{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Carson Hocevar Interview","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/carson-hocevar-interview","audioUrl":"https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/FOXM3829990134.mp3?updated=1778052781","description":"Carson Hocevar delivers an emotional and unfiltered breakdown of his first NASCAR Cup Series win at Talladega Superspeedway, revealing behind-the-scenes details of his iconic celebration, post-race Chili’s experience, and championship ambitions in one of the most talked-about moments in NASCAR. Kevin Harvick hosts this episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, sitting down with Hocevar to unpack his first win, what planning went into the viral celebration, the mindset required to block out noise, and whether his team has what it takes to contend for a NASCAR Cup Series championship this season.\n\n0:00 - Intro\n\n0:20 - Carson Hocevar Joins The Show!\n\n0:34 - Winning First Cup Race At Talladega\n\n4:12 - Iconic Celebration After Talladega Win\n\n14:57 - Sharing Win With Family & Friends\n\n17:23 - Relationship With Jeff Dickerson\n\n21:51 - Celebrating At Chili’s\n\n23:00 - Blocking Out The Noise\n\n28:14 - Contending For A Championship\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices"},"annotations":[{"startTime":109.7,"endTime":123.2,"type":"concept","title":"caution came out","url":"/glossary/caution-came-out","quote":"So when we got up there at Talladega and that caution came out, it was me, the 43 and the 47, same as 500.","canonicalId":"concept:caution-came-out","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In NASCAR, a caution (yellow flag) means there’s a hazard on track, and the race is run under controlled conditions. Drivers typically adjust strategy—pit timing, tire/brake management, and restart positioning—because the field bunches up and race pace changes.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “caution” is when something on the track makes it unsafe to race at full speed. Everyone slows down, and that changes the plan for when to pit and how to line up for the restart."}},{"startTime":123.2,"endTime":135.4,"type":"concept","title":"almost turned the same way at the 500","quote":"And when I got almost turned the same way at the 500, but I bounced off the 43 this time, off his front nose, you could have bookmarked it in my mind.","canonicalId":"concept:almost-turned-the-same-way-at-the-500","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.62,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This describes a near spin/slide event—losing the car’s intended line and rotating—followed by recovery. In oval racing, small changes in throttle, steering input, and car balance can be the difference between staying pointed forward and getting turned around.","simplifiedExplanation":"He’s describing almost losing control—like the car started to rotate or slide the wrong way. In stock car racing, tiny inputs and grip changes can decide whether you recover or spin out."}},{"startTime":128.8,"endTime":135.4,"type":"part","title":"front nose","url":"/glossary/front-nose","quote":"And when I got almost turned the same way at the 500, but I bounced off the 43 this time, off his front nose, you could have bookmarked it in my mind.","canonicalId":"part:front-nose","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In NASCAR bodywork, the “front nose” is the forward-most part of the car’s nose/bumper area that can contact another car during close racing. Because these cars run tight packs, even light contact at the nose can affect aero balance and how the car tracks through turns.","simplifiedExplanation":"The “front nose” is the very front of the car. If you bump another car there, it can change how the car handles for the rest of the race."}},{"startTime":135.4,"endTime":141.6,"type":"concept","title":"through the gears","url":"/glossary/through-the-gears","quote":"as long as I get through the gears and the thing stays running, we're going to come back across, you know, three laps later and win.","canonicalId":"concept:through-the-gears","priority":0.3,"confidence":0.78,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Through the gears” refers to shifting the transmission through multiple gear ratios to keep the engine in its power band. In NASCAR, maintaining momentum and avoiding a bad shift matters because it directly affects acceleration out of corners and how quickly you can regain speed after a disruption.","simplifiedExplanation":"It means shifting the car’s gears to keep the engine pulling. Doing it smoothly helps you keep speed and accelerate when you need to."}},{"startTime":141.6,"endTime":150.6,"type":"concept","title":"spotter stand","url":"/glossary/spotter-stand","quote":"That's why I even told Tyler, I had him running probably all the way around the spotter stand.","canonicalId":"concept:spotter-stand","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The spotter stand is where the race spotter watches the track from an elevated position and communicates with the driver. Spotters call out traffic, gaps, and dangers—especially during cautions and restarts—so the driver can make faster, safer decisions."}},{"startTime":147.0,"endTime":162.2,"type":"concept","title":"restart","url":"/glossary/restart","quote":"But you know, that was kind of, that was, you know, I was super, super calm in that moment of that caution, just because I was, I just felt like it was all lining up perfectly.","canonicalId":"concept:restart","priority":0.22,"confidence":0.45,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A restart is when the race resumes racing speed after a caution period. Driver positioning, timing, and how the car is set up for acceleration off the restart line can heavily influence track position and the chance to win.","simplifiedExplanation":"A restart is when the race goes back to full speed after slowing down for a caution. Where you are and how you launch can make a big difference in who ends up in front."}},{"startTime":318.2,"endTime":371.1,"type":"term","title":"clutch","url":"/glossary/clutch","quote":"So I pushed the clutch in. Well, when I dropped the clutch, because my foot's twisted like this...","canonicalId":"term:clutch","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In a manual-transmission car, the clutch is the pedal and mechanism that disconnects the engine from the gearbox so you can start moving or change gears without grinding. In racing, drivers time clutch release carefully to get the car moving without bogging down or stalling.","simplifiedExplanation":"The clutch is what you press to let the engine and the transmission “connect” or “disconnect.” In a race car, releasing it at the right moment helps the car start moving smoothly."}},{"startTime":332.3,"endTime":336.1,"type":"term","title":"brake","url":"/glossary/brakes","quote":"my foot got stuck in the, you know, the top of my foot got stuck in between the brake and the clutch.","canonicalId":"term:brake","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The brake pedal slows the car by applying friction to the brake system. In a race cockpit, pedal spacing and driver position matter a lot—if your foot gets caught between pedals, it can look like you’re stuck and prevent proper throttle/clutch inputs.","simplifiedExplanation":"The brake pedal slows the car down. If your foot ends up between the brake and clutch, you can’t control the car the way you need to."}},{"startTime":341.6,"endTime":386.2,"type":"term","title":"steering wheel","url":"/glossary/steering-wheel","quote":"And the steering wheel was not on. Steering was on then. So that's when I realized the only way to not get my foot stuck was take the steering wheel off.","canonicalId":"term:steering-wheel","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The steering wheel controls the front wheels’ direction via the steering system. In this story, removing and reinstalling the steering wheel is a practical way to avoid interference with the driver’s left-foot movement during a restart/launch sequence."}},{"startTime":417.7,"endTime":432.0,"type":"term","title":"in the car","quote":"Because I don't get to hear it when I cross the line, whether there was a loud crowd or quiet or however they react. I'm in the car. I got the engine going on.","canonicalId":"term:in-the-car","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.35,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In NASCAR, being “in the car” means the driver is experiencing the race through the cockpit—engine sound, radio calls, and track feedback—rather than hearing the crowd from the stands. That changes what the driver can perceive at key moments like crossing the finish line.","simplifiedExplanation":"When they say “in the car,” they mean the driver is inside the cockpit during the race. From there, they hear the engine and radio, but they can’t hear the crowd the same way as someone in the stands."}},{"startTime":513.9,"endTime":518.76,"type":"term","title":"two-pedal","url":"/glossary/two-pedal","quote":"So that's why I like launch forward. Because, I mean, it was already hard for me to like get that thing rolling. And I was like, I cannot. No two-pedal in here. I can't, yeah, I got, I, I can't keep this thing. If this thing shuts off,","canonicalId":"term:two-pedal","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.72,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Two-pedal” refers to a car controlled primarily with two pedals—typically accelerator and brake—rather than a clutch-and-gear setup. In racing context, it highlights how the driver’s ability to keep the car moving depends on the car’s throttle/brake control strategy and whether the car stays running.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Two-pedal” means the car is controlled mostly with just two pedals: gas and brake. The speaker is saying they can’t keep the car going if it shuts off, because they don’t have the extra pedal/controls they’d need to manage it."}},{"startTime":988.4,"endTime":1008.2,"type":"topic","title":"Daytona and Talladega","url":"/glossary/daytona-and-talladega","quote":"They were\n[988.4s] super big on Daytona and Talladega. So we met during basically COVID playing iRacing and it's\n[995.3s] grown to people I met here or there and everywhere.","canonicalId":"topic:daytona-and-talladega","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway are NASCAR’s two most famous superspeedways. They’re known for high speeds and pack racing, which is why drivers and fans often talk about them as special events.","simplifiedExplanation":"Daytona and Talladega are two of NASCAR’s biggest tracks. They’re famous for very fast, close racing where lots of cars run together."}},{"startTime":988.4,"endTime":1008.2,"type":"concept","title":"iRacing","url":"/glossary/iracing","quote":"They were\n[988.4s] super big on Daytona and Talladega. So we met during basically COVID playing iRacing and it's\n[995.3s] grown to people I met here or there and everywhere.","canonicalId":"concept:iracing","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"iRacing is a subscription-based online racing simulator where drivers compete in virtual races. In motorsports, it’s become a common way to practice racecraft, meet other racers, and build competitive experience.","simplifiedExplanation":"iRacing is an online racing video game/simulator with real competition. People use it to practice and race against others."}},{"startTime":1008.2,"endTime":1024.7,"type":"concept","title":"quarter midget","url":"/glossary/quarter-midget","quote":"whether it's, you know, Dale Raeber was the first one I ever gotten a quarter midget with and then\n[1018.6s] Zach Dunson called me and he was the one I've got late model and Johnny Benson was my mentor","canonicalId":"concept:quarter-midget","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A quarter midget is a youth racing class that uses small, scaled-down cars for kids. It’s a common entry point into motorsports for young drivers before they move into larger series like late models or regional stock-car racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"A quarter midget is a small race car class for kids. It’s often one of the first steps people take to start racing for real."}},{"startTime":1018.6,"endTime":1024.7,"type":"concept","title":"late model","url":"/glossary/late-model","quote":"[1018.6s] Zach Dunson called me and he was the one I've got late model and Johnny Benson was my mentor\n[1024.7s] growing up when I was younger and, you know, like Tim Klosson when I was getting ready to maybe go","canonicalId":"concept:late-model","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.78,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In stock-car racing, “late model” usually refers to late-model stock cars used in regional dirt or asphalt series. It’s a step up from youth classes and is often where drivers develop the skills needed for higher-level NASCAR-style competition.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Late model” is a type of stock-car racing series/class. It’s a bigger step than youth racing and a common path toward bigger NASCAR opportunities."}},{"startTime":1029.9,"endTime":1034.7,"type":"concept","title":"dirt racing","url":"/glossary/dirt-racing","quote":"and, you know, like Tim Klosson when I was getting ready to maybe go\n[1029.9s] dirt racing, you know, with him and the Spire relationship and everything now and,","canonicalId":"concept:dirt-racing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Dirt racing is stock-car racing on loose surfaces like dirt or clay, which changes traction and car behavior compared with asphalt. Drivers often need different setup choices and driving techniques because the track grip can vary lap to lap.","simplifiedExplanation":"Dirt racing means racing on a dirt track instead of pavement. The cars handle differently because the surface grip changes."}},{"startTime":1030.0,"endTime":1034.7,"type":"company","title":"Spire","url":"/glossary/spire","quote":"and, you know, like Tim Klosson when I was getting ready to maybe go\n[1029.9s] dirt racing, you know, with him and the Spire relationship and everything now and,","canonicalId":"company:spire","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.72,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Spire” here refers to Spire Motorsports, a NASCAR team/organization. The speaker mentions a relationship with them as part of their progression into higher-level racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"Spire is a racing team in NASCAR. The guest is saying they worked with that team as they moved up in their career."}},{"startTime":1070.3,"endTime":1082.66,"type":"concept","title":"truck straight to cup","url":"/glossary/truck-straight-to-cup","quote":"and I think that this process has been really interesting because you go from truck straight to cup and\n[1075.9s] that isn't by chance, that is by somebody realizing that you just don't need to waste any more time,","canonicalId":"concept:truck-straight-to-cup","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In NASCAR, “truck” refers to the Camping World Truck Series, while “Cup” refers to the NASCAR Cup Series. The phrase “truck straight to cup” describes a driver moving up to the top-level Cup Series without spending much time in between.","simplifiedExplanation":"NASCAR has different levels of racing. “Truck” is one level, and “Cup” is the top level—so “straight to Cup” means jumping up quickly."}},{"startTime":1307.3,"endTime":1318.0,"type":"term","title":"cup driver","url":"/glossary/cup-driver","quote":"the circle of life is the hardest thing for a cup driver to balance right like it's because you've got money you've got problems you've got race cars","canonicalId":"term:cup-driver","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.78,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In NASCAR, a “Cup driver” is someone who races in the top-level NASCAR Cup Series. The job isn’t just driving fast—Cup teams also manage sponsorship, travel, and car preparation, which is why balancing “money,” “problems,” and “race cars” comes up in the discussion.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “Cup driver” means a NASCAR driver who competes in the highest NASCAR series. It’s not only about driving—the team has a lot of logistics and pressure to manage too."}},{"startTime":1370.0,"endTime":1379.0,"type":"term","title":"victory lane","url":"/glossary/victory-lane","quote":"I've never seen Luke that excited like I just remember the the mental shot I have is I round to victory lane and he jumps out","canonicalId":"term:victory-lane","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.78,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Victory Lane is the designated area at a racetrack where the winner is celebrated immediately after the checkered flag. In NASCAR culture, it’s a shorthand for “winning the race,” which is why the speaker remembers the moment so vividly.","simplifiedExplanation":"Victory Lane is where the winner goes right after the race. It’s basically the celebration spot for getting the checkered flag."}},{"startTime":1668.6,"endTime":1674.0,"type":"term","title":"pit road","url":"/glossary/pit-road","quote":"I feel like we've thrown away a lot of points you know Kansas we had some you know pit road issues","canonicalId":"term:pit-road","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Pit road is the controlled area where NASCAR teams service the car during scheduled stops or under caution. Issues on pit road—like timing, speeding, or execution problems—can cost track position and points quickly."}},{"startTime":1678.9,"endTime":1684.6,"type":"term","title":"strategy side","url":"/glossary/strategy-side","quote":"Phoenix we struggled on the strategy side and ran out tires","canonicalId":"term:strategy-side","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In NASCAR, the 'strategy side' refers to decisions like when to pit, whether to take tires/fuel, and how to plan for cautions and track position. Even with a fast car, poor timing can leave you short on tires or force you into disadvantageous restarts."}},{"startTime":1689.0,"endTime":1696.0,"type":"term","title":"green-white checkered","url":"/glossary/green-white-checkered","quote":"and you know so there's a world where we we're getting to the green-white checkered and you know strategy how it worked out","canonicalId":"term:green-white-checkered","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A green-white checkered is a NASCAR overtime format used to avoid ending a race under caution. The race restarts with a green flag, then a white flag indicates the final lap, followed by the checkered flag to finish.","simplifiedExplanation":"In NASCAR, a green-white checkered is an overtime restart. It gives the race a chance to finish under green-flag racing instead of ending early due to a caution."}},{"startTime":1803.0,"endTime":1814.76,"type":"concept","title":"roval","url":"/glossary/roval","quote":"so like when we were sitting there when they got rid of the roval that was where it kind of clicked for us","canonicalId":"concept:roval","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The 'roval' is a NASCAR road-course layout that combines road-course turns with portions of an oval track. It changes braking points, tire wear, and passing opportunities compared with a pure oval, so teams often need different setups and strategy."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"FOX Sports","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/carson-hocevar-interview/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}