MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Young’s Motorsports confirmed NASCAR Cup Series standout Carson Hocevar will pilot the team’s No. 42 Chevrolet in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season opener Saturday at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.
Hocevar, 23, will make a one-race appearance with the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization at the iconic 2.5-mile superspeedway, with Zeigler Automotive Group serving as the primary marketing partner of the No. 42 Chevrolet.
“Any time you get the opportunity to race at Daytona, it’s special,” said Hocevar. “I’m excited for the chance to race with Young’s Motorsports in the United Rentals 300.
“Superspeedway racing is always intense, and Daytona is a place where preparation and execution matter just as much as speed.
“I’m thankful to Zeigler Automotive Group for their support and looking forward to the challenge.”
The United Rentals 300 will mark Hocevar’s inaugural NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start at the “World Center of Racing” and just his ninth career appearance at Daytona International Speedway, coming one day before he competes in his third Daytona 500.
A native of Portage, Michigan, Hocevar brings experience across NASCAR’s national touring divisions, including the Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year has established himself as one of the sport’s most versatile young competitors while continuing to compete full time at NASCAR’s highest level.
Hocevar will perform triple duty during Speedweeks, also competing for Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fresh from Florida 250 on Friday night, before driving the Spire Motorsports No. 77 Chevrolet in Sunday’s Great American Race.
