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Carson Hocevar gave Legacy Motor Club one of the best performances the 42 car has gotten all season long at Darlington on Sunday, but it was not enough for him to stay in the car full-time for next season. Many began speculating about whether or not he would be a candidate for the 42 car, but John Hunter Nemechek was signed instead. Regardless, this was not Hocevar’s last resort, and there are plenty of other places for him to go in 2024.
Even if he did not get the ride, his run at Darlington further proved that Hocevar can race well at the highest level, even in subpar equipment. A spot in the Cup Series for him in 2024 is still very much in play. Here are a couple of spots where Hocevar can go in the Cup Series next season.
Spire Motorsports #77
Given his performance in the #7 car at Gateway and his performance with the team in the Xfinity Series, this is likely the most popular destination for Hocevar in 2024. The issue is that Ty Dillon currently holds the seat for the #77 car, and his plans for next season are uncertain. Does Hocevar bring with him enough sponsorship to take on a full-time Cup Series ride? If he does not, then it is possible that Dillon will take this car back over in 2024.
Kaulig Racing #31
The Spire Motorsports #77 currently sits 34th of 36 teams in owner points, so if Hocevar wants to go to a team with better performance, Kaulig may be a good bet. Kaulig Racing is in the midst of a reset with Justin Haley leaving the team at the end of the season, and they have teased a “surprise” for the #31 car in 2024. Hocevar would fit that bill as he has not been generally linked to Kaulig, but why not? He already drives for Chevrolet in the Truck Series, so why not stay with the same manufacturer in the Cup Series?
Even if Cup Series teams are giving Hocevar looks, does that mean he has to make the jump up to the Cup Series? He certainly has the talent to make it in the Xfinity Series, and there are a few rides open for him.
Joe Gibbs Racing #20
The #20 for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series is now open for 2024, and Hocevar would be an interesting candidate to take that seat. As far as the Toyota drivers currently in the stable Corey Heim has been one of the best drivers in the Truck Series as the only one in the Playoffs, but he is young. With the Toyota stable currently being in flux in the lower series, could they try to poach someone like Hocevar?
JR Motorsports #8
Now, Hocevar may no longer be the favorite for this ride, but it is a ride to pay attention to. If nothing in the Cup Series works out, then Hocevar could make the jump to JR Motorsports. It is a crowded room of applicants, but it is an option for him.
Even if the #42 car is no longer an option, Hocevar has plenty of places he could end up going in 2024. This seat being gone is not the end of the world, but it does bring some clarity to Hocevar.
