It is widely believed that NASCAR is at its best when drivers embrace their personalities instead of shying away from controversy. Arguing that rivalries and candid exchanges ultimately make the series more entertaining for fans, insiders Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi are calling for it too.

Speaking on Monday's episode of "The Teardown" podcast, Gluck cited Ty Gibbs as someone who understands the value of rivalries. When Gluck recently spoke to Gibbs, the JGR driver said that rivalries are good for the sport, referencing the example of Haiden Deegan and Jett Lawrence from Supercross.

Gluck then added the example of Hocevar and Heim on the podcast, saying, “He (Gibbs) was talking about Supercross with Haiden Deegan and stuff, and he's like, ‘Yeah, sometimes you got to play into it a little bit,’ and I think that's what Carson plays into it, Heim plays into it." 

Gluck explained that rivalries and exchanges don't necessarily have to be controversial.

"I mean, it's fun. It can be fun," he added. "It doesn't always have to be like, 'Let's all run from this. Let's all, 'Oh, we can't have this controversy.'"

According to Gluck and Bianchi, NASCAR spent years in an era where drivers avoided any controversy due to the fear of upsetting sponsors or team management. Instead of speaking openly, many competitors chose carefully rehearsed answers, resulting in what the hosts described as a more sanitized environment.

They believe that the trend is finally beginning to reverse, with younger drivers appearing far more comfortable engaging in rivalries, social media exchanges, and public disagreements.

Corey Heim's blunt response after Carson Hocevar incident in San Diego: “I’m never going to cut him any slack”

The rivalry between Carson Hocevar and Corey Heim goes way back to 2023, when Hocevar spun out Heim during a Truck Series race. More recently, however, both drivers had another moment at the Coronado Naval Base, but this time, it was Heim who spun Hocevar out. 

Speaking to Jeff Gluck on "Gluckcast," Heim admitted he was holding a "grudge" against Hocevar and his racing, but had no hatred towards him as a person.

“I don’t hate him as a person or anything," said Heim. "Like, I’m not going to walk up to him at a grocery store and try to fight him or nothing like that. You know what I mean? But I’m never going to cut him any slack. You know what I mean? But I’m not sitting here, like, pissed off in my sleep about at the same time."

Heim highlighted that he doesn't expect this rivalry to get "crazy" when he returns to race the NASCAR Cup race for 23XI at Chicagoland this weekend.

Read more at Daytona Racing Digest 

Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Yash Kotak