By Seth Eggert, Staff Writer
The driver lineup for Niece Motorsports became clearer as Carson Hocevar signed on for nine NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series races in 2020.
Due to NASCAR’s age restrictions, the 16-year-old can only compete in the Niece Motorsports’ No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado in nine races. Those tracks would include Richmond Raceway, Dover International Speedway, Iowa Speedway, Eldora Speedway, World Wide Technology Speedway at Gateway, Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, Bristol Motor Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, and ISM Raceway.
The organization earned their first victories in 2019 with Ross Chastain. One of those victories came at Gateway. In total, Niece Motorsports earned three victories, 10 top-five, and 24 top-10 finishes in 2019.
“I’m really looking forward to this opportunity,” Hocevar explained. “Niece Motorsports has invested a lot in their program in the last few years, and the results are really showing. I’m excited to be able to work with and learn from drivers like Ty Majeski and Ross Chastain. I’m thrilled to get in race-winning equipment and hopefully learn a lot and compete at a high level.”
Hocevar will have rookie-of-the-year contender Majeski as a teammate. Chastain announced in a video on Twitter that he will drive the second truck on a part-time basis.
The Portage, MI native made his Truck Series debut with Jordan Anderson Racing at Eldora Speedway. In two races, Hocevar earned a best finish of 23rd at ISM Raceway.
The protégé of 2008 NGROTS Champion Johnny Benson, Jr., has an extensive racing resume despite his young age. In 2016, at the age of 14-years-old, Hocevar became the youngest NASCAR Whelen All American Series Champion with his Berlin Speedway track championship.
Hocevar has 15 ARCA Menards Series starts with a best finish of third. He has a total of six top-five and 12 top-10 finishes.
“Carson has proven to be a very talented young racer, and we are looking forward to him continuing that with our team,” team owner Al Niece stated. “We are excited to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke and are looking to run strong again in 2020.”
The remainder of Niece Motorsports’ drive lineup will be announced later.