The NASCAR season has completed a total of two races after Tyler Reddick’s win in Atlanta. As for any chicanery, no driver has been penalized. Despite some pre-race issues, racing has gone unscathed, and as Atlanta is official in its results, we move on to COTA with nobody at fault.
Carson Hocevar is the main culprit of this past weekend. Despite doing nothing illegal, he made moves that drew much criticism from his competition, including a green-white-checkered finish that was all his fault. Other than that, two drivers failed pre-race inspections, but with minimal penalties.
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NASCAR Penalties at Atlanta
Austin Dillon Fails Pre-Weekend Tech
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 15: Austin Dillon during the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
((Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images))
Upon arrival, the No. 3 Chevrolet of Austin Dillon failed technical inspection after two attempts. Though never clarified, they lost their car chief in the pit selection. Dillon would not threaten the race anyway, nor was he ever considered a contender.
BJ McLeod Fails Pre-Weekend Tech
The other car to fail the pre-weekend technical inspection was BJ McLeod’s No. 78 Open Car. He underwent the same penalties as Dillon and would go on to wreck, ending his weekend early for the second straight week.
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Testy Moments at Atlanta
Carson Hocevar Dives to the Middle
Hocevar made a late move that should not have been attempted. This is a young racer being too bold. Upon the first overtime restart, Hocevar started in the 2nd row and found a minuscule gap between the leaders. At the finish line upon restart, Hocevar failed to find that gap, thus spinning out Christopher Bell.
Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin both went on to criticize Hocevar, suggesting the move may come back to bite him. Hocevar is a repeat offender of overly aggressive moves. Though it has helped his performance, it has certainly not made him any friends on the track. Hocevar has even noted that he “has no friends” and he is doing what he must to win.
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No penalties would be issued against Hocevar, as his testy move was perfectly legal. However, he must keep an eye open. Bell has all but guaranteed there will be no payback. Hocevar will be due for aggressive racing from an array of drivers as his go-getter mentality will force moderately unfair racing when the time comes. An eye for an eye, as the saying goes.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Racing section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
