Latest news with #Spire
a day ago
- Sport
Stenhouse has vowed retaliation on rival Carson Hocevar. Will NASCAR payback be delivered at Pocono?
LONG POND, Pa. -- Carson Hocevar walked around Pocono Raceway without a scratch on his face. His polo shirt looked more tailored than tattered and the Spire Motorsports driver was ready to race rather than rumble. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. hadn't socked Hocevar with a right hook quite yet — hot on the heels of Stenhouse's threat to beat up his racing rival after last weekend's race in Mexico City — leaving the next shot at any potential retaliation inside or outside the cars set for Sunday's NASCAR race. Hocevar should walk with his head on a swivel because Stenhouse can throw a right hook. Just ask Kyle Busch, who suffered a crushing TKO loss when he clashed with Stenhouse after last year's All-Star race. Get ready! The Pounding at Pocono could be just another round in the ongoing feud between Stenhouse and Hocevar. 'He probably will be looking over his shoulder for a long time,' Stenhouse said Saturday at Pocono. 'We'll see how that goes.' Hocevar has to look over his shoulder — and for that charging Chevrolet in his rearview mirror. 'The scorecard has it that I I'm getting something from the 47 at some point, right? And I think my team and everybody kind of knows that,' Hocevar said. Their beef has little chance of getting squashed any time soon, a dispute that started three races ago when Hocevar wrecked Stenhouse early at Nashville. Hocevar sent Stenhouse spinning last week in Mexico City, which ignited the postrace melee on pit road. Stenhouse seemed to grab at Hocevar as he spoke to him, then slapped at his helmet as Stenhouse walked away. Hocevar's in-car camera captured audio of the confrontation. 'I'm going to beat your (behind),' Stenhouse threatened. 'You're a lap down, you've got nothing to do. Why you run right into me? It's the second time. I'm going to beat your (behind) when we get back to the States.' Hocevar avoided a smackdown from Stenhouse but his Spire team hit him where it hurts — a $50,000 fine on Tuesday for derogatory comments he made about Mexico City on a livestream as NASCAR raced there last weekend. At just 23 and in his second full Cup season, Hocevar has whipped himself into a flurry of unwanted attention, continuing a trend that started last year when even veteran Denny Hamlin chimed in and said NASCAR had ' to do something to Carson.' Stenhouse might do it on behalf of the sanctioning body with his fist or even his No. 47 Chevrolet. Hocevar conceded, yes, payback may be imminent and the time to talk out their lingering issues is over. Yet, Hocevar pleaded: 'It's not an open hunting season on the 77 because of these incidents.' Hocevar stamped his own target on his back. With his aggressive racing. With his ignorant words. 'Just because I do something in the heat of the moment or maybe, you know, you do it two or three times, doesn't mean I'm not hard on myself for those mistakes because they are mistakes,' he said. 'It's just trying not to make that a pattern. But when you're constantly making aggressive moves like we're doing, it's balancing that fine line of, you know, you make a thousand moves a day. Just unfortunately, what people remember isn't always the good ones. You always remember the negative ones.' Case in point, Hocevar walked back his derisive comments about Mexico after he actually experienced the culture of the country following NASCAR's foray into a new Cup Series market. 'I didn't give it a shot. I didn't give it a chance,' Hocevar said. 'I didn't go walk around. I didn't go see it. When I did, you know, then hindsight's 20/20, then I have my own opinion. But I've already put it out there.' Spire also ordered Hocevar to attend cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training. He can be thankful he gets a shot at another race. Stenhouse's spotter, Tab Boyd, was fired this week by HYAK Motorsports in the wake of an unflattering social media post about his experience in Mexico. 'That's above my paygrade,' Stenhouse said. The biggest KO so far came in the standings, where Stenhouse has been flattened in just three weeks from 13th in points in the thick of playoff contention before Nashville to 21st entering Pocono. Hocevar is one point ahead of Stenhouse in the standings. 'That's the thing that hurts worse for our team is just where it's put us,' Stenhouse said. Stenhouse's trash talk more worthy of UFC hype could put him in hot water should he actually deliver on his vowed retribution and take out Hocevar. If it comes to a point where NASCAR dishes out a monetary punishment, it's OK, the 2023 Daytona 500 champion could afford his fine. He just sold his North Carolina estate for $12.2 million, the highest-priced residential sale ever recorded in the greater Charlotte metro area. 'It's been a big week. We've had a lot going on,' Stenhouse said, laughing. He'd rather talk real estate than about the space and time wasted thinking about Hocevar. 'I'm just honestly tired of talking about the kid,' Stenhouse said. Tired of the talk? Sure. Of the action? Not just yet.
Fox Sports
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Carson Hocevar fined for derogatory comments about Mexico City
Spire Motorsports fined Carson Hocevar $50,000 on Tuesday for derogatory comments he made about Mexico City on a live stream as NASCAR raced there last weekend. Hocevar walked back the comments Sunday night with an apology and the 22-year-old admitted it was the first time he'd ever been outside the United States and believed all the negative things he'd read and heard about Mexico City. "I am embarrassed by my comments," he posted in a lengthy apology. Spire also ordered Hocevar to attend cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training. Spire said the $50,000 fine will be donated in equal portions to three organizations that serve Mexican communities: — Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross). — Un Kilo de Ayuda, a nonprofit combating childhood malnutrition and supporting early-childhood development in rural communities. — Fondo Unido México (United Way Mexico), which funds local NGOs that improve education, health, and housing in 22 Mexican states. "These actions are consistent with Spire Motorsports' core value of RESPECT, which is something we proudly display on every race car, team uniform, trackside hauler, and digital channel," the team said in a statement. "Respect is not a slogan. It is a daily expectation that we 'walk the walk' in how we speak, compete, and serve the communities that welcome our sport. "Carson Hocevar's recent comments made during the live stream fell short of that standard. They did not represent the views of Spire Motorsports, our partners, or NASCAR. He has acknowledged his mistake publicly, and his prompt, sincere apology demonstrated personal accountability. We now take this additional step to underscore that words carry weight, and respect must be lived out loud." Spire said it informed NASCAR of Hocevar's penalties and that it satisfied the sanctioning body's requirements. "Together we remain committed to showcasing NASCAR's global growth, celebrating the passionate Mexican fanbase we experienced firsthand last weekend, and ensuring every member of our organization treats hosts, competitors, and communities with dignity," Spire said. "We look forward to turning the page by racing hard, representing our partners, and living our values on and off the track." Reporting by The Associated Press. recommended Get more from NASCAR Cup Series Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Spire Motorsports punishes Carson Hocevar for derogatory comments about Mexico City
Carson Hocevar is introduced to fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley) Carson Hocevar is introduced to fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley) Carson Hocevar is introduced to fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley) CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Spire Motorsports fined Carson Hocevar $50,000 on Tuesday for derogatory comments he made about Mexico City on a live stream as NASCAR raced there last weekend. Hocevar walked back the comments Sunday night with an apology and the 22-year-old admitted it was the first time he'd ever been outside the United States and believed all the negative things he'd read and heard about Mexico City. Advertisement 'I am embarrassed by my comments," he posted in a lengthy apology. Spire also ordered Hocevar to attend cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training. Spire said the $50,000 fine will be donated in equal portions to three organizations that serve Mexican communities: — Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross). — Un Kilo de Ayuda, a nonprofit combating childhood malnutrition and supporting early-childhood development in rural communities. — Fondo Unido México (United Way Mexico), which funds local NGOs that improve education, health, and housing in 22 Mexican states. 'These actions are consistent with Spire Motorsports' core value of RESPECT, which is something we proudly display on every race car, team uniform, trackside hauler, and digital channel,' the team said in a statement. 'Respect is not a slogan. It is a daily expectation that we 'walk the walk' in how we speak, compete, and serve the communities that welcome our sport. Advertisement 'Carson Hocevar's recent comments made during the livestream fell short of that standard. They did not represent the views of Spire Motorsports, our partners, or NASCAR. He has acknowledged his mistake publicly, and his prompt, sincere apology demonstrated personal accountability. We now take this additional step to underscore that words carry weight, and respect must be lived out loud.' Spire said it informed NASCAR of Hocevar's penalties and that it satisfied the sanctioning body's requirements. 'Together we remain committed to showcasing NASCAR's global growth, celebrating the passionate Mexican fanbase we experienced firsthand last weekend, and ensuring every member of our organization treats hosts, competitors, and communities with dignity,' Spire said. 'We look forward to turning the page by racing hard, representing our partners, and living our values on and off the track.' ___ AP auto racing:
Fox Sports
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Spire Motorsports punishes Carson Hocevar for derogatory comments about Mexico City
Associated Press CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Spire Motorsports fined Carson Hocevar $50,000 on Tuesday for derogatory comments he made about Mexico City on a live stream as NASCAR raced there last weekend. Hocevar walked back the comments Sunday night with an apology and the 22-year-old admitted it was the first time he'd ever been outside the United States and believed all the negative things he'd read and heard about Mexico City. 'I am embarrassed by my comments," he posted in a lengthy apology. Spire also ordered Hocevar to attend cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training. Spire said the $50,000 fine will be donated in equal portions to three organizations that serve Mexican communities: — Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross). — Un Kilo de Ayuda, a nonprofit combating childhood malnutrition and supporting early-childhood development in rural communities. — Fondo Unido México (United Way Mexico), which funds local NGOs that improve education, health, and housing in 22 Mexican states. 'These actions are consistent with Spire Motorsports' core value of RESPECT, which is something we proudly display on every race car, team uniform, trackside hauler, and digital channel,' the team said in a statement. 'Respect is not a slogan. It is a daily expectation that we 'walk the walk' in how we speak, compete, and serve the communities that welcome our sport. 'Carson Hocevar's recent comments made during the livestream fell short of that standard. They did not represent the views of Spire Motorsports, our partners, or NASCAR. He has acknowledged his mistake publicly, and his prompt, sincere apology demonstrated personal accountability. We now take this additional step to underscore that words carry weight, and respect must be lived out loud.' Spire said it informed NASCAR of Hocevar's penalties and that it satisfied the sanctioning body's requirements. 'Together we remain committed to showcasing NASCAR's global growth, celebrating the passionate Mexican fanbase we experienced firsthand last weekend, and ensuring every member of our organization treats hosts, competitors, and communities with dignity,' Spire said. 'We look forward to turning the page by racing hard, representing our partners, and living our values on and off the track.' ___ AP auto racing: recommended in this topic
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Winnipeg Free Press
Spire Motorsports punishes Carson Hocevar for derogatory comments about Mexico City
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Spire Motorsports fined Carson Hocevar $50,000 on Tuesday for derogatory comments he made about Mexico City on a live stream as NASCAR raced there last weekend. Hocevar walked back the comments Sunday night with an apology and the 22-year-old admitted it was the first time he'd ever been outside the United States and believed all the negative things he'd read and heard about Mexico City. 'I am embarrassed by my comments,' he posted in a lengthy apology. Spire also ordered Hocevar to attend cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training. Spire said the $50,000 fine will be donated in equal portions to three organizations that serve Mexican communities: — Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross). — Un Kilo de Ayuda, a nonprofit combating childhood malnutrition and supporting early-childhood development in rural communities. — Fondo Unido México (United Way Mexico), which funds local NGOs that improve education, health, and housing in 22 Mexican states. 'These actions are consistent with Spire Motorsports' core value of RESPECT, which is something we proudly display on every race car, team uniform, trackside hauler, and digital channel,' the team said in a statement. 'Respect is not a slogan. It is a daily expectation that we 'walk the walk' in how we speak, compete, and serve the communities that welcome our sport. 'Carson Hocevar's recent comments made during the livestream fell short of that standard. They did not represent the views of Spire Motorsports, our partners, or NASCAR. He has acknowledged his mistake publicly, and his prompt, sincere apology demonstrated personal accountability. We now take this additional step to underscore that words carry weight, and respect must be lived out loud.' Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Spire said it informed NASCAR of Hocevar's penalties and that it satisfied the sanctioning body's requirements. 'Together we remain committed to showcasing NASCAR's global growth, celebrating the passionate Mexican fanbase we experienced firsthand last weekend, and ensuring every member of our organization treats hosts, competitors, and communities with dignity,' Spire said. 'We look forward to turning the page by racing hard, representing our partners, and living our values on and off the track.' ___ AP auto racing:
