Spire Motorsports has fined driver Carson Hocevar $50,000 and required him to take training after he made derogatory comments about Mexico during a recent livestream.

The team also is requiring Hocevar to complete cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training.

The team said that Hocevar’s $50,000 fine to will divided among three Mexican groups. The money will go to:

— Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross) — providing humanitarian and medical relief across Mexico.

— Un Kilo de Ayuda — a nonprofit combating childhood malnutrition and supporting early-childhood development in rural communities.

— Fondo Unido México (United Way Mexico) — funding local NGOs that improve education, health, and housing in 22 Mexican states.

Spire Motorsports said in a statement: “These actions are consistent with Spire Motorsports’ core value of RESPECT, which is something we proudly display on every race car, team uniform, trackside hauler, and digital channel. Respect is not a slogan. It is a daily expectation that we “walk the walk” in how we speak, compete, and serve the communities that welcome our sport.

“Carson Hocevar’s recent comments made during the livestream fell short of that standard. They did not represent the views of Spire Motorsports, our partners, or NASCAR. He has acknowledged his mistake publicly, and his prompt, sincere apology demonstrated personal accountability. We now take this additional step to underscore that words carry weight, and respect must be lived out loud.

“Spire Motorsports has informed NASCAR of these penalties, and NASCAR has confirmed that our team-imposed discipline satisfies the sanctioning body’s requirements. Together we remain committed to showcasing NASCAR’s global growth, celebrating the passionate Mexican fanbase we experienced firsthand last weekend, and ensuring every member of our organization treats hosts, competitors, and communities with dignity.

“We look forward to turning the page by racing hard, representing our partners, and living our values on and off the track.”

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s comments were caught by Carson Hocevar’s in-car camera after the race.

On Monday, Hocevar wrote on social media:

“Maybe a kid that had never been out of the country until Thursday should ever give an opinion about what any place is like other than Portage, Michigan. When I answered that question on a stream, I was skeptical about the trip so far and believed everything I read or heard about Mexico City from people who more than likely also had never been here.

“Now that I’ve actually left my hotel a couple times and raced here in front of some of the most passionate fans I’ve ever seen, my opinion has changed.

“I am embarrassed by my comments, by the race I ran, and I may have to move here to hide out from Ricky (Stenhouse Jr.) anyway. Count this as another lesson for me in a season I’ve learned so much. Don’t believe everything you hear without seeing it yourself.

“If anyone should give anyone or any place the benefit of the doubt it’s me. I’m sorry Mexico City. Consider me an ally going forward and an example of getting off Twitch and seeing things with my own two eyes.”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — (AP) — A federal judge urged NASCAR and two of its teams, including one owned by retired NBA great Michael Jordan, to settle their increasingly acrimonious legal fight that spilled over into tense arguments during a hearing on Tuesday.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell of the Western District of North Carolina grilled both NASCAR and the teams — 23XI Racing, which is owned by Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports, owned by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins — on what they hoped to accomplish in the antitrust battle that has loomed over the stock car series for months.

“It’s hard to picture a winner if this goes to the mat — or to the flag — in this case,” Bell said. “It scares me to death to think about what all this is costing.”

23XI and Front Row were the only two organizations that refused to sign a take-it-or-leave-it offer from NASCAR last September on a new charter agreement. Charters are NASCAR’s version of a franchise model, with each charter guaranteeing entry to the lucrative Cup Series races and a stable revenue stream; 13 other teams signed the agreements last fall, with some contending they had little choice.

The nearly two-hour hearing was on the teams’ request to toss out NASCAR’s countersuit, which accuses Jordan business manager Curtis Polk of “willfully” violating antitrust laws by orchestrating anticompetitive collective conduct in negotiations. NASCAR said it learned in discovery that Polk in messages among the 15 teams tried to form a “cartel” type operation that would include threats of boycotting races and a refusal to individually negotiate.

One of NASCAR’s attorneys even cited a Benjamin Franklin quote Polk allegedly sent to the 15 organizations that read: “We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.”

Jeffrey Kessler, an attorney representing the teams, was angered by the revelation in open court, contending it is privileged information only revealed in discovery. Kessler also argued none of NASCAR’s claims in the countersuit prove anything illegal was done by Polk or the Race Team Alliance during the charter negotiation process.

“NASCAR knows it has no defense to the monopolization case so they have come up with this claim about joint negotiations, which they agreed to, never objected to, and now suddenly it’s an antitrust violation,” Kessler said outside court. “It makes absolutely no sense. It’s not going to help them deflect from the monopolizing they have done in this market and the harm they have inflicted.”

He added that “the attacks” on Polk were “false, unfounded and frankly beneath the dignity of my adversary to even make those type of comments, which he should know better about.”

NASCAR attorneys said Polk improperly tried to pressure all 15 teams that comprise the RTA to stand together collectively in negotiations and encouraged boycotting qualifying races for the 2024 Daytona 500. NASCAR, they said, took the threat seriously because the teams had previously boycotted a scheduled meeting with series executives.

“NASCAR knew the next step was they could boycott a race, which was a threat they had to take seriously,” attorney Lawrence Buterman said on behalf of NASCAR.

Kessler said outside court the two teams are open to settlement talks, but noted NASCAR has said it will not renegotiate the charters. NASCAR’s attorneys declined to comment after the hearing.

Bell did not indicate when he’d rule, other than saying he would decide quickly.

Preliminary injunction status

Kessler said he would file an appeal by the end of the week after a three-judge federal appellate panel dismissed a preliminary injunction that required NASCAR to recognize 23XI and Front Row as chartered teams while the court fight is being resolved.

Kessler wants the issue heard by the full appellate court. The injunction has no bearing on the merits of the case, which is scheduled to go to trial in December. The earliest NASCAR can treat the teams as unchartered is one week after the deadline to appeal, provided there is no pending appeal or whenever the appeals process has been exhausted.

There are 36 chartered cars for the 40-car field each week. If 23XI and Front Row are not recognized as chartered, their six cars would have to compete as “open” teams — which means they’d have to qualify on speed each week to make the race and they would receive a fraction of the money guaranteed for chartered teams.

Discovery issues

Some of the arguments Tuesday centered on Jonathan Marshall, the executive director of the RTA. NASCAR has demanded text messages and emails from Marshall and says it has received roughly 100 texts and over 55,000 pages of emails.

NASCAR wants all texts between Marshall and 55 people from 2020 through 2024 that contain specific search terms. Attorneys for the RTA said that covers more than 3,000 texts, some of which are privileged, and some that have been “deleted to save storage or he didn’t need them anymore.”

That issue is set to be heard during a hearing next Tuesday before Bell.

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The attorney for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports said Tuesday that he will seek a rehearing before the full Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals for both organizations to keep their chartered status.

Jeffrey Kessler, lead attorney for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports in its antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, made the comments after a hearing on another matter Tuesday in federal court.

The teams and Curtis Polk, co-owner of 23XI Racing, sought a dismissal of counterclaims NASCAR made against them. The judge made no decision on the counterclaims Tuesday after a nearly two-hour hearing that Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, Bob Jenkins, owner of Front Row Motorsports, and Polk attended. Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, was not in attendance.

The teams have a key deadline this week in another judicial matter.

A three-judge appellant panel ruled in NASCAR’s favor June 5 to rescind the preliminary injunction that has allowed 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to compete as chartered teams this season.

A three-judge panel ruled Thursday to vacate the preliminary injunction granted 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to run as chartered teams.

A district court judge granted the injunction in December, permitting the teams to receive all the benefits of a chartered team — including financial payments and guaranteed starting spots — despite not signing the charter agreement last year.

The teams have until Thursday to request a rehearing. Kessler confirmed Tuesday that the teams would meet that deadline.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think the three judges, if you read their opinion, actually dealt with the hard issues and that’s what the circuit will need to do,” Kessler said in response to a question from NBC Sports.

“For example, under their decision, Google could go to all of their customers and say if you want to be on my app store, you have to waive your antitrust rights so we never get a Google case. Apple could do the same.

“These types of forced releases by someone who is adjudicated to be a monopoly in some respect … we think they’re anti-competitive. We think if the whole Fourth Circuit looks at that — it’s hard to get a rehearing, may not get a rehearing — but we think it should have a rehearing.”

All six cars for both teams (the cars for Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace and Riley Herbst for 23XI Racing and the cars for Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith and Noah Gragson for Front Row Motorsports) would continue to be classified as having a charter as long as the appeal process continues.

NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps told drivers before the race: “Together, we are doing something that will be remembered in the history of our great sport.”

Tuesday before federal judge Kenneth D. Bell, both sides argued about about the merits of counterclaims NASCAR had filed. In its original filing on March 5, NASCAR claimed that 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports and Polk “embarked on a strategy to threaten, coerce, and extort NASCAR into meeting their demands for better contract and financial terms.”

The judge posed several questions in Tuesday’ session.

At the start of the hearing, the judge asked both sides what they sought from the matter. Kessler said that if the teams win their case — the trial is scheduled to begin Dec. 1 — they could seek to force NASCAR to divest its ownership of tracks, a point he reiterated to reporters after Tuesday’s court session.

“We really won’t decide on the injunctive relief until after the jury verdict because you have to tailor your relief to what the jury finds and what issues come out,” Kessler told reporters. “ … But as I noted to the judge, there are lots of relief that is well known in the antitrust laws, one of which is divesture, which would be to separate the running of NASCAR and the commercial terms and the tracks.

“Another one is getting rid of all these restrictions that stop the tracks from having competing events, stop the other teams from racing in other events, stop the teams from using their Next Gen cars in other events.

“Those are the things where monopolists cannot continue to impose those restrictions and there may be other types of relief in terms making this a competitive market going forward in addition to the treble damages and other relief that we’re seeking.”

NASCAR’s first international Cup points race since 1958 was memorable for some and not so much for others.

Chris Yates, lead attorney for NASCAR, said in court that NASCAR was not seeking to add other teams to the lawsuit. “We’re more than happy to omit it to the named defendants.”

Yates did not speak to reporters after Tuesday’s hearing.

At the end of the hearing, Bell gave a warning to both sides as he looked ahead at the antitrust lawsuit.

“Hard to picture a real winner if this goes to the mat, or the flag, in this case,” he said.

Kessler was asked about the judge’s comments after the hearing.

“We’ve always indicated that if there could be a fair settlement breach, that we could come to something that’s good for everybody, I’m a lawyer, I always am open to settlement,” Kessler said. “I think my clients are always open to settlement.

“The problem here has been NASCAR. If you listened to Mr. Yates at the Fourth Circuit, the Fourth Circuit asked him about this, ‘Oh yes, we’re going to have mediation but don’t expect us to agree to anything.’

“They’re not going to agree to anything, we’ll see them at trial. We are very much open to what all the judges are saying is this is a case that should be settled and worked out so that everyone could go forward racing, the fans don’t have to read and hear about all of this and could have a better system for everyone.”

By The Associated Press

All Times Eastern

NASCAR CUP SERIES

The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VISITPA.COM

Site: Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Track: Pocono Raceway.

Race distance: 160 laps, 400 miles.

Schedule: Saturday, practice, 12:45 p.m., qualifying, 1:45 p.m.; Sunday, race, 2 p.m. (Prime Video and MAX).

Last year: Ryan Blaney earned his second win of the season, taking the lead and never looking back after passing a penalized Kyle Larson with 44 laps to go.

Last race: Shane van Gisbergen dominated in Mexico, leading the final 32 laps and winning by more than 16 seconds.

Next race: June 28, Hampton, Georgia.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES

Explore the Pocono Mountains 250

Site: Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Track: Pocono Raceway.

Race distance: 100 laps, 250 miles.

Schedule: Saturday, practice, 10 a.m., qualifying, 11:05 a.m., race, 3:30 p.m. (CW).

Last year: Cole Custer secured his first victory of the season after taking the lead from Justin Allgaier on a restart with nine laps to go.

Last race: Starting from the rear in a backup car, Daniel Suárez stuns the field in Mexico after taking the lead in a three-wide battle.

Next race: June 27, Hampton, Georgia.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES

MillerTech Battery 200

Site: Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Track: Pocono Raceway.

Race distance: 80 laps, 200 miles.

Schedule: Friday, practice, 12:35 p.m., qualifying, 1:40 p.m., race, 5 p.m. (FS1).

Last year: Corey Heim claimed his fifth series win after leading 55 of 70 laps in a race that was delayed due to rain.

Last race: Stewart Friesen held off Enfinger late to secure the victory in Michigan, breaking a 72-race losing streak and grabbing his first win since 2022.

Next race: June 28, Lakeville, Connecticut.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

FORMULA ONE

Last race: George Russell held off Verstappen and took hist first win of the season in Canada in a dramatic race that saw McLaren teammates Norris and Piastri collide.

Next race: June 29, Spielberg, Austria.

Online: http://www.formula1.com

INDYCAR

XPEL Grand Prix at Road America

Site: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

Track: Road America.

Race distance: 55 laps, 220.77 miles.

Schedule: Friday, practice, 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, practice, 11 a.m., qualifying, 2:30 p.m.; Sunday, warmup, 10 a.m., race, 1:30 p.m. (FOX).

Last year: Will Power scored his first win in two years after a late strategic pit stop vaulted him into the lead.

Last race: Kyle Kirkwood grabbed his first oval win in Madison, thanks to quick teamwork in a late pit stop that put him out front for good.

Next race: July 6, Lexington, Ohio.

Online: http://www.indycar.com

NHRA DRAG RACING

American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals

Site: North Dinwiddie, Virginia.

Track: Virginia Motorsports Park.

Race distance: 1/4 mile.

Schedule: Saturday, qualifying, 11:30 a.m., qualifying, 2 p.m., qualifying, 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, qualifying, 2 p.m., race, 4 p.m. (FOX).

Next race: June 29, Norwalk, Ohio.

Online: http://www.nhra.com

WORLD OF OUTLAWS

Huset’s Hustle – Night 1

Site: Brandon, S.D.

Track: Huset’s Speedway.

Huset’s Hustle – Night 2

Site: Brandon, S.D.

Track: Huset’s Speedway.

St. Louis Firecracker Faceoff – Night 1

Site: Pevely, Mo.

Track: I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park.

Billionauto.com Husets’s High Bank Nationals presented by Menard’s – Night 1

Site: Brandon, S.D.

Track: Huset’s Speedway.

St. Louis Firecracker Faceoff – Night 2

Site: Pevely, Mo.

Track: I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park.

Billionauto.com Husets’s High Bank Nationals presented by Menard’s – Night 2

Site: Brandon, S.D.

Track: Huset’s Speedway.

Monday Madness at Independence

Track: Independence Motor Speedway

Site: Independence, Iowa.

Next events: June 26-29, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, New Richmond, Wisconsin, Grand Forks, N.D., Ada, Minnesota, Minot, N.D.

Online: http://worldofoutlaws.com

_____

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/apf-AutoRacing

When Shane van Gisbergen crossed the finish line in Mexico City, he was over 16 seconds clear of runner-up finisher Christopher Bell in the biggest margin of victory in any NASCAR Cup race since the 2009 season.

He once again showcased his otherworldly abilities as a road course ace, but in the end, road courses only make up six of the 36 races on the Cup schedule, and just one in the playoffs.

“That’s why I’m here, to win road races,” said van Gisbergen. “But I’m not here to run last on the ovals either. I need to keep getting better to justify being a Cup Series driver. I need to be performing on the ovals, too.

“I feel like we’re really making strides, but yeah, this is what I’m here to do, make the playoffs, put another Trackhouse car in the playoffs, and yeah, can’t wait to do the victory lunch during the week at Trackhouse and just see how stoked everyone is there.

“You see the effort everyone puts in, and they don’t get the glory. They’re just stuck at the shop. I love taking that and sharing that moment with them during the week.”

Always improving on ovals

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Photo by: David Jensen / Getty Images

SVG’s year got off to a slow start with six finishes of 31st or worst in the first eight oval races. However, he has shown a dramatic improvement in recent weeks with three top 20s in the last four races — as well as a pole position in the All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro.

“I am getting better and more competitive on ovals,” noted SVG. “I said earlier, my average oval running position has gone from 85th to 10th to 20th or 10th to 15th on a good day. Like we’re really making a lot of progress and sort of not been forcing. I’ve been methodical, got better every got better every week, and it’ll been really fun working with my #88 crew all year, but the last couple of months, yeah, it’s been great to show some improvement and be competitive.”

Van Gisbergen’s best showing on ovals actually came with Kaulig Racing last fall at Martinsville, finishing 12th. His best showing this year was 14th in the Coca-Cola 600. While learning ovals in the Xfinity Series, he finished as high as third at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Photos from Mexico City – Race

This weekend, NASCAR makes its stop at Pocono Raceway, with races starting on Friday, June 20, and ending with the Cup Series’ Great American Getaway 400 on Sunday, June 22, in Long Pond, Pa. And unlike previous years, the Tricky Triangle has some added juice as the track is a part of the new in-season tournament.

Here is what you need to know for race weekend at Pocono Raceway, whether you’re sitting in the grandstands, hanging out in the campgrounds or watching at home.

When is the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway?

The CRAFTSMAN Truck Series kicks off race weekend at Pocono Raceway. The MillerTech Battery 200 takes place Friday, June 20, at 5 p.m. ET.

When is the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway?

The Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 takes place Saturday, June 21, at 3:30 p.m. ET. Qualifying for Sunday’s Cup Series race will take place prior to this race on Saturday.

When is the NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway?

The Great American Getaway 400 takes place on Sunday, June 22, at 2 p.m. ET. This is the last NASCAR race to take place at Pocono Raceway in 2025.

Where can I purchase tickets for race weekend at Pocono Raceway?

Limited tickets are still available for the Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Truck series events at Pocono Raceway. Tickets for all three races can be purchased here.

On June 11, Pocono Raceway announced the entire inventory of camping sites sold out.

Where can I park for race weekend at Pocono Raceway?

Parking is free for attendees at Pocono Raceway. The track also has additional parking.

How can I watch race weekend at Pocono Raceway?

Television coverage of race weekend at Pocono Raceway, including the Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Truck Series, will be broadcast on various platforms depending on the race.

Friday, June 20: MillerTech Battery 200 (CRAFTSMAN Truck Series)

FS1: 5 p.m. start (Click here to learn more about access to FS1)

Saturday, June 21: Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 (Xfinity Series)

CW: 3:30 p.m. start (Click here to find your local CW channel/broadcast)

Sunday, June 22: Great American Getaway 400 (Cup Series)

Prime Video: 2 p.m. start (Click here for Prime Video subscription information)

What are the projected weather conditions for Pocono Raceway?

According to the Weather Channel, there is a minimal chance of rain all three days ― 18% on Friday, 12% on Saturday and 20% on Sunday. Winds are also projected to be around 10 MPH all weekend.

It’s expected to rain significantly Monday through Thursday, notably a 50% chance on Thursday, but it should subside after that.

Sunday’s Cup Series race, which is what most fans are preparing for, is projected to be partly cloudy with a high of 82 degrees and a low of 65 degrees.

Friday’s CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and Saturday’s Xfinity Series have similar weather projections: highs of low 80s and high 70s, and lows of mid 60s and high 50s.