Carson Hocevar, the 19-year-old driver of the #42 Niece Motorsports Chevy truck, used a pair of crutches to get to his truck before taking it out on the track for a practice run at Sonoma to prepare for the DoorDash 250 on Saturday.
Carson Hocevar via Alex Wood YouTube
Hocevar was involved in a nasty last lap wreck during the Toyota 200 at World Wide Technology Raceway. As noted by Michael Waltrip, Hocevar is sent spinning in the corner by Derek Kraus.
As Hocevar’s truck comes down the track, the #5 of Tyler Hill slams straight into Hocevar’s driver side door. The #45 of Lawless Alan also spins trying to avoid Hocevar, but ends up making contact with Hocevar’s front end and sends his truck spinning again.
In-car-audio shows Hocevar asking for help after the crash and indicating he had a problem with his foot and that he couldn’t move it.
According to NASCAR.com, Hocevar was taken to an ambulance via a stretcher although he did give a thumbs-up to the crowd.
He would eventually be transported to a local hospital where he was evaluated.
Niece Motorsports issued a statement following the wreck indicating he was being evaluated due to an injury to his right lower extremity.
Their statement read, “Following the incident on the last lap of today’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at World Wide Technology Raceway, Carson Hocevar was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation of his right lower extremity.”
They added, “Additional medical updates will be forthcoming, with no further comment at this time.”
Source: Niece Motorsports Twitter
On June 5th, Hocevar indicated he had an injury to his ankle.
He wrote on Twitter, “I want to thank all the fans for reaching out since the accident – definitely feeling the love! I know you’re all eager for an update but I’m waiting on the specialists results on my ankle before sharing. I’m eager to get back behind the wheel and will update you soon when I know more!”
Source: Carson Hocevar Twitter
Three days later and Hocevar announced he would attempt to start the race at Sonoma although Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suarez would be on standby in case he’s unable to go.
Hocevar wrote on Twitter, “I’m feeling better every day and I’m looking forward to being behind the wheel of the No. 42 Worldwide Express Chevrolet this weekend. I’m thankful for Daniel Suarez’s willingness to step up this weekend for our No. 42 team. None of this is possible without the great partnership Niece Motorsports has formed with Worldwide Express and Trackhouse Racing.”
Source: Carson Hocevar Twitter
Before practice at Sonoma, Hocevar also addressed the media indicating he plans to start the race.
During practice, Hocevar can be seen walking to his truck with crutches before he replaces Suarez to take some laps at Sonoma.
Carson Hocevar using crutches to get to his truck and then later climbs in for practice. pic.twitter.com/GJRnKH2ntB
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 10, 2022
Hocevar and Suarez had the 7th fastest lap during practice with a fast lap of 81.543 seconds and 87.856 mph. They were over half a second off the pace from Christian Eckes’ fastest lap of 81.040 seconds.
Source: Bob Pockrass Twitter
The DoorDash 250 will air on Fox Sports 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET and we’ll find out if Hocevar will go the distance at Sonoma.
What do you make of Hocevar gutting it out and returning to the truck after that nasty crash at World Wide Technology Raceway?