“It Was a Mistake That He Made!” Dale Earnhardt Jr. Defends Carson Hocevar Amidst Mexican Cup Race Comments Controversy

NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. has come in the defense of Carson Hocevar as his comments about Mexico City receives backlash.

“It Was a Mistake That He Made!” Dale Earnhardt Jr. Defends Carson Hocevar Amidst Mexican Cup Race Comments Controversy

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Carson Hocevar (via Getty)

Spire Motorsports star driver Carson Hocevar found himself in the midst of controversy in 2025 owing to his over aggressive racing ruining races for his rivals, especially Ricky Stenhouse Jr. He also found himself in hot waters for his uncalled-for criticism about Mexico City and the track. But Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. got his back.  

Carson Hocevar was given a massive $50,000 internal disciplinary fine by Spire Motorsports for his disrespectful comments. He has since admitted his mistake, apologized for the comments and is ready to take the mandatory sensitivity training. Talking about the whole drama in the latest episode of his podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that despite the backlash, Hocevar shouldn’t stop streaming.

I’ll kind of be surprised if he discontinues his involvement, in terms of streaming weekly, or if he gets advice to do so. But when you get in that situation, when you’re on a stream, there’s people in your chat, normally, those people may also be sim racers, or of the community. There’s this sense that you’re in a room having a conversation with a small group of people.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. said via The Dale Jr Download.

Hocevar made his comments in his safe space, during the live stream, without having clear idea about either the track or the city, as well as the consequences of his public comments. It was a mistake from the side of the youngster and he owned up to it with an apology, that isn’t according to Dale Jr. unlike many claiming it is. The No:77 Chevy driver was being himself and being frank on social media with the statement responding to the disciplinary action.

But if you say something that’s a bit controversial like that, it’s coming out of that room quickly. It was a mistake that he made. Something he shouldn’t have said. He had to send out an apology of sorts on social media. I read that. I didn’t find his apology cringy. I read that in his voice and I thought, ‘All right, he realizes that was pretty stupid of him to do.’

Dale Earnhardt Jr. asserted.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. wants Carson Hocevar to continue streaming

One of the main discussions that come out owing to the controversy was the future of Hocevar’s streaming. He wants the youngster continue his social media presence and attract more young fans by that route. But Junior advised him to be more careful about what he is saying without compromising what he is as a person.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Via IMAGO)

Can he do what he wants to do, stream, sim-race, all those things — can he do those things, continue to sort of be who he wants to be, because he doesn’t want to change who he is, but minimize the missteps. Minimize the distraction.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.

The Chevy prodigy now days found himself in the limelight after every race weekend for one reason or another, as in the words of Dale Jr. is making new “comedic eras every week.” The JR Motorsports doesn’t want the youngster to stop doing it, as it gives him and his TNT team more things to talks about during broadcasts.

I was saying it after the race Sunday, this kid writes a new chapter of comedic eras every week. I’d like him to keep doing it till we’re done broadcasting races at TNT.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. asserted.

The comments from the Hall of Famer seems to be rational and on point. Hocevar, being a youngster, should be given some slacks for making the mistakes and should be given the opportunity to better version of themselves. It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout with Hocevar’s career in the coming years.

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