I get why NASCAR dropped the hammer on Carson Hocevar, but I can still mock them, right?

PublishedJune 18, 2025 7:31 AM EDT•UpdatedJune 18, 2025 7:31 AM EDT

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The NASCAR Fun Police dropped their woke little hammer down on driver Carson Hocevar late Tuesday, fining him a silly amount of money and sending him to Liberal Correctional School for his comments on Mexico last week. 

Give me a break, NASCAR. God, these people are just the worst. 

For those who missed it – and that’s all of you who don’t use Twitch (all of you) – Hocevar gave his thoughts on the series racing in Mexico City during a video game stream. See? Told you none of you have Twitch. 

Mainly because you are adults with kids and jobs, and you don’t play video games. You really don’t WATCH people play video games, which is what Twitch is. 

Anyway, someone asked Carson for his thoughts, and he … didn’t hold back!

“If the travel was better, if getting here was easier, if you felt safer getting to and from everywhere, if it wasn’t such a sh*thole, if the track limits were a little better enforced, if it was going to be a little bit better of a race, and it wasn’t so easy to, or feel so locked down like you can’t leave anywhere, it’d be a great experience,” he said.

I get what NASCAR did, but I can still mock them

I mean, come on. That’s funny. That entire clip from Carson is funny. Of course NASCAR and Spire had to jump in and clean up Carson’s mess here, but to fine him AND send him to sensitivity training? 

Goodness, we’re so soft as a country. Sorry Carson called Mexico a shithole, NASCAR. It ain’t exactly Nantucket. Breaking news! But to fine him $50k and then make him “complete ‘cultural-sensitivity’ and ‘bias-awareness’ training” is just the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. 

Look, Kyle Larson dropping the N-word a few years back probably warranted the punishment he got, which was a fine, a suspension, and, ultimately, a firing. 

I’m not sure of that last one, but certainly the first two. Teams can’t just allow this stuff without any repercussions. NASCAR is heavily reliant on sponsors, and sponsors probably don’t love it when drivers drop slurs. Just a guess. 

But Carson Hocevar calling Mexico a shithole? Come on. No sponsors care about that. Nobody cared, period, until the video leaked AFTER the race! And even then, nobody cared. 

Except NASCAR and Spire, of course, because God forbid they anger #TheMob. Well, I reckon Carson’s sponsor for last weekend’s race in Mexico, Totalplay – a telecommunications provider based in Mexico City – probably didn’t love his comments, either. 

Not sure if they’re coming back on board next season. I guess we’ll see! Regardless, Carson will be fine. 

Anyway, I get why NASCAR dropped the hammer, but it doesn’t mean I can’t mock them for being a bunch of drama queens, either. 

Sack up. Laugh a little. Move on to Pocono. 

In a stunning turn of events, Kyle Larson’s triumphant comeback in Mexico has sparked a wave of support from NASCAR insiders, despite drawing criticism from a legend of Hendrick Motorsports. Larson’s journey to redemption at the Viva Mexico 250 was nothing short of miraculous, following a series of setbacks and challenges that tested his resilience and determination on the track.

Despite facing adversity and being laps down during the race, Larson’s unwavering speed and refusal to give up caught the attention of many, including long-time NASCAR insider Freddie Kraft. Kraft was in awe of Larson’s performance, especially his tenacity in pushing through the race despite the odds stacked against him. Larson’s refusal to simply coast to the finish line after a rough start demonstrated his sheer willpower and competitive spirit.

The weekend in Mexico was not without its share of obstacles for Larson, as a crash early in the race left him at the back of the pack. However, instead of conceding defeat, Larson and his team worked tirelessly to get back on track, ultimately achieving the fastest lap of the race. This impressive display of skill and determination earned Larson not only a championship point but also the respect of his peers in the NASCAR community.

Looking ahead, Larson’s performance in Mexico has positioned him as a strong contender in the Cup standings, currently trailing teammate William Byron by 67 points. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Larson’s unwavering focus and commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed by industry veterans like Kyle Petty and Jimmie Johnson. Their belief in Larson’s capabilities and potential for future success speak volumes about the young driver’s talent and determination.

As Larson continues to push boundaries and defy expectations in the world of NASCAR, all eyes will be on him as he gears up for future races and endeavors. The support and admiration he has garnered following his Mexico comeback serve as a testament to his resilience and unwavering passion for the sport. Stay tuned as Larson’s journey unfolds, promising excitement, drama, and perhaps even more moments of triumph in the world of motorsports.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Martin’s^® Famous Potato Rolls is partnering with Hyak Motorsports for another sweet race this weekend. The No. 47 Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls Chevrolet is rollin’ to The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VisitPA.com at Pocono Raceway on June 22.

Martin’s Potato Rolls are the #1 Potato Rolls in America. As a Pennsylvania brand, Martin’s couldn’t be more proud to participate in a race that supports Pennsylvania organizations.

“We know Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls are the winning choice. We are excited to bring the Martin’s racecar scheme back to the racetrack with the No. 47 Chevrolet at Pocono Raceway this weekend,” said Tony Martin, President of Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls and Bread. “Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls for the win!”

NASCAR Driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr will be back behind the wheel of the Martin’s Chevrolet. Stenhouse continues to build on a strong NASCAR Cup Series career in 2025. A veteran of over 450 Cup starts, Stenhouse has amassed four career victories, including a win at YellaWood in 2024 and Daytona 500 in 2023. With three career poles, 26 top-five finishes, and 62 top-10s, his consistency and experience make him a respected competitor in the garage and on the track.

“I’m excited to head to Pocono—it’s one of the most unique tracks we race all year,” said Stenhouse, driver of the No. 47 Chevrolet for Hyak Motorsports. “It’s fast, it’s tricky, and it really challenges you as a driver. We’ve got Martin’s Potato Rolls on board this weekend, and it doesn’t get much better than racing with a hometown favorite. Hopefully we can bring home a strong run for everyone at Martin’s and all the fans up in PA.”

The bright yellow No. 47 Chevrolet will showcase Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls on the hood and sides of the car. The back bumper of the car will feature Martin’s motto, “It’s All About the Bun^®,” because choosing the right bun for burgers, sliders, and more makes all the difference!

The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VisitPA.com is the 21^st race of the NASCAR Cup Series Season. The 400-mile-race consists of 160-laps on the Pocono Raceway’s 2.5-mile track. Tune in to the race on Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m. on Amazon Prime, Motor Racing Network, SiriusXM, and HBO Max.

About Martin’s^® Famous Potato Rolls:

Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.^® is a family owned and operated consumer goods company headquartered in Chambersburg, PA, with a second bakery in Valdosta, GA. The Martin’s company focuses on baking high-quality bread and roll products using high-quality ingredients. They are rigorously dedicated to extraordinary taste, quality, and customer service that proudly represents their legacy of cherished eating experiences and truly sets them apart from their competitors. Since the 1950s, the business has expanded from a home garage business into two commercial baking plants and continues to grow and flourish in areas of established distribution. For more information, visit: www.potatorolls.com.

About Hyak Motorsports:

Hyak Motorsports is a race-winning NASCAR team co-owned by Gordon Smith, Ernie Cope, Mark Hughes, and Brad Daugherty as of Nov. 18, 2023. The Harrisburg, North Carolina-based organization won the 2023 Daytona 500 with driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr and has accumulated two other wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. For more information, please visit the newly rebranded team at HyakMotorsports.com and on social at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/martins-famous-potato-rolls-and-hyak-motorsports-prepare-for-a-sweet-race-at-pocono-raceway-302485374.html

SOURCE Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.

NASCAR is working toward finalizing a deal to race on a street course next year in the San Diego area, multiple industry sources told The Athletic, which would return its premier Cup Series to the Southern California market after a multi-year absence.

NASCAR and the city of San Diego have not yet agreed on a deal, but discussions are ongoing, and it is expected that an agreement will be reached, according to those sources. An announcement is tentatively slated for next month, pending a finalized deal.

NASCAR and Sports San Diego, the city’s sports tourism commission, declined comment.

Adding a race in San Diego would accomplish NASCAR’s stated goal of returning to Southern California, a move likely to be popular in the garage and throughout the sport’s landscape. It would be the first points race in the market since California Speedway in Fontana was indefinitely shuttered in 2023. NASCAR last raced in Southern California in 2024, when it held the final of three straight season-opening exhibition races on a purposely-built oval inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

But racing at the Coliseum was never viewed as a long-term solution for NASCAR to maintain a presence in the region. NASCAR closed California Speedway, which it owns, with the intent of remodeling the facility, reconfiguring the track, and eventually returning to race there on a permanent basis. These plans, announced in September 2020, have since been put on hold.

With California Speedway off the schedule, NASCAR has explored multiple options to hold a points race in Southern California — a key market to the league, its teams, media rights partners and sponsors. This search led NASCAR to San Diego, which has never hosted a Cup race and offers a picturesque setting to construct the course, with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. The exact location and layout for the course is not yet known, industry sources indicated.

NASCAR has raced in downtown Chicago for the past two years, a test of its hopes to bring the sport to temporary tracks in more populated areas. (Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)

A race in San Diego would be NASCAR’s second city street course race in three years after introducing one in downtown Chicago in 2023, the first time in NASCAR’s modern era (1972 to present) that Cup competed on such a track. That race is considered a key development for NASCAR as part of an initiative to bring high-level stock car racing to major metropolitan markets, as opposed to the majority of its tracks, which are located in less populated areas.

NASCAR’s intent with Chicago, which will host the third edition of its event on July 6, was to offer a proof-of-concept to other cities throughout the United States that it could design a course incorporating city streets and generate attention and tourism revenue for the community. NASCAR and the city of Chicago are in the last year of a three-year contract, though NASCAR does have an option to return in 2026 and has said it wants to continue racing there.

How San Diego would fit within the 2026 schedule is not yet clear. A current race would have to be dropped to accommodate any addition, as the schedule is presently at its 38-race cap (36 points races plus two exhibitions). With the Chicago deal potentially coming to an end, NASCAR could swap one city street course for another, but the league has also shown a willingness in recent years to shift a date from an existing track with two races on the schedule to accommodate a new addition it feels will enhance the sport. The addition of the Mexico City race this year, for example, led NASCAR to drop one of the two races at Richmond Raceway in Virginia.

(Top photo of San Diego skyline and the San Diego Bay, with the Coronado Bridge in the foreground: Joe Sohm / Visions of America / Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

In a shocking turn of events, Joe Gibbs Racing has unveiled a groundbreaking multi-year sponsorship deal that is set to shake up the world of NASCAR racing. Following the departure of the long-standing partner FedEx, Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing have wasted no time in securing new alliances to propel them to victory.

One of the major highlights includes a significant partnership with Progressive, a deal that will see the insurance giant backing Hamlin in an impressive 18 races this season. But the excitement doesn’t stop there as Joe Gibbs Racing has now dropped another bombshell by announcing a collaboration with Bob’s Discount Furniture, a renowned U.S.-based furniture store with its headquarters in Newington, Connecticut.

With approximately 150 stores scattered across the nation, particularly dominating the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and West Coast regions, Bob’s Discount Furniture is gearing up to make a grand entrance into the world of NASCAR. This multi-year deal is already causing a stir, with the company’s inaugural race scheduled for August 3rd at Iowa Speedway. Fans are eagerly awaiting the reveal of the official paint scheme, which is set to take place on Thursday, July 17th in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, coinciding with the grand opening of a new Bob’s Discount Furniture store.

Despite facing challenges such as a crash during the Daytona 500 battle, Denny Hamlin has already secured three wins this season, putting him at the top alongside the best drivers in the league. His versatility is evident as he clinched victories at Martinsville, Darlington, and Michigan, each with a different sponsor. In addition to Progressive, Hamlin has flaunted the colors of National Debt Relief, SportClips, and Yahoo throughout the year.

A notable moment in Hamlin’s season was missing the Cup race in Mexico City due to the birth of his son, marking the first Cup race the seasoned driver has skipped in approximately eleven years. Despite this, Hamlin maintains a strong position, holding fifth place in the regular season standings and showing no signs of slowing down. The NASCAR world is buzzing with anticipation as the Joe Gibbs Racing team gears up to dominate the upcoming races with their powerful new partnerships.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Martin’s^® Famous Potato Rolls is partnering with Hyak Motorsports for another sweet race this weekend. The No. 47 Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls Chevrolet is rollin’ to The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VisitPA.com at Pocono Raceway on June 22.

Martin’s Potato Rolls are the #1 Potato Rolls in America. As a Pennsylvania brand, Martin’s couldn’t be more proud to participate in a race that supports Pennsylvania organizations.

“We know Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls are the winning choice. We are excited to bring the Martin’s racecar scheme back to the racetrack with the No. 47 Chevrolet at Pocono Raceway this weekend,” said Tony Martin, President of Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls and Bread. “Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls for the win!”

NASCAR Driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr will be back behind the wheel of the Martin’s Chevrolet. Stenhouse continues to build on a strong NASCAR Cup Series career in 2025. A veteran of over 450 Cup starts, Stenhouse has amassed four career victories, including a win at YellaWood in 2024 and Daytona 500 in 2023. With three career poles, 26 top-five finishes, and 62 top-10s, his consistency and experience make him a respected competitor in the garage and on the track.

“I’m excited to head to Pocono—it’s one of the most unique tracks we race all year,” said Stenhouse, driver of the No. 47 Chevrolet for Hyak Motorsports. “It’s fast, it’s tricky, and it really challenges you as a driver. We’ve got Martin’s Potato Rolls on board this weekend, and it doesn’t get much better than racing with a hometown favorite. Hopefully we can bring home a strong run for everyone at Martin’s and all the fans up in PA.”

The bright yellow No. 47 Chevrolet will showcase Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls on the hood and sides of the car. The back bumper of the car will feature Martin’s motto, “It’s All About the Bun^®,” because choosing the right bun for burgers, sliders, and more makes all the difference!

The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VisitPA.com is the 21^st race of the NASCAR Cup Series Season. The 400-mile-race consists of 160-laps on the Pocono Raceway’s 2.5-mile track. Tune in to the race on Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m. on Amazon Prime, Motor Racing Network, SiriusXM, and HBO Max.

About Martin’s^® Famous Potato Rolls:
Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.^® is a family owned and operated consumer goods company headquartered in Chambersburg, PA, with a second bakery in Valdosta, GA. The Martin’s company focuses on baking high-quality bread and roll products using high-quality ingredients. They are rigorously dedicated to extraordinary taste, quality, and customer service that proudly represents their legacy of cherished eating experiences and truly sets them apart from their competitors. Since the 1950s, the business has expanded from a home garage business into two commercial baking plants and continues to grow and flourish in areas of established distribution. For more information, visit: www.potatorolls.com.

About Hyak Motorsports:
Hyak Motorsports is a race-winning NASCAR team co-owned by Gordon Smith, Ernie Cope, Mark Hughes, and Brad Daugherty as of Nov. 18, 2023. The Harrisburg, North Carolina-based organization won the 2023 Daytona 500 with driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr and has accumulated two other wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. For more information, please visit the newly rebranded team at HyakMotorsports.com and on social at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.