A few weeks ago, many suggested that Carson Hocevar’s 2024 plans may involve going to JR Motorsports. However, those rumors have failed to come to fruition, and Hocevar’s 2024 plans continue to be a mystery. Where can Hocevar go in 2024?
This may be a bit of a stretch, but Hocevar’s impressive performance with Spire Motorsports at Gateway back in June turned a lot of heads in the NASCAR garage. Those who bring Hocevar in know they would likely be bringing in a project, but, if that team is willing to be patient, Hocevar could find a home at one of these teams.
Spire Motorsports
Ty Dillon’s future with Spire Motorsports is an uncertain one to say the least. His performance has been sorely lagging behind teammate Corey LaJoie, and, unfortunately for Dillon, this poor performance is a career-long pattern. Dillon just seemingly will not turn that corner no matter what equipment he is in.
Hocevar not only ran well at Gateway, but he has two top-10 finished in the Xfinity Series in a Spire-prepared car. If Spire wants to build their status as a Cup Series team, building up a young, star driver is critical to future success. It’s a team that is already looking to acquire a charter as Jeff Dickerson said to Frontstretch a few weeks ago.
Wood Brothers Racing
Harrison Burton has yet to re-sign for the 2024 season with the Wood Brothers, and his performance is just not improving from a year ago. Jordan Bianchi recently reported that it was likely for Burton to return in 2024, but, nothing has developed on that front.
With the sponsorship that the Wood Brothers has, Hocevar may not be pressured to bring as much funding as other teams would ask for. That could be the very thing holding him back, and the Wood Brothers could be a work around of sorts.
This may be the more likely option for Hocevar, and it may be better for his development. Rather than being pressured to perform in Cup right away, he can work his way slowly through the Xfinity Series like every other driver. The options are aplenty here as well
JR Motorsports
This is the most popular pick amongst fans. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is high on Hocevar’s driving talent, but does Hocevar have the funding? That is the major question surrounding this potential move because performance would say Hocevar has earned this ride.
It would be the best possible opportunity up the ladder for Hocevar as he could compete in the second tier series in good equipment. If he could scrounge up the dollars needed, then this would likely be a no-brainer.
Kaulig Racing
This largely depends on who fills the Cup Series seat at Kaulig for 2024, but, if the seat is open, Hocevar could be a great fit for this seat. He would be running in the Xfinity Series in solid equipment. The question again becomes funding.
Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice decided not to re-sign Justin Haley in what Rice and Haley called a “Business” decision. Usually that means something to do with sponsorship that a driver brings. Does Hocevar bring enough sponsorship to come to a team like Kaulig?
Spire Motorsports
Spire is looking to acquire a Cup Series charter, but, it seems unlikely that any is selling any charters at least at the moment. If that is not an option, then could they consider starting an Xfinity Series team? If they want to build this team up, then they probably need to work on getting a full pipeline in their ecosystem.
Front Row Motorsports began that trek by starting a Craftsman Truck Series team, and now they may have their next guy in Zane Smith. Could Spire do the same thing with Carson Hocevar in the Xfinity Series?
Carson Hocevar has plenty of placed he could go in 2024, but where he will go remains a major mystery. He has a lot of potential places, and his performance makes him an attractive prospect. Maybe he could be the next surprise of NASCAR silly season.
