"That's a 1-of-1 archetype.": NASCAR insider backs Carson Hocevar's dismissal of comparison to Dale Sr.

Carson Hocevar has responded to comparisons of his aggressive driving to the legendary Dale Earnhardt, stating that he's not 'trying to play a part' and wishes to forge his own identity. NASCAR insider Steven Taranto backed the young driver's stance and proclaimed Earnhardt's unique legacy as a '1-of-1 archetype.'

Hocevar made headlines during last weekend's Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway when he took out Ricky Stenhouse Jr. en route to his second-place finish. While many expected a severe reaction from Stenhouse, the two drivers have seemingly made up over the week, with the two-time Xfinity Series champion absolving Hocevar of his on-track antics.

The move drew parallels to his earlier bout at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where his reckless driving frustrated several veterans. The pattern has now earned him a reputation much like 'The intimidator,' a nickname Earnhardt gained for his ruthless driving style.

Speaking ahead of the FireKeepers 400 at Michigan International Speedway, when asked whether he was the 'new intimidator,' Hocevar denied the idea and focused on creating his own niche in the sport. Taranto shared an excerpt of the media interview on his X handle.

"I don't think I'm New Anything, I think I'm New Me ... I'm not trying to play a part or try to fit a role or try to pretend to be anybody. That's for everybody else to decide, what they get and perceive of me. But I know who I am, and ultimately I want to be known as me," he said.

Taranto agreed with Hocevar's view, noting that comparisons with icons like Dale Earnhardt are misplaced.

"Before everyone starts in my replies: No one's Dale Earnhardt. That's like saying an edge rusher in the NFL is the new Lawrence Taylor or something or like a dual-threat QB is the new Cam Newton. That's a 1-of-1 archetype," he said via X.

Steven Taranto

@STaranto92

Before everyone starts in my replies: No one's Dale Earnhardt. That's like saying an edge rusher in the NFL is the new Lawrence Taylor or something or like a dual-threat QB is the new Cam Newton. That's a 1-of-1 archetype.

Earlier this year, Carson Hocevar bought a 1997 Truck from Facebook Marketplace and customized it to resemble Earnhardt's No.3 Goodwrench car. He spoke about wanting a NASCAR car as his daily ride and how the Dale Truck drove him to make that purchase.

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"It's cool to just be talked about": Carson Hocevar enjoys the spotlight after Nashville debacle

Carson Hocevar is soaking in the attention following the Ricky Stenhouse Jr fiasco at Nashville Superspeedway. The Spire motorsports driver revealed that it's 'fun' to be in the news, despite facing criticisms from fans and analysts alike.

During a Saturday (June 7) press conference at Michigan International Speedway, Hocevar addressed the media attention he was getting post-Nashville.

"It's cool to just be talked about. Obviously, you want to be talked about maybe in a different light, but at least they're talking. ...Ultimately, it's fun to be in the news. It's what I've dreamt of my whole life, being a topic of conversation,"

Driving the No.77 Chevy, Carson Hocevar qualified 14th for Sunday's race. As a fellow Michigan native, the 22-year-old looks to post his first Cup Series victory in his home turf. His last result at the track saw him round out the top 10 after starting from eleventh.