NASCAR Feud: Zane Smith Blasts 'Coward' Carson Hocevar After Chicagoland Wreck
By John Damon
NASCAR driver Zane Smith has had enough of Carson Hocevar's aggressive driving, calling him a 'bum' and a 'coward' in a blistering podcast interview. The feud, which escalated after a wreck at Chicagoland Speedway, highlights growing tensions in the Cup Series over on-track conduct and accountability.
What Sparked the Latest Clash?
The incident occurred during the Cup Series race at Chicagoland on July 6, when Smith ran into the back of Hocevar's car in Turn 2 on lap 32. The move ended both drivers' chances for a strong finish, with Hocevar placing 22nd and Smith finishing 28th. Smith was not penalized by NASCAR, but officials say they will meet with both drivers ahead of the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway.
Smith's Podcast Rant
On the 'Bussin' With The Boys' podcast, Smith explained his frustration goes back to last season, when Hocevar wrecked him at Iowa Speedway. 'I don't know if he made a mistake, but he wrecked us. And then, he spends the rest of the race waving at me, playing nice guy like, Oh man, I'm so sorry. And then goes on social media and posts,' Smith said. 'If you're going to be the guy hiding behind social media, I don't know. That's a coward in my opinion. Act that way in person, like say that to my face.'
Hocevar's Reputation and Response
The 23-year-old Hocevar has built a reputation for aggressive, unapologetic driving that has earned him comparisons to Dale Earnhardt from racing legend Richard Petty. But it has also created enemies. Earlier this season, Bubba Wallace confronted Hocevar after a multi-car crash at Michigan. 'He's fast, he's going for every move every second, and it's not worth it. He's creating a lot of enemies,' Wallace said.
When asked about the feud on a Twitch stream, Hocevar dismissed Smith's complaints. 'What's Zane's problem? I don't know man, maybe his t-shirt sales were low, I don't know. Who cares?'
Veteran Drivers Weigh In
Some former drivers criticized Smith's actions at Chicagoland. Kyle Petty called it a 'kamikaze mission,' saying Smith should have avoided taking himself out. Dale Earnhardt Jr. agreed, noting Smith had momentum and ruined his own race. 'You just can't do that. He puts too much effort into this to go out there and do that to himself,' Earnhardt Jr. said on his podcast.
What This Means for the Playoffs
Hocevar currently sits ninth in the points standings, positioning him for a postseason Chase berth. Smith, a 27-year-old former Truck Series champion, is 23rd and still seeking his first Cup Series victory. The feud could intensify as both drivers fight for playoff positioning.
FAQ
Why are Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar feuding?
The feud stems from multiple on-track incidents, including a wreck at Iowa Speedway last season and a recent clash at Chicagoland Speedway. Smith accuses Hocevar of being reckless and hiding behind social media.
Was Zane Smith penalized for wrecking Hocevar?
No. NASCAR did not penalize Smith for the Chicagoland incident, but officials plan to meet with both drivers before the next race.
How does Carson Hocevar respond to criticism?
Hocevar dismisses the criticism, saying Smith's complaints are about low t-shirt sales. He remains unapologetic about his aggressive driving style.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY.