NASCAR driver Zane Smith calls Carson Hocevar 'coward' after Chicagoland incident

NASCAR driver Zane Smith’s criticism of Carson Hocevar after a Chicagoland incident highlights escalating on-track tensions within the Cup Series. Smith, who drives the No. 38 Ford, called Hocevar a “bum” and a “coward” during an interview on the podcast “Bussin’ With The Boys,” hosted by former NFL players Taylor Lewan and Will Compton. The latest comments came days after Smith apparently wrecked Hocevar in Turn 2 on lap 32 of the Cup Series race at Chicagoland, with Smith running into the back of Hocevar. Smith said the dispute stretches back to last season’s Iowa race, when he reported that Hocevar crashed them and then acted friendly afterward. Hocevar, age 23, responded during a Twitch stream by dismissing Smith’s issues. Hocevar drives the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, and Smith is still seeking his first Cup victory. Kyle Petty later suggested Smith took himself out, as Hocevar finished 22nd and Smith 28th.