Latest news with #SpireMotorsports
Newsweek
a day ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Carson Hocevar Addresses Mexico City Controversy After Hefty Fine
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. NASCAR Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar has opened up on the live stream incident in which he made inappropriate remarks about Mexico City. This followed disciplinary action by his team, Spire Motorsports, which imposed a $50,000 fine on him. The statements were released after the NASCAR race weekend in Mexico, where Hocevar finished in 34th place. The 22-year-old driver called Mexico City a "s**t hole" on a Twitch live stream, which prompted his team to release a statement on X. Now, Hocevar has also posted a statement on the social media platform, admitting that it was wrong of him to say what he said. He wrote: "Whoa everybody, the truth is the truth. I said something that not only was wrong, I said it without even laying my own two eyes on CDMX or turning one lap in an actual race at an amazing facility that welcomed me with open arms and I go and say that? Thank you for the support but I'm not sure we're on the same page. You guys want me to be me? Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Totalplay Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Viva Mexico 250 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on June 15, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Totalplay Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Viva Mexico 250 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on June 15, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. Jaime Lopez/"It was me who said it and it was me who apologized after actually taking the time to explore the city and feel the passion of every fan in attendance. I appreciate the opportunity to learn and I knew before this weekend what respect means to this organization and I didn't meet the standard so I got what I deserved. I hate learning these lessons in the public eye and bringing any negative attention to Spire or me. "We've been fast just about every week and I'm sure I have plenty of mistakes left in me. I appreciate growing up in front of all of you and you guys get to see the good and the bad. I'm just me. I'm trying. It just doesn't always go the way I want and I bring a lot of this on myself. However, I love being in this garage, with this team surrounded by the best drivers and fans in the world. See you in Pocono." Whoa everybody, the truth is the truth. I said something that not only was wrong, I said it without even laying my own two eyes on CDMX or turning one lap in an actual race at an amazing facility that welcomed me with open arms and I go and say that? Thank you for the support… — Carson Hocevar (@CarsonHocevar) June 18, 2025 Spire Motorsports revealed in its statement that the $50,000 fine will be used for social causes. The statement read: "A $50,000 fine, which will be donated in equal portions to three organizations that serve Mexican communities: - Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross) - providing humanitarian and medical relief across Mexico. - Un Kilo de Ayuda - a nonprofit combating childhood malnutrition and supporting early-childhood development in rural communities. - Fondo Unido México (United Way Mexico) - funding local NGOs that improve education, health, and housing in 22 Mexican states. "Mandatory cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training to be completed by Carson Hocevar."
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
NASCAR's Carson Hocevar fined $50k for defamatory comments about Mexico City
Driver Carson Hocevar has been fined $50,000 (R904,670) by his race team, Spire Motorsports, and will be required to undergo sensitivity training after he made derogatory comments about Mexico City. NASCAR's first Cup Series points race outside the US since 1958 apparently didn't sit well with Hocevar, who took issue with Mexico's capital city during a live stream on Friday night. Hocevar, 22, labeled it a 's***hole' while also raising concerns about safety in the city. He issued an apology over social media after his 34th-place finish (out of 37 drivers) in Sunday night's race. 'Maybe a kid that had never been out of the country until Thursday should ever give an opinion about what any place is like other than Portage, Michigan,' Hocevar wrote on X, referring to his hometown. 'When I answered that question on a stream, I was sceptical about the trip so far and believed everything I read or heard about Mexico City from people who more than likely also had never been here. Now that I've actually left my hotel a couple times and raced here in front of some of the most passionate fans I've ever seen, my opinion has changed. I am embarrassed by my comments, by the race I ran. 'Count this as another lesson for me in a season I've learnt so much. Don't believe everything you hear without seeing it yourself. If anyone should give anyone or any place the benefit of the doubt it's me. I'm sorry Mexico City. Consider me an ally going forward and an example of getting off Twitch and seeing things with my own two eyes.' Spire Motorsports was swift with its response, issuing mandatory cultural sensitivity and bias awareness training for Hocevar. Spire also said the $50,000 fine will be distributed among the Mexican Red Cross, the United Way Mexico and Un Kilo de Ayuda, a nonprofit that helps childhood nutrition and development in rural communities across the country. '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's statement said. '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 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.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NASCAR Fans React To Carson Hocevar's 'Classy' Announcement
NASCAR Fans React To Carson Hocevar's 'Classy' Announcement originally appeared on The Spun. Carson Hocevar has been dominating the headlines the past few days in the NASCAR world. It all started with his comments about Mexico during a since-deleted stream on Twitch. Advertisement Prior to last Sunday's race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, the talented driver for Spire Motorsports referred to Mexico as a "s--hole." Fans were obviously upset with his remarks. Even though Hocevar apologized for his comments about Mexico, he was still disciplined by Spire Motorsports on Tuesday. Hocevar received a $50,000 fine for his remarks on Twitch. That money will be donated to three organizations that serve communities in Mexico. He'll also be tasked with completing cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training. Instead of complaining about this punishment, Hocevar took accountability for his actions. Advertisement "Whoa everybody, the truth is the truth. I said something that not only was wrong, I said it without even laying my own two eyes on CDMX or turning one lap in an actual race at an amazing facility that welcomed me with open arms and I go and say that? Thank you for the support but I'm not sure we're on the same page," Hocevar wrote on X. "You guys want me to be me? It was me who said it and it was me who apologized after actually taking the time to explore the city and feel the passion of every fan in attendance. "I appreciate the opportunity to learn and I knew before this weekend what respect means to this organization and I didn't meet the standard so I got what I deserved. I hate learning these lessons in the public eye and bringing any negative attention to Spire or me. We've been fast just about every week and I'm sure I have plenty of mistakes left in me. I appreciate growing up in front of all of you and you guys get to see the good and the bad. I'm just me. I'm trying. It just doesn't always go the way I want and I bring a lot of this on myself. However, I love being in this garage, with this team surrounded by the best drivers and fans in the world. See you in Pocono." NORTH WILKESBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 17: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 NASCAR Day Giveathon Chevrolet, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 17, 2024 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by)NASCAR fans praised Hocevar for this statement. They found it to be very classy and mature. Advertisement "Everyone makes mistakes at times, life is about learning, owning up, and growing," one fan replied. "Go to Pocono and do your thing, your fans love you and appreciate you no matter what!" "Great job taking responsibility for your actions," a second fan said. "It takes a lot to do that. Hang in there kid." "Every driver should be as real as Carson is. The kid is making fans every day by being himself, owning his mistakes, and learning from them," another fan wrote. "You've truly gained a fan with how you've handled this. Very mature response from you," Advertisement Hocevar will try to win over fans this Sunday at Pocono Raceway. As of now, he's 21st in the Cup Series standings. Related: Bubba Wallace Shares Candid Thoughts on NASCAR's First Mexico City Race NASCAR Fans React To Carson Hocevar's 'Classy' Announcement first appeared on The Spun on Jun 18, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
NASCAR driver forced to apologize over insulting Mexico remark as he's hit with punishment
Following the NASCAR Cup Series' first race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City over the weekend, Spire Motorsports' Carson Hocevar was fined for insulting comments about the track and the country. Hocevar was on a live stream in the days prior to finishing 34th out of 37 drivers at the track that is best known for hosting the Mexico City Grand Prix in Formula One. When asked for his thoughts on the race, Hocevar went off on the organizers, the track itself, and the city - which he described as a 's**thole' before even taking a lap around the track. 'If the travel was better, if getting here was easier, if you felt safer getting to and from everywhere, if it wasn't such a s**thole, if the track limits were a little better enforced, if it was going to be a little bit better of a race, and it wasn't so easy to, or feel so locked down like you can't leave anywhere, it'd be a great experience,' the 22-year-old Michigan native said live on a Twitch stream. After his disparaging comments, Spire Motorsports slapped Hocevar with a $50,000 fine and placed him in mandatory cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training. '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,' a statement from the race team read. '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.' The team said that NASCAR was informed of their discipline of Hocevar and did not impose any further punishment. Hocevar fully apologized back on Sunday, saying in part, 'My opinion has changed. I am embarrassed by my comments.' Nearly two hours after Spire posted their statement - and received plenty of backlash - Hocevar publicly admitted fault again. 'Whoa everybody, the truth is the truth,' he began. 'I said something that not only was wrong, I said it without even laying my own two eyes on CDMX or turning one lap in an actual race at an amazing facility that welcomed me with open arms and I go and say that? 'Thank you for the support but I'm not sure we're on the same page. You guys want me to be me? It was me who said it and it was me who apologized after actually taking the time to explore the city and feel the passion of every fan in attendance.' The fine Hocevar will pay is being distributed to the Mexican Red Cross, the Mexican United Way, and Un Kilo de Ayuda - a nonprofit combating childhood malnutrition and supporting early-childhood development. Hocevar sits 20th in the NASCAR Drivers' Championship standings - with his best results being second-place finishes at Atlanta and Nashville. The series heads to Pocono in Pennsylvania this weekend.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NASCAR: Spire Motorsports fines Carson Hocevar $50,000 for calling Mexico City a 's***hole' during livestream
Spire Motorsports has fined driver Carson Hocevar $50,000 for his derogatory comments about Mexico City on a Twitch stream. Hocevar called Mexico City a "s***hole" on a live stream while in the city for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race. He was complaining about the city and logistics of the event and said 'it'd be an absolutely great experience' but only 'if you take all those out, it's unbelievable. It's great.' Advertisement Hocevar apologized for his comments in a social media post on Sunday night after the race, but that didn't spare him from the punishment. He said his post on X that he had 'never been out of the country until Thursday.' Spire said in its post announcing Hocevar's punishment that he's also required to take cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training. The fine will be distributed among the Mexican Red Cross, the United Way Mexico and Un Kilo de Ayuda, a nonprofit that helps childhood nutrition and development in rural communities across the country. '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's statement said. '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 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.' Hocevar, 22, finished 34th out of 37 drivers in the inaugural Cup race at the Autodrómo Hermanos Rodríguez. He again drew the ire of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. for contact during the race after Stenhouse crashed into the wall off Hocevar's bumper two weeks prior in Nashville. Hocevar is currently 20th in the standings and has finished in the top five twice through the first 16 races of the season. He's shown speed at all three levels of NASCAR, but Stenhouse isn't the only driver he's ticked off with the way he races. In 2023, Hocevar infamously spun Corey Heim as the two were among the four drivers racing for the Truck Series title in the championship race. Less than 30 laps after Hocevar spun Heim, Heim retaliated by crashing Hocevar himself.
