Countdown to Daytona 2026 - 23 Days

By Adam Carabine

Counting down the final 30 days to the 2026 Daytona 500, we are looking at last year's Top 30 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Today's driver: Carson Hocevar

Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

No. 77 – Spire Motorsports

2025 Stats

Standings	23rd
Wins	0
Points	702
Stage Points	144
Stage Wins	0
Laps Led	122
Lead Lap Finishes	17
Average Finish	21.6
DNFs	8
Races since last win	N/A

What Does Success Look Like in 2026?

I actually predicted Hocevar would win more than one race last season.  Obviously that aged poorly, but I think Hocevar is right on the brink of getting that first Cup Series victory.  He’s struggled with finding the line between making silly mistakes and aggressive racecraft, and if he can sort that out, he’ll be in victory lane in no time.  A success for Hocevar in 2026 is scoring his first career Cup Series win.

Best-Case Scenario in 2026?

Hocevar’s got some major upside, and I think a best-case scenario is him earning multiple wins this year.  He’s also got some good history at multiple different styles of race tracks.  His best track by average finish is Nashville, but his 2^nd-best is Watkins Glen.  He could be a threat at many tracks, and best-case he wins a couple of them.

Most Likely Outcome in 2026?

Hocevar getting a win is not entirely crazy, but I think it’s most likely that if he does manage to get one, it’ll be only just the one.  While he’s talented, the Cup Series field is stacked with many talented drivers – talent isn’t always enough. Hocevar will be in the conversation for a bunch of races, and could earn a win, but it’s not likely he gets more.

Bold Prediction?

Hocevar wins three races in 2026 and gets a spot in The Chase.