Spire suspends Hocevar for NASCAR Cup Series finale at Homestead-Miami

Spire Motorsports has suspended Carson Hocevar for this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway following his clash with Austin Cindric during Sunday's race at Martinsville Speedway. The team confirmed Justin Haley will drive the No. 77 Spectrum Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in his place.

Hocevar brake checked Cindric several times during Stage 2 of the Xfinity 500, causing severe damage to the front of the No. 2 that ultimately resulted in Cindric's retirement. Telemetry data shows Hocevar applying an unusual – and otherwise inexplicable – braking pattern moments before each run-in with Cindric.

Jeff Dickerson, co-owner of Spire Motorsports, explained the decision in a statement.

“A decision like this has a lot of variables and a cascading effect across an organization like ours," said Dickerson. "The easy thing would have been to leave this in NASCAR's hands and let them decide what any penalty should be. To us, however, this isn’t about money or points. We believe in respect. Our integrity matters. This is the right decision for Spire Motorsports.

"Everyone here loves working with Carson, and we've enjoyed watching him thrive alongside our team. Sometimes the right decision for someone you care about hurts in the short term. The way Carson conducted himself at Martinsville doesn’t meet the standard we set for our drivers, team members or employees, and there are consequences for that. That doesn't mean we don't love him and support him.

"Racing at the Cup level is a privilege, and it comes with an expected level of professionalism from everyone who represents Spire Motorsports. We'll go to Homestead united and compete as an organization. After that, we can get ready for Daytona in February with the right mindset to contend for a championship."

Hocevar responded with a statement of his own via social media and took responsibility for the incident.

"This is an embarrassing day for me," he wrote. "I let the people down that gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to drive a Cup car. I also let down my team, sponsors and fans. I crossed the line with my on-track actions and gave Jeff and Spire Motorsports no option but to put someone else in the 77 car this weekend at Homestead.

"I'll be rooting for the entire organization this weekend and look forward to coming back in 2027 as a better driver, competitor and teammate."