What’s Happening?

Garrett Smithley, driver of SS-Greenlight Racing’s No. 14 entry, has opted not to race at COTA. The driver explained in a video on X that he’s “not the best road racer.” Instead, reigning NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year, Carson Hocevar will pilot the No. 14 at COTA.

• Smithley claims that he made this decision because he has a history with the COTA team. The driver stated that prior to this decision he asked the team, Crew Chief, and sponsor and had 100% of their support in the decision.
• Hocevar made his Xfinity Series debut with SS-Greenlight at COTA in 2023, where he started 17th and finished 38th. Since then Hocevar has progressed on Road Courses in the Cup Series; he even scored his first career top-five at Watkins Glen last fall.
• When you compare that to Smithely, who has a career average finish of 26.9 at Road Courses, this decision makes sense for both team, driver, and manufacturer as it gives Hocevar reps for Sunday’s Cup Series main event.
• Hocevar had a controversial week after an aggressive run in Atlanta. On his way to a career-high second-place finish, Hocevar angered veterans, including fellow Chevrolet drivers Kyle Busch and Ross Chastain.
• The green flag for the Focused Health 250 will drop at 2:30 PM ET this Saturday on the CW.

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