Heartbreak for Hocevar as Cut Tire Derails His Day in Michigan

By David Morgan, Associate Editor

Heartbreak for the hometown kid in Michigan.

A week after a runner-up finish at Nashville, Carson Hocevar was looking to go one better in Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway and with the laps winding down he was in position to do just that.

However, for the Portage, Michigan native, his breakthrough win in the NASCAR Cup Series would have to wait for another day.

After starting 14^th, Hocevar would finish inside the top-10 in both of the first two stages and on Lap 121 of 200, he stormed into the lead in his No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet to the approval of his fellow Michiganders on hand.

Just listen to the crowd as @CarsonHocevar takes the lead. 🖤
pic.twitter.com/z6e538Pw1E

— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) June 8, 2025

With fuel mileage a concern for not only Hocevar, but also the other leaders, it was shaping up to be a tense run to the finish. Unfortunately, he would not get to see how things would play out for him when his left rear tire let go on Lap 181, forcing him to pit road and sinking any hope he had at the win.

After bolting on four fresh Goodyears, Hocevar would return to the track and limped home in 29^th place.

As the Cup Series heads south of the border to Mexico City next weekend, Hocevar and his No. 77 team will look to regroup with 11 races remaining until the Playoffs. Following Sunday’s finish at Michigan, Hocevar sits 18 points below the cut-off line.

two days in a row with a flat LR leading.. today is a little more disappointing. thankful to be upfront all weekend at home. headed home with our heads held high. 👍

— Carson Hocevar (@CarsonHocevar) June 8, 2025

☹️☹️☹️ pic.twitter.com/1z5sbFUzSH

— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) June 8, 2025