NASCAR Cup Series driver slammed with HUGE penalty as team release official statement

Spire Motorsports have announced disciplinary measures for NASCAR Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar following some controversial recent remarks.

Ahead of NASCAR's event in Mexico City last weekend, the driver of the No. 77 made several derogatory comments about the event on a livestream, even branding the place as a 's**thole'.

Following Sunday's race, in which he was once again involved in controversy after taking out Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Hocevar issued a lengthy statement apologizing for what he had said. However, clearly, that did not satisfy his team.

After a 'thorough internal review', Spire Motorsports have hit their driver with a major financial penalty, fining the 22-year-old $50,000, which will be donated in equal portions to three organizations that serve Mexican communities.

On top of that, the team have confirmed that Hocevar will undergo mandatory cultural sensitivity and bias awareness training.

READ MORE: NASCAR star Chase Elliott set for series switch as official announcement made

Carson Hocevar hit with double punishment

After confirming the above punishments, the team's statement read: "These actions are consistent with Spire Motorsports’ core value of RESPECT, which is something we proudly display on every race car, team uniform, trackside hauler, and digital channel."

"Respect is not a slogan. It is a daily expectation that we 'walk the walk' in how we speak, compete, and serve the communities that welcome our sport.

"Carson Hocevar’s recent comments made during the livestream fell short of that standard. They did not represent the views of Spire Motorsports, our partners, or NASCAR. He has acknowledged his mistake publicly, and his prompt, sincere apology demonstrated personal accountability. We now take this additional step to underscore that words carry weight, and respect must be lived out loud."

Spire added that they had informed NASCAR of these penalties and that the stock car racing series was satisfied that the team-imposed punishments met their requirements.

Spire Motorsports' statement ended: "Together we remain committed to showcasing NASCAR’s global growth, celebrating the passionate Mexican fanbase we experienced firsthand last weekend, and ensuring every member of our organization treats hosts, competitors, and communities with dignity."

"We look forward to turning the page by racing hard, representing our partners, and living our values on and off the track."

READ MORE: NASCAR announce Mexico City penalty report as team punishment confirmed

Related

NASCAR Cup Series

NASCAR announce Denny Hamlin absence update ahead of Pocono

• 2 hours ago

NASCAR Today

NASCAR Today: Bubba Wallace verdict emerges as Hendrick Motorsports make exciting announcement

• Yesterday 18:05