Back in 2009, Denny Hamlin gave NASCAR one of its most emotional moments. Just days after his grandmother passed away, Hamlin climbed into his car at Pocono Raceway with a heavy heart. He led 91 laps and took the checkered flag in the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500. But his victory wasn’t just another win—it was personal. As he rolled into Victory Lane, tears filled his eyes. He paused, wiped his face, and quietly walked away.
It wasn’t just about racing that day. It was about honoring someone who always believed in him. Hamlin later revealed how close they were. “She had a 30-inch TV that she sat about four inches from, and that’s how she could see me and see my car. She always wore her No. 11 socks,” he said. His team said that her death could’ve broken him, but instead, it fueled him. “His grandmother was his No. 1 fan,” said Joe Gibbs Racing president J.D. Gibbs.
Now, in 2025, another young NASCAR driver faces a similar heartbreak. Carson Hocevar, the 22-year-old driver of the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, announced that his grandmother had passed away. Just like Hamlin once did, Hocevar is preparing to race with sorrow in his heart. And just like in 2009, the NASCAR world is rallying around one of its own. On Thursday, Carson Hocevar shared heartbreaking news with fans.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he revealed that his grandmother, Margret Hocevar, had passed away earlier in the week. He posted two touching photos, one showing her name on his race car’s nameplate and another showing him gently holding her hand. “Unfortunately, we lost my grandmother this week. I drove to Michigan after the race on Sunday to say my final goodbyes,” he wrote.
“Her favourite story to tell was when I was first born, she held me for the first time, and I saw her gold necklace and grabbed onto it and wouldn’t let go. That Monday, I wish I didn’t have to let go, but I’m glad I got to hold onto her one more time. She was my biggest supporter, and I know she’s not only in a better place but now won’t have to miss anything as she’ll be watching above us,” he further added.
unfortunately we lost my grand mother this week. i drove to michigan after the race on sunday to say my final goodbyes.
her favorite story to tell was when i was first born she held me for the first time and i saw her gold necklace and grabbed onto it and wouldn’t let go. that… pic.twitter.com/6cnYaUwJ3I
— Carson Hocevar (@CarsonHocevar) April 10, 2025
Fans filled the comments with love and condolences. One user wrote, “Can’t imagine living through NASCAR history and having your grandson make it all the way to the Cup Series. She must have been incredibly proud of you.” That’s a sentiment that echoed far and wide. Notably, His post also hinted at a tribute: the same nameplate will ride with him at Bristol, possibly on the Chili’s-themed Spire Motorsports car. Bristol provides Hocevar with the opportunity to turn his Cup Series season around amid such tough times.
The Spire Motorsports driver will be keen to improve his stats at Thunder Valley. Notably, Hocevar’s 2025 season hasn’t been smooth, but it has been full of grit. He nearly stole a win in Atlanta, finishing second behind Christopher Bell. But since then, he’s faced tough races, including a chaotic day at Darlington, where he was involved in two major incidents. Despite the wrecks, he’s raced with fire and determination.
His numbers reflect the ups and downs. In eight races, he has one top-five and one top-10 finish. His average finish is 24.88, and he’s completed 85.5% of the laps run. Three DNFs hurt, but his raw pace shows promise. He’s led five laps and remains a driver to watch, especially when he keeps the car clean. Bristol might be the right track at the right time. He’s made three career Cup Series starts there, and his best finish came in 2023 when he placed 11th.
That race, he showed strong speed and control and even started seventh in the fall event—his best Cup qualifying effort so far. With emotions high and his grandmother in mind, Hocevar now returns to the short track where memories can be made fast. He will drive for his grandmother, and winning the Food City 500 would be the perfect tribute.
Fans rally behind Carson Hocevar in hard times!
The NASCAR community knows how to show up in times of loss. As soon as Carson posted about his grandmother, fans poured in with words of comfort and encouragement. A user posted, “Sorry for your loss, Carson. Put on a show for her!” This is a reminder that while this weekend will be tough, it also presents an opportunity to honor her in the way only a driver can. Racing at full throttle, with love in your heart and a purpose beyond the trophy.
Some fans also shared their condolences in simple yet impactful words. Notably, many fans reflected on their own losses, tying their emotions to Hocevar’s story. A user wrote, “Grandmas are the best.” Another user echoed the sentiments and said, “Sorry for your loss, bro.” Meanwhile, many reminded Hocevar that he was not alone in this tough time.
“Many prayers for you and your family, Carson. Just know she will always be with you.” Another added, “She will be watching over you at Bristol this weekend.” These words weren’t just comfort. They were reminders of the bond between fans and drivers. NASCAR isn’t just about speed—it’s about community. Racing is loud. It’s wild, unpredictable, and thrilling. But in moments like these, it also becomes human. It becomes about connection.
For Carson Hocevar, this weekend’s race is no longer just another stop on the Cup schedule. It’s a tribute, and thanks to his fans, he’s not doing it alone.
Rest in peace, Margret Hocevar. Your grandson will carry your name at 200 mph.
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