Carson Hocevar aspires to be the kind of driver he admired growing up, while NASCAR actively promotes stories that feature such relatable personalities. This vision led to the development of the documentary series RISING, which showcases young rising stars like Hocevar, Jesse Love, and Rajah Carruth. New episodes of the series are released nightly on YouTube at 7pm ET throughout the week.
Hocevar, a key figure in the Cup Series, is the main focus of the series. His openness to being filmed closely fits his very public lifestyle. Known for streaming on Twitch during his evenings, Hocevar spends his off-season racing at dirt and short tracks where fans can easily connect with him. The documentary follows him through the season, capturing both his successes and struggles without feeling intrusive.
Hocevar shared in a recent video call that he believes showing both the positive and negative sides is important for a genuine portrayal. He values vulnerability and authenticity, acknowledging that life isn’t always perfect and that fans appreciate real stories—even the difficult moments.
Since hiring John Dahl as senior VP of content in 2024, NASCAR has prioritized deeper storytelling. Dahl, previously an executive producer for the acclaimed 30 for 30 series, aims to highlight the real, unfiltered lives of drivers instead of polished public relations images. With RISING, Dahl and his team aim to share the inspiring and human stories behind these young talents, broadening NASCAR’s appeal.
Hocevar, known for his outspoken nature since his teenage years on the short track circuit, isn’t afraid to voice his opinions even if they spark debate. He contrasts himself with other young drivers who often present a more polished image, preferring instead to be authentic and stand out by staying true to himself.
He wants RISING to reveal the genuine side of a driver competing at the highest level, showing that he’s just an ordinary person pursuing his childhood dream. Hocevar is excited about new platforms like YouTube and streaming that bring fans closer to the sport. Reflecting on his passion for racing, he emphasizes the importance of growing the sport and inspiring the next generation, remembering the young fan he once was.
Fan Take: This documentary series is a refreshing look at the authentic lives of NASCAR’s future stars, breaking away from the usual polished sports narratives. For fans, it offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse behind the scenes that could help deepen emotional connections with drivers and attract a wider, younger audience to the sport.
