Kyle Larson, known for his assertive racing style, had a level head when dealing with Carson Hocevar’s in-your-face aggressiveness at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Hocevar’s bold moves came under criticism at the Ambetter Health 400 from veterans Kyle Busch and Ryan Blaney, raising questions about balancing ambition with respect in NASCAR’s competitive hierarchy.
The 2021 Cup Series champion, Larson, praised Hocevar for his resilience but warned about running out veterans. His comments came after Hocevar edged past for second place in the final stages at the cost of several drivers.
Kyle Larson’s Advice: Early-Career Feuds Could Derail NASCAR Success
Larson, who clashed with William Byron and Austin Cindric during the race, refused to condemn Hocevar outright. “For me, in particular, in my race, I had no issue,” Larson said on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
“Obviously, I could see the moves [Hocevar] was making and whatnot throughout the whole race. But I don’t know, like it’s hard for me to sit here and judge because I’m an aggressive driver.”
During Sunday's @NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta, @CarsonHocevar upset several drivers for his aggressive moves on the track. @KyleLarsonRacin talked about the Spire Motorsports driver's style and making enemies on Thursday during an appearance on @SiriusXMNASCAR. pic.twitter.com/pdYD5u4knA
— Kyle Dalton (@kdsportswriter) February 27, 2025
The Hendrick Motorsports star drew parallels to Brad Keselowski’s early career when the 2012 champion faced backlash for similar tactics. “They [veterans] can make life tough on you,” Larson added. “I think you just want as little enemies as you can get coming in.”
Hocevar’s aggression peaked when he nudged Christopher Bell past Larson on the final lap, securing Bell’s win. Larson, who finished third, admitted frustration but praised his team’s effort in a press release, “Bummer not to get a win. I’m proud of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevy team.”
Veterans Push Back: Kyle Busch, Ryan Blaney Confront Carson Hocevar
Busch’s radio rant during the race captured the veteran’s ire. “Go tell that No. 77 he’s done that same [expletive] move 10 times,” Busch said. “I’m going to wreck his ass.” Post-race, Blaney and Ross Chastain confronted Hocevar on pit road, underscoring simmering tensions.
Atlanta has proven to be a tale of two Kyle Busches. On Fox's pre-race show he was talking about his Saturday win in the Truck Series and joking about beating up the kids. An hour later he was absolutely livid with one of those kids in @CarsonHocevar and threatened to wreck him. pic.twitter.com/rFnreBX5JS
— Kyle Dalton (@kdsportswriter) February 23, 2025
Hocevar, 22, has embraced a Keselowski-like approach, prioritizing results over friendliness. His second-place finish at Atlanta marked his career-best Cup result, but the backlash highlighted risks. Larson, while sympathetic, warned that early-career feuds can linger. “It makes your career much harder,” he said.
The Spire Motorsports driver’s style mirrors Larson’s own rise: aggressive, unapologetic, and divisive. Whether it leads to championships or chaos remains NASCAR’s newest subplot.
