Carson Hocevar, who sustained an injury to his right lower extremity in a last-lap crash during Saturday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at WWT Raceway, will actually suit up and race this weekend at Sonoma Raceway.
Niece Motorsports made the announcement in the form of a press release on Wednesday.
While Hocevar will start the race in the No. 42 truck — ensuring that he scores points in the DoorDash 250 — NASCAR Cup Series competitor Daniel Suarez will be on standby for Hocevar if a relief driver is needed during the race.
Hocevar says he is feeling better every day since the vicious crash took place.
“I’m feeling better every day and I’m looking forward to being behind the wheel of the No. 42 Worldwide Express Chevrolet this weekend,” Hocevar said. “I’m thankful for Daniel’s willingness to step up this weekend for our No. 42 team. None of this is possible without the great partnership Niece Motorsports has formed with Worldwide Express and Trackhouse Racing.”
Hocevar’s sponsor for the event — Worldwide Express — which also sponsors Suarez’s Trackhouse Racing team in the NASCAR Cup Series, is the prime reason Hocevar was able to have such a qualified driver at the ready if need be.
“We’re fortunate to have as dedicated a partner there is in the sport in Worldwide Express, who, along with Ross Chastain, has strengthened our connection with Trackhouse Racing to give us an opportunity to remain competitive this weekend with Daniel behind the wheel if the situation calls for it,” said Niece Motorsports general manager Cody Efaw. “We’re appreciative of Daniel’s efforts and the commitment of Worldwide Express to make this weekend possible. We’re proud of everything Carson and the No. 42 team have accomplished and look forward to watching them compete for a championship this year.”
Suarez says if he’s needed, he’ll be ready to put his best performance in for Hocevar and the No. 42 team.
“I’m happy to help out Carson and the Niece Motorsports No. 42 team this weekend,” said Suárez. “I hope Carson is on his way back to feeling 100 percent. I hope he can go out and give Worldwide Express a good show. If they need me in relief, I’ll do my best to get them a good finish.”
The press release from Niece Motorsports does not disclose any further information or updates on Hocevar’s injury that was sustained last week.
Hocevar, 19, sits eighth in the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series point standings heading into this weekend’s action at Sonoma. The driver, who is still looking for his first career win in NCWTS competition, has scored two runner-up finishes this season.
Hocevar’s gritty performance this season, along with the synergy between Niece Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing made having Suarez on standby a no-brainer decision for Trackhouse team owner Justin Marks.
“First, we are fans of Carson and what he has done during this season,” said Trackhouse owner and founder Justin Marks. “We are also very aware of the importance of Niece Motorsports to Ross Chastain and the relationship they have built over the years. Add in the commonality of a sponsor like Worldwide Express, who is committed to both Niece and Trackhouse, and we were very happy to help this weekend in Sonoma. If necessary, Daniel will do a great job in representing Trackhouse, Niece, WWEX and Chevrolet while Carson recovers and gets prepared for a championship run later this season.”
Suarez has scored one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win in 28-career starts. The Mexico-native sits 20th in the NASCAR Cup Series point standings after 15 races in 2022.
