FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) | Getty Images
FORT WORTH, TEXAS - MAY 03: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Spire Motorsports fines Carson Hocevar for livestream comments UPDATE

UPDATE: Hocevar posted an apology on Twitter:

Whoa everybody, the truth is the truth.  I said something that not only was wrong, I said it without even laying my own two eyes on CDMX or turning one lap in an actual race at an amazing facility that welcomed me with open arms and I go and say that? Thank you for the support but I’m not sure we’re on the same page. You guys want me to be me?  It was me who said it and it was me who apologized after actually taking the time to explore the city and feel the passion of every fan in attendance. I appreciate the opportunity to learn and I knew before this weekend what respect means to this organization and I didn’t meet the standard so I got what I deserved.  I hate learning these lessons in the public eye and bringing any negative attention to Spire or me.  We’ve been fast just about every week and I’m sure I have plenty of mistakes left in me.  I appreciate growing up in front of all of you and you guys get to see the good and the bad.  I’m just me.  I’m trying. It just doesn’t always go the way I want and I bring a lot of this on myself.  However, I love being in this garage, with this team surrounded by the best drivers and fans in the world.  See you in Pocono.”

ORIGINAL POST 6-17-2025: 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.

— Spire Motorsports —

AND: Hocevar posted the following on Twitter Monday night:

“Maybe a kid that had never been out of the country until Thursday should ever give an opinion about what any place is like other than Portage, Michigan.

When I answered that question on a stream, I was skeptical about the trip so far and believed everything I read or heard about Mexico City from people who more than likely also had never been here. Now that I’ve actually left my hotel a couple times and raced here in front of some of the most passionate fans I’ve ever seen, my opinion has changed. I am embarrassed by my comments, by the race I ran, and I may have to move here to hide out from Ricky anyway.

Count this as another lesson for me in a season I’ve learned so much. Don’t believe everything you hear without seeing it yourself. If anyone should give anyone or any place the benefit of the doubt it’s me. I’m sorry Mexico City. Consider me an ally going forward and an example of getting off Twitch and seeing things with my own two eyes.”