See how Carson Hocevar’s victory in Nashville brings him one victory closer to NASCAR Cup Series dominance.

Tennessee’s Lebanon — It was Carson Hocevar’s regret.

 This is not related to the conversation with Ricky Stenhouse Jr., which Hocevar had previously stated required his attention.

At least according to some of his rivals, Hocevar is a bit of a braggart, and he hasn’t even apologized for it.

After finishing second at Nashville Superspeedway on Sunday night, matching his career best, Hocevar apologized for abruptly ending an interview. In his words, “I’m about to throw up.”

The 22-year-old did exactly that as he strolled over to the infield grass.

His symptoms improved thereafter, and he went back to speaking with reporters. Nothing about Hocevar is typical; he’s full of life and energy and can make people do what he wants them to.

He looks like a bucking bronco that hasn’t been entirely tamed.

Ryan Blaney, who won in Nashville, also gave credit to Hocevar and Spire Motorsports for their success this year. “Spire has been really, really fast this year,” Blaney remarked following his season-opening triumph. Above all else, the 77 (Hocevar).

He raced a solid race tonight and had a fantastic chance of winning last week. He’s been outstanding.
Assuming he is able to control his abilities and his team runs a clean race, Hocevar appears to be on the verge of winning the Cup for the first time in his career.

On Sunday, it was almost all there. But if his engine hadn’t gone while he was in second place with fewer than a hundred laps to go in the Coca-Cola 600 the week before, he might have won that race. After Sunday’s race at Nashville Superspeedway, Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson told NBC Sports, “We’re right on the doorstep.” In the Coca-Cola 600, we experienced a great deal of early and frequent speed, but that was not the case here.

The group’s final performance was more measured and composed. Of (Hocevar) I am proud. “Our drama was still present there. I would have preferred it if he had simply given Ricky a pass. I don’t know if Carson should have been completely forgiving, but I really hope he is.

Every one of those things is a fundamental component. That conversation with him would be more appropriate following a second-place finish than a 32nd.

This past weekend, Hocevar said, “I feel like I know how to win,” indicating that he is both eager to learn and prepared to win.

It’s as simple as being precise enough to pull it off. And staying out of trouble with rival businesses.

The second-year Cup racer was the target of resentment from a number of drivers following his February runner-up finish at Atlanta.

After the race, he discussed his driving with Blaney and Ross Chastain. He felt self-assured despite knowing he could improve his performance on the track.

According to Hocevar, their goal is to win races, not to act like a boy band, and they want to love and play with each other.

Luke Lambert is developing a stronger bond with Hocevar as a result of his thirteen years of experience as a crew chief in the Cup series, during which he has paired with three different young drivers.

You really can’t gain the mental toughness to be a Cup driver without racing in this series, and that’s something I’ve learned a lot about from working with several rookies, including Carson.

What makes a true difference is the mental toughness needed to handle these Cup races.