, he [Hocevar] tried to dive in there from about 10 car lengths back and then that time, I just opened my entry a little bit and he over-charged the corner and drilled us in the rear bumper.
"I'd say it's not out of the norm from him, but I definitely wasn't expecting that at that point of the race. It's just a bummer for us."
He added:
"Bummed our day ended like that. Definitely will have something to do about it at one point."
Hocevar's aggressive move drew Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s attention, who also expects Stenhouse Jr. to respond. He said:
"Well, I hear a guy that doesn't know that he ran into the back of somebody and wrecked them. Hey, I'll call it like it is. I like Hocevar a lot. Kid's awesome. Ran second tonight. I like his attitude, I like his personality, and I like his style.
"But yeah, I think he could have cut the 47 a break, and he chose not to do that.
"That's his way that he wants to race. He's not very apologetic about it. A lot of people are going to love that. A lot of people are going to love how he races and how he does his job.
"From what I saw tonight, I think he probably could have gave Ricky an opportunity there and continued to race. And he'll have to hear that side from Ricky, and it will be interesting to see how that plays out."
The 39th-place finish for Stenhouse Jr. means he is now 18th in the standings, while Hocevar is placed one place above in 17th place. Considering Stenhouse Jr.'s comments, it remains to be seen how he would deal with Hocevar in the upcoming race weekends.
