Picture this: A rising NASCAR superstar, buzzing with energy and a knack for stirring up the track, decides to hunt for treasures on Facebook Marketplace. It's not just everyday bargains he's after – he's eyeing vintage race cars to add to his collection! But here's where it gets controversial: Is this hobby a harmless passion, or does it blur the lines between professional racing and personal indulgence? Stick around, because Carson Hocevar's story is about to reveal some surprising twists that might just change how you view celebrity quirks.
Carson Hocevar, the 22-year-old sensation lighting up the NASCAR Cup Series with Spire Motorsports, has become a household name this season. His bold, sometimes divisive driving style – blending raw talent with a fearless approach that ruffles feathers – has fans and critics alike talking. Off the track, though, Hocevar has a reputation for unconventional shopping sprees, and his latest revelation centers on Facebook Marketplace, that online platform where people buy and sell everything from furniture to forgotten treasures right in their communities. For beginners wondering what makes it special, think of it as a digital garage sale: You can find unique items locally, often at a steal, without the hassle of big retailers.
In a candid chat with The Athletic (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6673627/2025/10/01/carson-hocevar-nascar-car-collection-visualization-12-questions/), Hocevar spilled the beans on his growing collection of old stock cars. He already owns three or four, and his eyes are set on more. 'Definitely another NASCAR car,' he shared when asked about his next buy. 'I’m up to three or four that I own. One’s going to be a remake of a street car I saw in a funny Instagram post. Another is a real Cup car I want to get.' It's a fascinating glimpse into how drivers like him blend their love for racing history with modern online shopping – imagine collecting pieces of NASCAR's past, like owning a slice of American motorsport heritage, to relive the thrills or even tinker with them for fun.
But here's the part most people miss: Hocevar isn't chasing every legendary relic. He turned down a chance at a 1981 Dale Earnhardt Sr. car, a true icon in racing lore. 'There’s a 1981 Dale Earnhardt car or something on Facebook Marketplace that people DM and text me about all the time,' he explained. 'The people even DM’d me specifically asking if I wanted it before they listed it, but I’m like, 'No, I’m good. I have enough Dale stuff.'' And it doesn't stop there – fellow drivers are in on the action, flooding his inbox. 'Christian Eckes texted me something, Jesse Love sent me something. Even drivers I don’t really talk to that much are sending me stuff.' This raises an intriguing question: In a sport where rivalries run deep, is sharing marketplace tips a sign of camaraderie, or just another way to one-up each other? It's a subtle nod to the brotherhood of racing, yet it sparks debate about whether these personal connections influence the competitive edge on the track.
Speaking of controversies, let's dive into the buzz surrounding Hocevar's claim of buying a Chili's restaurant branch. For those new to the story, Chili's is a popular American chain known for its casual dining and Tex-Mex flair, and Hocevar is sponsored by them, making any tie-in feel like a natural fit. He posted on social media: 'I BOUGHT MY HOMETOWN CHILI’S LOCATION IN PORTAGE, MICHIGAN. I am excited to announce after seeing this post [from a local radio station claiming the Chili's location would be torn down], I made a call and got a hold of my friends at Chili’s. I wanted to be able to save this location as it’s very close to home. It shocked me to find out the folks at 107.7 RKR had no base to their claims, and this location was open. I figured it would be worthy investment to still invest and so I am proud to announce that I bought this Chili’s location in my hometown.'
At first glance, it seemed plausible – Hocevar's known for quirky buys, so why not a restaurant? But here's where the plot thickens, and it gets really controversial: It wasn't entirely true. Hocevar later admitted it was a clever ruse to counter the radio station's clickbait. 'So, in Portage some radio station made some clickbait thing about the Chili's shutting down,' he revealed. 'And [Chili's] asked me if I would promote it, say it's not closed, and I was like...can I just say I bought it? Until the first payment hits? They loved it, so that's kind of how you fight fire with fire nowadays. Clickbait, you gotta fight it with another clickbait. The radio station made a retraction that got about 11 likes, but the original post got about 600 comments and 500 shares or something.'
This incident highlights a bigger issue in today's digital age: the battle between sensationalism and truth. On one hand, Hocevar's stunt boosted awareness and engagement, turning a potential negative into a positive for the brand. On the other, it raises ethical questions – is it okay to bend the truth for a good cause, or does it erode trust? Some might argue it's harmless fun in the era of viral content, while others see it as misleading fans who take social media posts at face value. And this is the part that could spark heated debates: In a world where misinformation spreads like wildfire, should celebrities like Hocevar be held to higher standards, or is this just smart marketing in disguise?
For more on the NASCAR scene, check out this related update: NASCAR TODAY: Kyle Busch switch confirmed as Richard Childress Racing release retirement update (https://www.gpfans.com/us/f1-news/1063545/nascar-today-kyle-busch-switch-confirmed-as-richard-childress-racing-release-retirement-update/).
What do you think? Is Carson Hocevar's approach to shopping and promotions a breath of fresh air in racing, or does it cross into risky territory? Do you agree that fighting clickbait with more clickbait is fair game, or should we demand stricter honesty from public figures? Share your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear your take! And if you're in the US, set GPFans.com as your preferred Google source for the latest NASCAR news (https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=gpfans.com).
