{
  "id": 18573544,
  "title": "Carson Hocevar now knows the stove is hot, saying ‘the burn is me not driving’ in NASCAR finale",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/carson-hocevar-now-knows-the-stove-is-hot-saying-the-burn-is-me-not",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-06T21:43:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/autoracing/2026/11/06/carson-hocevar-now-knows-the-stove-is-hot-saying-the-burn-is-me-not-driving-in-nascar-finale"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) — NASCAR Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar, who was suspended for the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, has learned the hard way that the burn of his actions is all on him. Expressing his apology, Hocevar said, \"The burn is me not driving.\" This analogy, after being fined a total of $250,000 by NASCAR and his team Spire Motorsports, underscores his lesson. The 23-year-old's actions have been volatile throughout the season, culminating in a confrontation with Austin Cindric in a restart at Martinsville Speedway. NASCAR imposed a $100,000 fine on Hocevar for this incident. With his team Spire suspending him for the race, Hocevar took to a 20-minute media availability to reiterate his remorse. \"I made the decision. I forced their decision. It’s not anybody else’s doing. I did this,\" he stated. Despite this, Hocevar supported Spire's decision and made sure he was present for the finale. He was replaced by Justin Haley in the No. 77 Chevrolet. While Hocevar's three-season stint with Spire has seen his share of controversy, NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell acknowledged the need for drivers to remain true to themselves. He believes that genuine personality and fan interaction enhance fan engagement and recognition.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Carson Hocevar fined $250,000 by NASCAR for volatile season actions",
    "Suspended by Spire Motorsports for finale, replaced by Justin Haley",
    "NASCAR CEO Steve O Donnell emphasizes driver authenticity for fan engagement"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}