**TLDR** — Carson Hocevar is splitting the NASCAR fanbase right down the middle, and our 613-vote poll proves it. A plurality of 40% said Yes, NASCAR Needed a Fresh Face, backing the young driver's energy, edge, and willingness to ruffle veteran feathers. But 37% urged caution with Too Soon To Judge, pointing out that one Cup win and a flashy victory lap don't make a franchise face. Another 21% are still riding with the veterans, with one reader bluntly noting Hocevar isn't well-liked because of how he races. Comparisons to Dale Earnhardt Sr. surfaced repeatedly — some fans love the throwback swagger, while one detractor snapped that he needs to "quit channeling" the Intimidator. Others warned NASCAR shouldn't "neuter him like they did Chastain." The verdict? Hocevar has the buzz, the boldness, and the believers — but the jury, much like the field at 200 mph, is still wide open.
Essentially NASCAR
May 6, 2026
Is Carson Hocevar Slowly Becoming the New Face of Mainstream NASCAR?
40%
Yes, NASCAR Needed a Fresh Face
243
37%
Too Soon To Judge
229
21%
No, Its Still the Veterans
126
2%
Others (Tell Us)
15
613 readers voted
We asked readers to weigh in — 20 shared their take. Here’s what they said:
Reader Reactions
20
mi****l***n***0@gmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 1:36 PM EDT
He has won one cup race and did a one of a kind victory lap. This doesn't put him on a high pedestal for wining one race.
bm*ri*4@hotmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 3:24 PM EDT
Only time will tell. Great personality, but a lot of what's inside matters too!
kd***l***u***s@gmail.com
May 6, 2026 · 8:47 AM EDT
However media is playing it up big time the same way as they keep the Earnhardt legacy alive. Unfortunately, media have forgotten about the Pearson's, Baker's, Farmer etc. and their accomplishments with what they had to drive.
da***s***e***s@gmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 2:47 PM EDT
Carson is not liked very much, because of the way he races. Chase is the best racer and is always doing things for the fans
li***m**m***e@hotmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 1:01 PM EDT
Hocevar is okay--------seems like he is "steady" it's time to have some different kind of drivers Kyle Busch needs to retire-----BUT if he does, we will have to look at him forever in the broadcast booth-------his attitude doesn't sit well. That's enough to make me give up NASCAR coverage.
14***f**d**7@gmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 3:03 PM EDT
Carson Hocevar is bringing excitement and daring back into NASCAR. Hopefully they won’t neuter him like they did Chastain.
ju**a*i*t@gmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 12:33 PM EDT
Little too rocky for his age. Not a fan
mi***a***r***7@gmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 12:42 PM EDT
No thank you.he needs to quit channeling dale Earnhardt
av**p**e**a@gmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 2:24 PM EDT
I like him a lot and reminds us of Dale Earnhardt Sr. We want to see if he can put up some more race wins! Love his great attitude and smerkisms that he has! Time will tell on him!🥰🏁🏁🏁🏁
jo**b**e**4@gmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 2:43 PM EDT
It's way too early to tell, let's see if the new wears off or not.
ed***a***s***0@gmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 12:54 PM EDT
Yes he is because he has that determination and drive and he doesn’t care who he makes mad. He is there to win and make a name for himself He’s also there to prove he’s not afraid of the veterans
1j*n50@gmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 8:18 PM EDT
Too soon. He could easily go either way. It won't be smooth. Even on a flat track he'll be going up hill OR down hill (at 200 mph).
tw*u*c*n@gmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 3:37 PM EDT
So full of energy and having fun, makes us want to watch every race he’s in!
ra**o*o*0@gmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 4:02 PM EDT
they are both doing really well in cup , Carson is running more of the other series really well , long way to go still
ha***a**a**5@gmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 12:39 PM EDT
Luck doesn't put one in that category .
fr*d*c*g@outlook.com
May 5, 2026 · 12:34 PM EDT
OMG NO - he needs to be reined in and pay his dues - a wild card NASCAR does not need
ri**l**z**4@gmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 12:54 PM EDT
He’s new and energetic and honest saying just it just as it is. He shows his excitement I love of the sport. He’s refreshing to the sport.
ma**r*6**4@gmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 1:17 PM EDT
He is as likeable as Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Always was. He jokes with people and has FUN! That will attract a lot of support from fans!
ca**u*g**1@gmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 9:52 PM EDT
He is brash and has a pinball machine driving style but so was Dale Earnhardt...
mi****l***s****4@gmail.com
May 5, 2026 · 2:01 PM EDT
“New kid on w block”. It’s all hype & it will pass. The more you talk about something, the more popular it becomes. Please, Stop with the s.Smith stuff! He’s a jerk, we all know it, MOVE ON! Please Please , tell us something about Larson & INDY! Is he? Yes , No, Maybe No, Yes??? ME