### Stenhouse Criticizes Hocevar for Aggressive Move at Nashville

After being evaluated and released from the infield care center, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. expressed his displeasure with Carson Hocevar's aggressive driving during Stage 2 of the race at Nashville. Stenhouse accused Hocevar of a reckless attempt to overtake, leading to a collision that wiped them both out.

Hocevar, driving the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, managed to secure a second-place finish, tying his career-best result despite the controversy. Known for his aggressive style, the Michigan native has previously made enemies on the track. Post-race, Hocevar defended his attempt to pass, arguing he believed he was in a position to complete the maneuver.

"I kind of got a run and felt like I was kind of there," Hocevar said. "I thought I was in the right spot to be called out by Stenhouse's spotter and have him run the middle. Honestly, he could have cleared me, but he didn't. By the time I checked up, I almost spun too."

Stenhouse, however, refuted Hocevar's account, claiming the sophomore driver had not achieved the position required to make such a move safely. "I think it's definitely overaggressive. I think that's Carson," Stenhouse stated. "Maybe I should have just let him go, but you can't just give up spots that easily. It felt like an overaggressive move on his part."

This incident adds to Stenhouse's history of on-track confrontations. Most recently, during the 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race, he was fined $75,000 for a physical altercation with Kyle Busch following a collision. Regarding the Nashville clash, Stenhouse indicated he plans to discuss the incident with Hocevar but chose not to confront him immediately post-race due to financial considerations.

Hocevar is open to a discussion. "If he wants to talk, I'll gladly talk," Hocevar said, attributing the incident to the nature of the competition. "I could have tried the pass differently, but I also feel like I could have gotten a break with the run I had. It goes both ways, and maybe that's what we'll discuss."

The Nashville race results have implications for both drivers in the standings. Hocevar, now four points below the playoff elimination line, gained four spots towards it and five spots in the regular-season standings. Conversely, Stenhouse finds himself six points outside the 16-driver bracket, having lost 16 points to the elimination line. Hocevar acknowledged the increasing pressure to secure playoff spots as the season progresses, emphasizing the limited opportunities to compete at the front.

As the race for playoff positions intensifies, the tension between drivers like Stenhouse and Hocevar highlights the high stakes and competitive nature of the sport.