​MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – NOVEMBER 01: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Zeigler Auto Group Chevrolet, waits to be introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway on November 01, 2026 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) GettyNASCAR Hall of Famer Faces Awkward Carson Hocevar Decision at JR Motorsports After Past WarningDale Earnhardt Jr. has confirmed a new opportunity for Carson Hocevar at JR Motorsports, despite previously warning the young driver about his aggressive racing style.Hocevar will drive at least one race for the team in the 2027 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Earnhardt made the announcement during a live show in Key West on November 9, saying, “We’re gonna get Hocevar to race one of our (JRM) cars next year.”The news comes months after Earnhardt discussed Hocevar’s on-track incidents on his Dale Jr. Download podcast.The former NASCAR driver praised the excitement Hocevar brings to the sport but also made it clear he would not accept the same aggressive approach if Hocevar drove one of his cars. Now, the two will work together when the 2027 season arrives.Dale Earnhardt Jr. Announces Carson Hocevar NASCAR DealEarnhardt confirmed the JR Motorsports deal during his live show, giving Hocevar a chance to compete in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series next season.The announcement follows a season in which Hocevar attracted attention for several on-track incidents. The 23-year-old Spire Motorsports driver from Portage, Michigan, made contact with Brad Keselowski at Darlington Raceway in September, sending the veteran into the wall during Stage 1.Earnhardt discussed the incident on his podcast and defended Hocevar’s impact on NASCAR’s entertainment value.“But I mean, look, our sport needs this, whatever you want to call it. Drama, entertainment, controversy, whatever you want to call it. It needs it. And [Hocevar is] delivering it,” Earnhardt said.He also explained why he wanted more drivers with Hocevar’s personality and racing approach.“I wish there were four or five more Hocevars in the field. Maybe if there were more of them, we wouldn’t be complaining as much.”Dale Earnhardt Jr. Previously Warned Carson HocevarDespite praising Hocevar, Earnhardt previously made a clear distinction between watching him race and having him drive for JR Motorsports.When asked whether he would accept the same aggressive approach in one of his cars, Earnhardt did not hide his position.“If he was going to drive my car, I’d tell him, ‘You can’t do that sh*t in my car.’ … But, he’s not driving my car. Race fan me, is good with it.”He also explained the business risks involved in allowing a driver to damage another car.“If he was going to drive my car, I’d tell him, ‘Dude, don’t run into nobody, I don’t need that sh*t. It’s not good for my company.’”Earnhardt has continued to praise Hocevar’s ability to create rivalries and attract atten