Spire suspends Hocevar for NASCAR's Cup finale at Homestead

Spire Motorsports has suspended Carson Hocevar for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, capping a chaotic race weekend at Martinsville that drew sharp criticism across the garage.

The team announced Tuesday that Hocevar will sit out the championship race. He was accused of intentionally brake-checking Austin Cindric on a restart at Martinsville, contact that wrecked the front end of Cindric's No. 2 Ford and ended his day in 36th place. Hocevar denied the move was deliberate, saying he "got lost there for a second" behind the wheel.

Team co-owner Jeff Dickerson said the decision went beyond the on-track fallout. "To us, however, this isn't about money or points. We believe in respect. Our integrity matters," he said, adding that Hocevar's conduct at Martinsville did not meet the standard the team sets for its drivers.

It was not the only controversy. Earlier in the race, Hocevar was accused of intentionally spinning his No. 77 Chevrolet to bring out a caution, disrupting pit strategies for Christopher Bell and others. Cindric declined interviews after leaving the care center but radioed his team that Hocevar "had a mental breakdown" in the incidents.

Justin Haley will drive the No. 77 in the finale. Hocevar, meanwhile, took to social media to call it "an embarrassing day" and apologized to those who support him.

The suspension adds to a turbulent season for Hocevar, who has been involved in several run-ins with rivals. Sunday's finale at Homestead will also crown the 2026 Cup Series champion.