The moment Carson Hocevar started getting Cup Series opportunities in the No. 42 at Legacy Motor Club earlier this season the rumors of a full-time Cup Series ride in 2024 began gaining traction.
That's why Tuesday's news was the worst-kept secret in the garage. Hocevar, who is currently in the hunt for the 2023 Craftsman Truck Series championship, has been tabbed by Spire Motorsports to pilot the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in 2024 and beyond.
The 20-year-old driver from Michigan had plenty to say about the opportunity in a statement provided to NASCAR.com.
"I mean, anybody in my position wants to be a Cup Series driver," Hocevar said. "That's what you dream about when you're young. You want to race on Sundays. So, my opportunity to run a few times this year, to run on Sunday and get ready, I feel more than prepared to get in the No. 77 car with Spire."
Hocevar appeared on FS1's "NASCAR Race Hub" to talk about his new contract with Spire, and how he is excited to make a name for himself along with Spire Motorsports in the Cup Series.
Carson Hocevar has signed a multiyear contract with Spire Motorsports to drive the No. 77 full time in the NASCAR Cup Series starting next season. https://t.co/YMT6RLutdL pic.twitter.com/iQfUFDr9ki
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) October 10, 2023
He was asked by Shannon Spake about how this move went down and how long he had known.
"Honestly, it started all right after Gateway ... it started early talks, trying to figure out how to really make it happen," Hocevar said.
Hocevar was a bit worried during the process, as Spire told him during the talks that it was holding back an official announcement until it buttoned up a few things on its end.
That holdup turned out to be all the moves the team has recently made, including the purchase of Kyle Busch Motorsports, and the addition of a third charter in the Cup Series.
The addition of Hocevar will only make Spire that much more of a team on the rise, with Corey LaJoie already in the No. 7 plus the addition of the third car driven by Zane Smith.
Hocevar and Spire Motorsports look to have a bright future.
