Checkered Weekend: Hocevar Locked In, Roczen Wins, Cadillac Unveils F1 Livery

This motorsports weekend recap includes some major developments across multiple disciplines, led by long-term stability in NASCAR, a pivotal night in Supercross, a statement debut from Cadillac Formula 1, and continued expansion efforts from the IHRA.

Hocevar Becomes A Franchise Driver

Before the weekend NASCAR team Spire Motorsports announced a long-term contract extension with Carson Hocevar, securing the 23-year-old Michigan native as the driver of the No. 77 Chevrolet well into the next decade. For a team that has steadily transformed from a backmarker into a legitimate mid-pack contender, locking in Hocevar provides stability and direction at a critical point in its growth. The move shows the team have confidence not only in Hocevar’s raw speed, but in his ability to mature alongside the organization as both continue to evolve.

Hocevar enters his third full-time NASCAR Cup Series season already carrying an impressive résumé for his age. After earning 2024 Rookie of the Year honors, his sophomore campaign in 2025 showed measurable progression, including two top-five finishes, nine top 10s, and a career-high 122 laps led. While he has yet to break through for a Cup win, his ability to consistently put himself in contention has not gone unnoticed within the garage, particularly given Spire’s relative youth as a competitive program.

The extension also brings clarity to Spire’s broader racing plans. In addition to his Cup duties, Hocevar will return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026 part time, piloting the No. 77 truck in multiple events as the team pursues an owner’s championship. His schedule will also include select dirt late model and super late model starts. His win at all cost mindset, while appealing to fans and team owners, has also contributed to the aggressive on-track reputation that continues to follow him.

Spire leadership has been open about Hocevar’s fiery nature, acknowledging both the upside and the growing pains that come with a young driver pushing the limits against NASCAR’s elite. Still, by committing long-term, the organization has made it clear that Hocevar is a cornerstone piece meant to grow into a leadership role as Spire continues to chase race wins and long-term relevance in the Cup Series.

Ken Rocks Glendale

Supercross delivered the weekend’s most dramatic on-track action during Round 5 of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. In front of the largest crowd ever for a Supercross event at the venue, Ken Roczen emerged victorious, becoming the fourth different winner in the first five races of the season and further tightening an already unpredictable championship battle.

The 450SMX main event began with Vince Friese briefly leading after the holeshot before Hunter Lawrence asserted control at the front. Roczen settled into second early, closely shadowed by defending champion Cooper Webb, as the field found its rhythm on a fast and technical track. Championship favorite Eli Tomac’s night unraveled almost immediately when contact with Christian Craig in the opening turn sent him to the ground, forcing him to rejoin the race deep in the field and instantly putting him on the defensive.

As Lawrence paced the field through the opening portion of the race, Roczen patiently waited before making his move, executing a decisive pass to take the lead with roughly 16 minutes remaining. Once out front, Roczen’s pace proved untouchable, allowing him to build and manage a gap of more than three seconds while Lawrence solidified his hold on second place. Webb faded into a lonely third as the race settled, attention then shifted to Tomac’s recovery drive as he clawed his way back to 12th by the checkered flag.

Roczen’s victory marked the 24th win of his Supercross career and carried added emotional weight following news that team manager Larry Brooks had stepped away from racing duties to undergo cancer treatment. The win extended Roczen’s streak of winning seasons to seven and tightened the championship standings, while Lawrence’s fourth consecutive runner-up finish elevated him to the top of the points standings and handed him the red plate for the first time in the premier class. Tomac, meanwhile, slipped to third in the standings, eight points back.

Cadillac Debuts On America's Biggest Stage

New Formula 1 team Cadillac officially unveiled its 2026 livery in one of the most unconventional reveals the sport has seen. Rather than a traditional track or studio launch, Cadillac chose to debut its colors through a Super Bowl commercial, followed by a public event in Times Square, immediately positioning themselves as America's Team.

The livery itself drew immediate attention for its asymmetrical black-and-white design, a rarity in modern Formula 1. Cadillac described the concept as a “yin-and-yang” balance, blending performance-driven grit with optimism and ambition. Prominent branding from TWG AI, alongside partners Jim Beam, Claro, and Core Scientific, shows they have big money backing the project. The use of President John F. Kennedy’s Apollo-era speech in the reveal further emphasized the magnitude Cadillac views itself with its journey into Formula 1. The livery will make its on-track debut during a Bahrain filming day.

While Formula 1 regulations require both cars to run largely identical liveries, Cadillac’s half-and-half approach satisfies the rules while still allowing for a cool visual identity. The design recalls historical precedents, such as British American Racing’s split-livery concept in 1999.

The IHRA Continues To Invest In Racing

At the grassroots level, the International Hot Rod Association continued its recent expansion by announcing the acquisition of Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas. Originally opened in 1963 as Topeka Dragway, the facility was a fixture of Midwest motorsports, hosting everything from national drag racing events to road racing, karting, and motocross. The facility was closed in 2023 but reaquired by the IHRA in 2026.

IHRA leadership outlined plans to restore Heartland Motorsports Park while reimagining it as a year-round destination that extends beyond race weekends. The vision includes revitalized drag racing operations, improved racer and fan amenities, expanded motorsports programming, and the integration of live music, festivals, and community-focused events designed to drive tourism and economic impact. The goal is not simply preservation, but modernization with respect for the facility’s legacy.

The Heartland acquisition follows IHRA’s recent purchases of Maple Grove and Rockingham, signaling a clear commitment to facility ownership as a means of strengthening the sport from the ground up. By directly controlling infrastructure, IHRA aims to create sustainable motorsports ecosystems that benefit racers, fans, and local communities alike. Renovation planning is set to begin immediately, with further announcements expected in the coming months.