Spire Motorsports suspends NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar for finale following racing incidents

Concord, North Carolina (AP) — NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar has been suspended by Spire Motorsports for Sunday's season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway due to incidents deemed unprofessional during a race at Martinsville Speedway. Racing at the Cup level, Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson stated, is a privilege that entails a certain level of professionalism.

The suspension comes after Hocevar was accused of intentionally brake-checking competitor Austin Cindric during a restart. Cindric's No. 2 Ford suffered significant damage from multiple collisions with Hocevar, who appeared to brake abruptly multiple times to provoke contact. Hocevar denied intentionally hitting Cindric. Earlier in the race, Hocevar was accused of purposefully spinning his No. 77 Chevrolet to trigger a caution flag and disrupt competitors' strategies.

Hocevar claimed he "got lost there for a second" and denied intentional actions. Following the incidents, Spire Motorsports decided to suspend Hocevar, emphasizing their commitment to respect and integrity. Justin Haley will replace Hocevar in the finale.