Carson Hocevar, the 23-year-old driver from Spire Motorsports, secured his first NASCAR win at Talladega. Fans are eager to see how he embraces his new 'bad boy' persona moving forward.
Key points
Carson Hocevar won his first NASCAR race at Talladega.
He is known as 'Hurricane Hocevar'.
Hocevar's personality is compared to NASCAR legends.
Fans are excited about his potential 'bad boy' role.
Mentioned in this story
Talladega
Carson HocevarNASCARSpire Motorsports
NASCAR's new bad boy now has a win. What's next for Carson Hocevar?
Ask Carson Hocevar if he plans to ever perform the epic celebration he staged at the NASCAR Talladega race on April 26, and he will tell you it's not a matter of if, but when.
In other words, the confident and borderline cocky, 23-year-old Spire Motorsports driver from Portage, Michigan, with his first win coming at Talladega, has arrived. And NASCAR could be in store for the type of entertaining and unapologetic personality it has lacked since the days of Dale Earnhardt Sr., Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, and Jeff Gordon.
But is Hocevar, who was already known as "Hurricane Hocevar" before his first win, ready to step into the bad boy role?
"It would be nice for the sport's sake if we had that and I was per se it," Hocevar said. "I don't know if that's how people see me. I just know what I have and what I want to do. I'm just enjoying this right now."
Several drivers came to victory lane to congratulate Hocevar, catching him off guard, as he admits he has no close friends on the NASCAR circuit.
"It meant a lot; it was a surprise for me how many either came up beside me before they went to pit road or stopped me on the way to victory lane or came in during victory lane," Hocevar said. "There were also a lot of texts from them that I wasn't expecting."
Did Carson Hocevar practice his victory celebration at Talladega?
Q&A
What did Carson Hocevar achieve at the Talladega race?
Carson Hocevar secured his first NASCAR win at the Talladega race on April 26.
How is Carson Hocevar's personality impacting NASCAR?
Hocevar's confident and unapologetic personality is reminiscent of past NASCAR legends and could bring a new energy to the sport.
What nickname does Carson Hocevar go by in NASCAR?
Carson Hocevar is known as 'Hurricane Hocevar' in the NASCAR community.
What are the expectations for Carson Hocevar's future in NASCAR?
Fans are curious about how Hocevar will embrace his 'bad boy' role and what celebrations he may perform in future races.
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After holding off Chris Beuscher and Alex Bowman and becoming the second first-time winner in the 2026 NASCAR Cup season â Ty Gibbs won his first race at Bristol on April 12 â Hocevar wanted to connect with his fans and allow them to see the joy on his face after the Jack Link's 500 victory.
So he took his helmet, but that was not enough.
After a couple of burnouts, Hocevar climbed from the driver's seat of his No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet and sat on his door. He began working the throttle and clutch with his feet and waved to the crowd down the long straightaway.
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, speaks to the media during a press conference after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Apr 26, 2026; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar (77) celebrates winning the Jack Links 500 NASCAR Cup Series race in Victory Lane at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Apr 26, 2026; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar (77) wears the ceremonial wreath presented by Miss Alabama Emma Terry after his victory at the Jack Links 500 NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Apr 26, 2026; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar (77) celebrates winning the Jack Links 500 NASCAR Cup Series race in Victory Lane at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, places the winner sticker on his car after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, celebrates with fans after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, celebrates with Miss Alabama Emma Terry in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, celebrates with the checkered flag after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, celebrates with the checkered flag after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver does Talladega burnout celebration half way out of car
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver does Talladega burnout celebration half way out of car
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver does Talladega burnout celebration half way out of car
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, speaks to the media during a press conference after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
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Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver does Talladega burnout celebration half way out of car
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver does Talladega burnout celebration half way out of car
Apr 26, 2026; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar (77) celebrates winning the Jack Links 500 NASCAR Cup Series race in Victory Lane at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
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Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver does Talladega burnout celebration half way out of car
Apr 26, 2026; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar (77) wears the ceremonial wreath presented by Miss Alabama Emma Terry after his victory at the Jack Links 500 NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
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Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver does Talladega burnout celebration half way out of car
Apr 26, 2026; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar (77) celebrates winning the Jack Links 500 NASCAR Cup Series race in Victory Lane at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
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Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver does Talladega burnout celebration half way out of car
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, places the winner sticker on his car after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
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Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver does Talladega burnout celebration half way out of car
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, celebrates with fans after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver does Talladega burnout celebration half way out of car
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, celebrates with Miss Alabama Emma Terry in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
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Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver does Talladega burnout celebration half way out of car
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, celebrates with the checkered flag after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver does Talladega burnout celebration half way out of car
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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Carson Hocevar, NASCAR driver does Talladega burnout celebration half way out of car
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, celebrates with the checkered flag after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
"I didn't plan it by any means," Hocevar said of his celebration. "It was kind of trial by fire figuring out how to do it. Figuring out if I needed to take the steering wheel off, get my leg twisted, drop the clutch, and then put the wheel back on and steer sitting on the door. Balancing was the biggest thing."
It was similar to the way Dale Earnhardt Sr., with his windshield covered in mud and oil, hung out of his car at Richmond Raceway in 1986 and cleaned it, refusing to give up track position. Hocevar said he did not think about the similarities to Earnhardt.
Some wondered if the stunt might become Hocevar's signature celebration for future wins and whether NASCAR would allow it.
New NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell, who has talked a lot about the sport needing more unconventional personalities like it once had to reconnect with fans, answered that by not only congratulating Hocevar after the win but also praising his celebration.
"Steve said in the media center right after the race that he had no problem with it and enjoyed it," Hocevar said.
Hocevar, however, remains unsure if he will try it the next time he wins.
"I'll just kind of play it by ear when we win," he said. "I don't think it will be as special and as cool by any means, doing it at Talladega and doing something people haven't seen."
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Honorary pace car driver, Eladio Carrion poses for photos on track prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: NASCAR Cup Series driver, Kyle Larson (L) and honorary pace car driver, Eladio Carrion pose for photos in the #5 hauler prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: NASCAR Cup Series driver, Kyle Larson speak to guest in the #5 hauler prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Alex Bowman, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, signs autographs for NASCAR fans prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Alex Bowman, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Austin Cindric, driver of the #2 Menards/FrogTape Ford, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Wurth Ford, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Long Beard XR Chevrolet, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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NASCAR Talladega race best photos, including Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Honorary pace car driver, Eladio Carrion poses for photos on track prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
1 / 9
NASCAR Talladega race best photos, including Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Honorary pace car driver, Eladio Carrion poses for photos on track prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
2 / 9
NASCAR Talladega race best photos, including Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: NASCAR Cup Series driver, Kyle Larson (L) and honorary pace car driver, Eladio Carrion pose for photos in the #5 hauler prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
3 / 9
NASCAR Talladega race best photos, including Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: NASCAR Cup Series driver, Kyle Larson speak to guest in the #5 hauler prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
4 / 9
NASCAR Talladega race best photos, including Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Alex Bowman, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, signs autographs for NASCAR fans prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
5 / 9
NASCAR Talladega race best photos, including Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Alex Bowman, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
6 / 9
NASCAR Talladega race best photos, including Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
7 / 9
NASCAR Talladega race best photos, including Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Austin Cindric, driver of the #2 Menards/FrogTape Ford, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
8 / 9
NASCAR Talladega race best photos, including Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Wurth Ford, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
9 / 9
NASCAR Talladega race best photos, including Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 26: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Long Beard XR Chevrolet, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
How did Carson Hocevar celebrate at Chili's?
Hocevar's celebration did not end on the track at Talladega Superspeedway. His team continued the celebration with an impromptu visit to Chili's Grill & Bar in Mooresville, North Carolina. Chili's was the primary sponsor for the No. 77 at Talladega.
The staff at the restaurant agreed to stay late for the NASCAR Cup team's arrival back from Talladega at about 10:15 p.m. CT.
Hocevar enjoyed the Triple Dipper options, which included wings, mozzarella sticks and egg rolls.
"They had it all set up â a bunch of food for us and the whole company was there," Hocevar said. "It was really cool for them to open up for us and take that on and have all the food, which I was excited about because I hadn't eaten since before the race. I was pumped to see all that."
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.
