It has become sort of a tradition now that every NASCAR driver appearing on the Racin with the Boys podcast is asked about Carson Hocevar. 

And it was no different for fellow Chevrolet driver Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 5 Kyle Larson. The reigning Cup champion appeared on the podcast and spoke about several things, but the selective minutes all NASCAR fans heard were when Larson was speaking about the No. 77 Spire Chevrolet driver. 

When Larson was told by the hosts and NFL players Will Compton and Taylor Lewan that every driver on their show is asked about their thoughts on Hocevar, Larson immediately broke into laughter. 

But then the 2-time Cup champ replied on the podcast and recognized Hocevar’s talents before saying, “He's young, but he's just kind of like, he's definitely more immature than what his age is. I have his little Twitch stream thing pop up on my Instagram feed every now and then. I’m like, dude, this guy’s like an eight-year-old.”

Larson added, “That’s where I lose a bit of respect, because I’m like, man, this guy’s supposed to be like, could be the future of our sport acting like he’s eight years old. But no. I mean, he’s phenomenal. He outruns his teammates by a lot every week.”

Compton and Leewan will be impressed to find out that the man that they have asked all their NASCAR guests about is also a listener of their podcast. 

This is because Carson Hocevar heard what Larson had to say and then posted a message on his X after qualifying 2nd ahead of Larson in 3rd. Hocevar wrote, “they fr let an 8 year old qualify on the front row 🤯”

While Larson starts behind Hocevar in Sonoma, the HMS driver also recognized what Hocevar is all about and even had some words of praise for the Spire 77. 

Larson believes Hocevar needs to harness his full potential

While Larson had his say on the things that Hovevar is doing, he also said, “I respect his talent. I think he’s extremely good. He’s good and fast.”

On the same podcast, Larson added, “He’s really good, and he’s gonna be around for a long time, and gonna win a lot of races. I think once he definitely harnesses himself some, and kind of can dial back that aggression a little bit, and manage a race better, I think he can win multiple races a year.”

As the battle continues out of track, Larson continues his hunt for a first win this season while Hocevar searches for his second career win on a track where he has shown to have good pace. 

Hocevar sits 9th in the standings while Larson sits 5th, with both drivers looking to accumulate maximum points to have an advantage going into the Chase. 

Read more at the RFK Racing Digest!

Written by

Debrup Chaudhuri

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason