During the pre-race coverage at Homestead-Miami Speedway, NASCAR Cup Series regular Ross Chastain delivered a memorable moment of humor while being interviewed by fellow NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar. The exchange took place as Chastain was preparing to compete for Niece Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event and participated as part of the team’s 10-year anniversary celebration.
In the standout moment, Chastain said, “I’d say I’m the most relieved though that you’ve got a microphone and not a steering wheel in your hand tonight.” The remark instantly became the highlight of the event showcasing Ross’ playful personality and adding an entertaining twist to the pre-race activities.
The Context Behind Ross Chastain’s Remark
Chastain and Niece Motorsports have a long-standing relationship as Ross has raced for the team since 2018; his time with Niece has been marked by significant achievements including multiple wins and top-tier performances.
Looking back at his journey with the team, Chastain expressed gratitude for the team’s support and loyalty over the years “The journey with AL Niece and his team has been nothing short of incredible. As long as AL needs me, I’ll be there to race for him”
"I'd say I'm the most relieved though you've got a microphone and not a steering wheel in your hand tonight." – Ross Chastain to Carson Hocevar pic.twitter.com/Fnk3JcHziF
— BrakeHard (@BrakeHardBlog) March 22, 2025
To celebrate a decade in NASCAR, Niece Motorsports brought Chastain back to drive for them at Homestead-Miami. Meanwhile, Hocevar — who raced full-time for Niece from 2021 to 2023 — switched gears from his usual driver’s seat to a microphone as part of the “Drivers Only” broadcast format.
Hocevar’s time with Niece Motorsports included multiple top-10 finishes, and in 2023, he reached the Championship Four in the Truck Series before moving to the Cup Series with Spire Motorsports in 2024. Chastain didn’t hesitate to playfully roast his former teammate, taking full advantage of their Niece connection.
Chastain’s quip about Hocevar holding a microphone instead of a steering wheel was a nod to Hocevar’s aggressive driving style in the Truck Series. The exchange highlighted the camaraderie between NASCAR drivers, who balance intense competition with moments of humor and mutual respect. Even in the high-pressure world of motorsports, these interactions reinforce the tight-knit nature of the racing community.