Tyler Reddick calls Carson Hocevar a ‘dumba**’ for inciting a wild chain of reaction at the Phoenix Truck Series finale

Carson Hocevar incurs significant backlash from Cup Series drivers.

Tyler Reddick calls Carson Hocevar a ‘dumba**’ for inciting a wild chain of reaction at the Phoenix Truck Series finale

Denny Hamlin and Tyler Reddick (Via IMAGO)

Carson Hocevar, the No:42 driver for the Niece Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, found himself at the center of a storm during the championship race at Phoenix. The race was a rollercoaster of emotions, drama, and controversy, with Hocevar’s actions drawing sharp criticism from Cup Series drivers, including 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick.

The championship race included four contenders: Corey Heim, Grant Enfinger, Ben Rhodes, and Carson Hocevar. Heim initially led, appearing as the favorite. However, drama unfolded as Hocevar retaliated after Heim’s pass, causing Heim to spin and involving Stewart Friesen. This incident compromised Heim’s championship chances, leading to a pit stop and starting from behind his rivals.

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In the aftermath of the race, Cup Series drivers did not hold back in expressing their opinions about the chaotic events. Tyler Reddick, who drives the #45 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing, was particularly vocal about the incident. He took to social media, writing, “This dumbass will never learn,” in a clear reference to Hocevar. Carson has earned a reputation for being a reckless and aggressive driver, willing to create contact with his competitors. This championship race only added to that notoriety.

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This aggressive move by Hocevar triggered a series of events that would define the championship race. With Heim’s car damaged, the championship battle essentially became a duel between Grant Enfinger and Ben Rhodes. Hocevar, who had pitted for fresh tires, began going through the field. However, when he reached Heim with just four laps, Heim retaliated by pushing Hocevar into the outside wall, deliberately causing a caution. 

Chase Briscoe and Chris Buescher weigh in on the situation as well

This act also eliminated Grant Enfinger from the championship contention, as he had been leading comfortably over Rhodes. The following restarts were filled with more drama, including a near miss for Rhodes as he collided with Zane Smith. Despite significant front-end damage, Rhodes managed to hold on, securing fifth place in the race and, most importantly, the Truck Series championship.

Chris Buescher (Left) and Chase Briscoe (Right)
Chris Buescher (Left, credits: Motorsport.com) and Chase Briscoe (Right, credits: Yardbaker)

Other Cup Series drivers joined in the discussion as well. Chris Buescher, the #17 driver for RFK Racing, chimed in to comment about the incident, writing, “What a pitiful lack of sportsmanship.” The feud between two drivers and the messy grudge match on the track showcased a lack of respect and sportsmanship.

Chase Briscoe, a driver for Stewart-Haas Racing, also weighed in on the situation, highlighting the chaos and drama of the race. He wrote, “Only thing this race was missing was the 99 blowing a right front tire in the last corner and pulling a hail melon.” Ultimately, Ben Rhodes emerged as the champion of the 2023 season, capping off one of the wildest and most controversial championship races in recent memory. Hocevar’s controversial actions drew strong criticism from Cup Series drivers.

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