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NBC analyst Jeff Burton, who criticized Carson Hocevar after his brake-checks at Martinsville, said Spire Motorsports’ decision to suspend him for the finale could turn out to be good for him.
Burton spoke with reporters at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Thursday.
Burton: ‘We don’t appreciate what we have until we lose it’
“I think the best thing that could happen to Carson, I’m not talking about from a punishment standpoint, I’m not as concerned about a punishment as I am what long-term is good for a very talented race car driver,” Burton said. “And not only as a driver, but as a person, I believe the best thing that happened to Carson is what happened.”
“Because there are times we don’t appreciate; we’re not very– humans aren’t very smart. We don’t appreciate what we have until we lose it, so many times. And I’ve seen in this sport and in life where you get a dose of reality, and it changes your perspective.”
‘You can still have your personality’
Burton said Hocevar does not have to change who he is.
“I think Carson has people around him that are supportive. Jeff Dickerson says we love him, we support him,” Burton said. “This is freaking the NASCAR Cup Series. You should be held to a high standard; you should be. But you shouldn’t have to be like every other driver. You can still have your personality. How do I do all those things? I think this could be the best thing to happen.”
“I’m pulling for Carson. I want him to be successful. I think that he brings energy and excitement. But he can do it and do it better than he’s doing.”
https://x.com/STaranto92/status/2118428796466438309
‘Doing what ultimately is the right thing’
Burton said Spire co-owner Jeff Dickerson and the team made a hard call.
“They’re doing what’s difficult, but they’re doing what ultimately is the right thing to do for Carson. That’s what I believe,” he said.
From criticism to support
After Martinsville, Burton called Hocevar’s explanation of the contact with Austin Cindric “not an adequate answer,” as Pit This Time reported.
Spire then suspended Hocevar for Sunday’s finale, and NASCAR fined him $100,000 and docked him 25 points. Hocevar apologized, saying he “crossed the line.” Justin Haley will drive the No. 77 at Homestead.
The Cup Series finale is Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.
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