Carson Hocevar impressive with top-20 finish at Darlington

DARLINGTON, S.C. — As Carson Hocevar gains valuable experience in the NASCAR Cup Series – and may be in the middle of a job interview. 

Hocevar finished 17th in the Southern 500 Sunday at Darlington after qualifying 15th.

In 22 non-drafting-track races this season, that is the best performance the No. 42 Legacy Motor Club has had yet.

Sunday was Hocevar’s first time having his name printed on the banner of a Cup Series car. 

At Gateway, he filled in for Corey LaJoie, who drove the No. 9 car after NASCAR suspended Chase Elliott. Hocevar drove LaJoie’s No. 7 car all the way into the top-15.

The 20-year-old will drive the No. 42 car again at Kansas and Bristol. 

More and more, it’s likely he will find a Cup Series ride very soon.

For now, Carson Hocevar will mainly focus on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Hocevar sits fifth in the playoff standings with top-five finishes in eight of the last 10 races, including two wins. 

As for Kansas this weekend, Hocevar does have one top-five finish there. Bristol is the same – just one top-10 finish there.

If Hocevar continues to build upon his recent successes, there will be no shortage of calls from prospective owners wanting to bring him to the Cup Series full time. 

Hocevar and the rest of the NASCAR Cup Series now heads to Kansas for the Hollywood Casino 400, with the green flag set to drop just after 3 p.m. EST Sunday.

Hocevar will first race in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The Kansas Lottery 200 goes green just after 2 p.m. EST Friday.