In Scottsdale throughout early November final 12 months, Chase Elliott was introduced because the winner of the Most Fashionable Driver Award for the eighth consecutive season. The opposite prime 5 drivers within the voting, listed alphabetically, have been Ryan Blaney, Ross Chastain, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson. On the time, was nonetheless studying the mechanics of the Cup Collection in his second 12 months, however quick ahead to this season, and followers are already touting him as one of many drivers able to difficult Elliott.
Forward of the All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway, Hocevar took to social media to share a jaw-dropping clip. Followers may very well be seen lined up close to his trailer for autographs, with the queue stretching a number of hundred meters as they waited to get their merchandise signed by the rising NASCAR sensation.
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“Bumped into Hocevar on pit street after the race, and he stated he acquired by way of this complete line right this moment. Loopy,” insider Jeff Gluck wrote on X.
There are fairly just a few explanation why Hocevar is so cherished amongst followers. His arrival in NASCAR wasn’t fueled by a household racing legacy like many drivers on the sphere right this moment. His story is that of an underdog rising by way of the ranks, very like within the outdated days, and his character displays that as effectively.
Earlier this 12 months, he was in comparison with the legendary for his unforgiving angle and aggressive racing fashion. He additionally . As Hocevar continues constructing this old-school legacy, one other old-school driver’s legacy is below menace: Invoice Elliott.
Elliott was cherished by the followers again within the day a lot in order that he holds the report for profitable the Most Fashionable Driver Award a whopping 16 occasions. Understandably, when his son, , made his NASCAR debut, the older era started voting for him, maybe as a tribute to his outdated man. Thus far, the 30-year-old has gained the award eight consecutive occasions, and it may very well be 9 this 12 months, as confirmed by the likes of Kevin Harvick and
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The award holds main significance as it’s the solely NASCAR honor decided solely by fan votes. It highlights the sturdy connection between drivers and supporters, typically reflecting loyalty, private branding, and legacy, and has famously been gained by fan favorites like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Chase Elliott.
But when followers’ reactions are something to go by, Carson Hocevar would possibly simply finish Elliott’s dominance within the class.
Carson Hocevar will get the followers’ help to take down Chase Elliott
“Hottest driver requires you to spend $100+ to do that, btw,” most followers appeared fast to launch an assault towards the present Most Fashionable Driver Award holder.
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Following a photograph posted by North Wilkesboro Speedway on its official account final 12 months, followers observed that the Chase Elliott merchandise hauler displayed an indication stating that they needed to buy a die-cast automobile to obtain an armband for an autograph from the driving force. This reportedly left many followers upset.
Though Elliott additionally participates in free autograph classes like Hocevar, there have been fairly just a few drivers within the present era who would normally cost for a similar. Hocevar, being one of many youngest on the sphere and nonetheless not charging any cash, has earned huge respect from the followers.
“He stayed even after the road was gone. He made certain he signed everybody’s something till he completely needed to go away. He took as many footage as anybody wished. He’s such a pleasant man,” one other fan wrote.
FORT WORTH, TX – MAY 03: Carson Hocevar 77 Spire Motorsports Spectrum Chevrolet waives to followers throughout driver introductions earlier than the Wurth 400 within the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Collection on Sunday, Might 3, 2026 on the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Price, TX. Picture by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAY 03 NASCAR Cup Collection Wurth 400 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260503024
Hocevar has constructed up a character as one of many friendliest drivers. Whereas the likes of Elliott are recognized to have extra of a non-public life and show an absence of enthusiasm (one of many largest causes he’s criticized for), Hocevar is sort of the alternative. In actual fact, .
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“If he doesn’t get the preferred driver this 12 months, the system is rigged …I’m a chase Elliott fan,” voiced one fan.
Understandably, with a lot hype constructing round him, it will be odd if Elliott have been to win the award for the ninth consecutive time this 12 months. Furthermore, with NASCAR not formally revealing the variety of votes the drivers win, it leaves a window for some hypothesis from the followers, which is normally damaging.
“wild. these different sticks within the mud drivers might study one thing from you. carry on holding on large dawg!” This fan as soon as once more referred to the outspoken character that Hocevar carries.
However there may be extra to that. One of many followers shared an emotional second with him. Showcasing their merchandise that he signed, they wrote:
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“I consider it, after I went to Vegas earlier this 12 months, he signed EVERYONE’S stuff on the best way to driver intros. (Together with my hat, which I’m posting for bragging rights.) Dude is aware of the place he’s in and offers again to his followers.”
It has develop into fairly obvious at this level why the No. 77 driver is the brand new fan-favorite. With each passing race of the 2026 season, there was a large enhance in Hocevar’s help within the grandstands, and it looks as if Chase Elliott might face a tricky battle to win the Most Fashionable Driver Award this 12 months.
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