Mother Nature has time and again thrown a wrench into NASCAR’s plans. Usually, long bouts of rain drag out race schedules, as officials take time to dry the tracks. Recently, the race in Kansas got held up for three long hours due to the same reason. This dampened NASCAR’s viewership as fans grew weary of the tedious delay. Unfortunately, there are greater natural disasters that can affect the NASCAR fold, and not just on the tracks.

Carson Hocevar, driving the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, just saw the brunt of it all. Till now, he might have not had the rookie season that he would have dreamed of, but what he went through recently was much worse. It seems the darker times have descended on his family as they grapple with a natural calamity. 

NASCAR community rallies in support of Carson Hocevar’s family

Severe thunderstorms battered Southern Michigan recently, producing multiple tornadoes barreling through Portage. Two large tornadoes tore through commercial buildings, a FedEx facility, and Jude’s Barbershop were significantly damaged.

But what further added to NASCAR fans’ concerns is that Carson Hocevar’s family lives in the same town. The 21-year-old driver did give an update on the same through a Facebook post.

He wrote, “Just now Portage, Mi, my hometown was hit by a tornado. Very thankful to be given a call from my family and know my parents are okay. My thoughts and prayers turn to those in the tornado for their families and loved ones.” While Hocevar’s family made it through safely, there was initially a big scare surrounding his dad that he addressed later on.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued its first-ever tornado emergency in Michigan, for Union City and Sherwood. After the storms passed, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also shared a message for the people. “My heart goes out to all those impacted by tonight’s severe weather in southwest Michigan,” the governor said on social media.

As many as 50 people were trapped inside the FedEx facility in Portage after an EF2 tornado struck the town on Tuesday night. FedEx officials later confirmed in a statement that there were no serious injuries reported from those at the site.

Coming across Hovecar’s statement, fans chimed in with prayers and wishes, while expressing shock at the level of damage. “I just watched it on the local news in Toledo. They definitely have some damage. Glad to hear that your family is okay,” wrote one user.

Furthermore, injuries and heavy damage were reported at a mobile home park in Portage, and the town was under a new tornado warning a little more than an hour after the initial hit. It’s not clear yet whether or not a second tornado was spawned.

The visuals that came up on the internet didn’t help the uneasiness among the worried. A fan wrote, “Seeing the pictures from Portage is absolutely devastating. Glad to hear his family is alright, and praying for everyone else affected tonight.”

Carson also shared how his father narrowly escaped the ordeal. Posting a video of his family store, he wrote: “Just received video from a friend that my parents store was in the news. Horrible sight and heartbreaking to watch, but thankful the building was standing as my dad was the only one still in the store when it hit. ❤️”

One fan empathized with the Hocevar family’s predicament, having experienced the same trouble. “We survived it, our prayers are with your family and everyone just south of where we live as well. Only about 5 miles away from my house to that area 😓”

There were multiple reports of tornadoes in Michigan on Tuesday, though the actual number remains unconfirmed. Updates will be available once the NWS surveys areas with damage.

In his initial statement on FB, it was evident that Hocevar was not only giving an update on his family but the entire city, which he feels greatly about. Time and again, he has attributed his racing skills to his childhood training in his hometown.

Hocevar’s Portage memories are linked to racing

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He was about two years old when he watched his first stock car race. And he hooked. His parents were quick to notice his interests, as miniature model race cars came flooding into his house. As per Dothan Eagle, he has acknowledged his parents’ contribution earlier. “I’m real grateful that they are just as devoted as I am,” Hocevar said. “They work non-stop to try to afford and help me get through racing.”

By age 7, Hocevar started competing in the Quarter Midget division. The rest was history, as he won 15 United States Auto Club championships before moving into late-model cars. 

Carson Hocevar is naturally quite attached to his hometown where his roots for racing lie. He revealed this in his sentimental post about the tornado. “Heartbreaking to see the town I grew up be torn up, but things can be replaced or fixed and come back stronger. Just hope everyone was able to stay safe and okay.” 

As Portage and neighboring towns recover from the devastating tornadoes, our prayers are with all those affected and their families.