One man’s opportunity is another man’s opportunity, too.
In a chain reaction-like set of events, Carson Hocevar is set to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in Sunday’s Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway.
Hocevar, who competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Niece Motorsports, will drive the No. 7 Schluter Systems Chevrolet Camaro in Sunday’s event, taking over the seat usually occupied by Corey Lajoie.
The opportunity presents itself as a result of LaJoie getting the call from Hendrick Motorsports, taking over the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro for Sunday’s event at Gateway, as Chase Elliott serves a one-race suspension.
A native of Portage, Michigan, Hocevar has a pre-existing relationship with the two-car NASCAR Cup Series organization, as a part of the organization’s NASCAR Xfinity Series program, which debuted earlier this month at Darlington.
In two events driving the No. 77 in the second-tier series, Hocevar has scored a pair of top-10 finishes, with a sixth at Darlington Raceway and an eighth on Monday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“We’re always happy to help our friends at Hendrick Motorsports and couldn’t be prouder to see Corey LaJoie get the opportunity of a lifetime to race a Hendrick Motorsports’ Chevrolet,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “When we were approached by HMS, it was really an easy answer. Our entire organization and the whole team at Schluter Systems are on board and thrilled to see Corey realize an incredible opportunity. At the same time, we’re eager to see Carson Hocevar get behind the wheel of the No. 7 Schluter Systems Chevy Camaro. Carson has proven to be more than capable and he’s done a great job in our No. 77 Premier Security Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. This is a win for everyone involved.”
The decision comes partially as a result of the logistical implications of the NASCAR Xfinity Series being in Portland this weekend, while the NASCAR Cup Series joins the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in St. Louis.
