“He’s Got to Win More!” Jeff Gordon Takes a Cheeky Dig at Carson Hocevar with Denny Hamlin Comparison

Within just two years in the Cup, Carson Hocevar has become one of the biggest superstars of the sport. But there is a massive issue, the Spire Motorsports driver became relevant not because he is winning every week, but owing to controversies and aggression. This doesn’t sit well with Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon.

On his latest appearance on the Racin’ with the Boys, the four times Cup champion was asked about how drivers can dominate Cup like he did and become superstars like he did. He gave JGR veteran Denny Hamlin as an example and pointed out that they have to win consistently while also making a buzz outside the track, positive or negative.

I mean, right now you’ve got Denny Hamlin, right? I feel like he’s doing a great job on the track. He doesn’t mind speaking his mind. And so, it’s easy for that to create some rivalries or to create a like or dislike. Everybody respects him because of his talent. But I think what he says off the track, you’re either going to love it or hate it.

Jeff Gordon said on recently

When asked about Carson Hocevar after the answer, Jeff Gordon drew parallels with the Spire Motorsports driver and Denny Hamlin. He highlighted how the No:11 Toyota driver is adding more value to the sport, but not the No:77 driver, as he isn’t winning as much races as he should, considering he is putting himself out in the public as regularly as he does.

I think Denny’s adding a lot of value to the sport right now. But young guys, I mean, I know everybody’s focused on Hocevar. But I want him to be successful. I want him to win more because we need him. We need that, especially if he’s willing to put himself out there like that. And listen, he was up at the Met Gala, and I think he was around the ESPYs. Like he’s doing all the right things and NASCAR’s helping to get him in the right places.

Jeff Gordon added via Racin’ with the Boys podcast.

The Hendrick Motorsports Vice President asserted that the young racer like Hocevar needs to find ways to win more races in the top tier and try to find advantage on the track, with their own uniqueness. Gordon names the likes of Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson, as other star drivers of the Cup garage at the moment.

But if he doesn’t have more wins, then it’s only going to take the sport so far. So, to me, it’s a combination of the Hamlins, the Chase Elliotts, the Kyle Larsons, Carson Hocevars. You’ve got to have a handful of guys that are bringing something unique and special. And I think we’ve got a good group. We’ve got some good momentum happening right now. But I think for Hocevar to really stand out, he’s got to win more.

Jeff Gordon asserted.

Jeff Gordon insists words are meaningless without wins

Further talking about the point, the veteran insisted that drivers need to back up their words off the track with dominant wins. Hocevar hasn’t won a race since his triumph at Talladega, while continuing to make enemies. But amidst this he needs to think about his loyal fans that deserves to celebrate him getting into victory lane.

I mean, you have to have one: the ability to back up what you say by action on the track. And the other is that you’ve got a group of very loyal fans and people surrounding you. They’re going to support you no matter what you say. And so that feels good. Right. And it gives you confidence, and you can just keep going with that. But those other pieces have to be there.

Jeff Gordon said.

If Hocevar can win more Cup races and be in the fight for the championship often in the coming years, there is no doubt that he would become the poster boy of the sport. But it won’t be easy with the likes of Corey Heim and Connor Zilisch being his main rivals for the future superstar spot. It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout for the star driver.

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