Carson Hocevar Slams Tyler Reddick Over ‘Devaluing Cup Race Win’ with Sportsmanship Moment San Diego

The NASCAR community is split over Tyler Reddick actions on the final laps of San Diego Cup race. He gave his teammate Corey Heim his place back, after overtaking the No:67 car with an over-aggressive move. Many applauded the 23XI Racing veteran for the sportsmanship moment, but Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar wasn’t a bog fan of it.

On his latest appearance on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, the No:77 Chevy driver talked about the dramatic incident that helped his arch-rival to secure his maiden Cup win. He asserted that it was a moment that devalue how much the drivers want to win and the two times second division should not have given the place back.

If you are a race fan, does this not devalue how much the drivers want to win? It would be different if Reddick was the guy running him (Heim) down and moved him by accident and was like, ‘Oh, I want to do it right.’ Not the guy holding on.

Carson Hocevar said via Dale Jr. Download.

Carson Hocevar gave the PERFECT analogy for Tyler Reddick pulling over. pic.twitter.com/J406rdFP6F

— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) June 23, 2026

The Chevy driver was furious as he believes Tyler Reddick’s actions in such a massive race gave fans a feeling that wins aren’t that important. Carson Hocevar then used a Michael Jordan analogy to make his point. He argued that the 23XI Racing co-owner would not have given rival a chance to attack again if he pulled off a dirty block on them in the court.

Reddick gives him six car lengths. You pretty much turn your TV off or you know like, ‘Oh, it’s over,’. This is a massive race. You pretty much showed, ‘Ah, winning’s not that important… Imagine Michael like doing a dirty block and then going, ‘Oh (expletive). I didn’t mean to do that. Hold on, try again.’

Carson Hocevar added.

Despite the criticism from the community, Reddick feels he did the right thing by letting Corey Heim pass. He asserted that the aggressive move and using up the No:67 Toyota wasn’t right. Hence, he had no second thoughts about the sportsmanship moment he showed on Sunday.

He (Heim) was clean, he was patient, he waited for the opportunity, he took the opportunity, and got alongside. One, I definitely used him up a bit and I made the aggressive move to cross him over into (turn) five and I flat out overdrove it and washed up into him. I’m definitely happy and have no second thoughts about how that played out and how I handled it.

Tyler Reddick said.

Corey Heim awkward message from Carson Hocevar after San Diego win

After the race on Sunday, Hocevar did something no on expected. He got Heim’s number from Denny Hamlin and sent him a message. Despite their rivalry, it was a positive message, telling the 23XI driver to cherish the moment.

He [Hocevar] was really cool about it. He said, ‘I’ve had that coming for several years now, and congrats, enjoy it.’ He obviously just won his first race a couple of months ago. So, he said it’s a special feeling, like enjoy it, whatever.’ So, I responded, just said, ‘Thanks. Yeah, fair enough.’ And that was it.

Corey Heim said.

The comment shows despite the rivalry, Hocevar has some respect for potentially his greatest rival so far. It would be interesting to see how the dup going to race each other from 2027, when Heim become a full-time driver.

Also Read: Corey Heim Confess He “Will Always Hold a Grudge” Against Carson Hocevar