Ross Chastain’s return to the Truck Series at Homestead-Miami was supposed to be about nostalgia, racing, and honoring Niece Motorsports’ ten-year anniversary. But before he could even fire up the engine, a familiar face greeted him. Carson Hocevar! The young Cup Series rookie turned interviewer caught up with Chastain pre-race, setting the stage for what seemed like a routine exchange.
Chastain spoke fondly of his history with Niece Motorsports, recalling his first races with the team in 2018. “It’s been an incredible journey for him [Al Niece] and I and his team,” he said, emphasizing his loyalty to the organization. “I’ll run for Al as long as he’ll have me.” For Chastain, driving for Niece was more than just another race. It was a homecoming.
But the conversation took a turn when Chastain jokingly acknowledged that Hocevar was standing there, not in a firesuit, but holding a microphone. That’s when he fired off a quick-witted remark: “I’d say I’m the most relieved though, that you’ve got a microphone, not a steering wheel in your hand.”
The line, wrapped in humor, hinted at the tensions between the two after their on-track clash at Atlanta weeks prior. To jog your memory, Chastain had received a dirty push from Hocevar, which forced him out of contention at the 2025 Ambetter Health 400. Chastain was running second. You can guess the man’s frustration! Ross Chastain even confronted Hocevar on pit road after the race, as the latter ended up with a career-best P2 finish, but had to take an earful from his mentor.
@RossChastain is ready to roll tonight with @NieceMotorsport.
(Solid work, @CarsonHocevar) pic.twitter.com/AqNjeoplZG
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 22, 2025
That Atlanta race saw Chastain’s playoff hopes plummet after Hocevar got into him in the overtime restart. At the time, Chastain had kept his response measured, saying, “I lost because of him.” But the frustration was clear. Now, with Hocevar temporarily off the track and behind a mic, Chastain couldn’t resist the opportunity for a subtle dig.
While the comment was lighthearted, it was impossible to ignore the underlying tension. Chastain may have smiled as he said it, but NASCAR fans haven’t forgotten how aggressive Chastain can be on the track. Whether Hocevar took it as a joke or a reminder of their unfinished business remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure—Chastain knows how to keep things interesting, both on and off the track.
Stay tuned for more updates!
The post ‘Relieved’ Ross Chastain Takes a Brutal Dig at Notorious Cup Mentee Weeks After Heated Confrontation appeared first on EssentiallySports.
