NASCAR Is Betting Big on Carson Hocevar With 'RISING' Season 2
For years, NASCAR has been on a mission to close the gap between its newest generation of talent and the fans who are still getting to know them. Building that connection takes time, intention, and smart storytelling. With the return of its original docuseries "RISING," the sanctioning body is signaling exactly which drivers it believes are ready to carry the sport forward — and one name stands above the rest.
NASCAR officially announced that "RISING" will return for a second season in August, and the lineup of featured drivers speaks volumes about where the sport is headed. Cup Series drivers Carson Hocevar and Connor Zilisch will appear alongside Craftsman Truck Series standout Brenden "Butterbean" Queen. The series will debut exclusively on Xumo Play before eventually making its way to NASCAR's YouTube channel, where millions of fans are already tuned in.
But the most telling detail in the announcement wasn't the platform or the debut date. It was the names — and specifically, one name that was there from the very beginning.
Carson Hocevar: The Only Driver Who Came Back
Among all the young talent NASCAR could have chosen to anchor Season 2, only one driver from the original season was invited back: Carson Hocevar. That is not a small thing. In a sport filled with emerging stars competing for screen time, sponsorship dollars, and fan attention, being retained for a second season of a high-profile docuseries is a clear statement of confidence from the sport's governing body.
Season 1 of "RISING" introduced fans to Hocevar, Rajah Caruth, and Jesse Love — three drivers who represented NASCAR's next wave. The series was a genuine success, generating more than 11 million views across NASCAR's YouTube channel and FOX Sports platforms. That kind of reach is not easy to achieve in the modern fragmented media landscape, and it proved that fans were hungry for this kind of behind-the-scenes access.
When it came time to plan Season 2, NASCAR had every option available. They could have assembled an entirely new cast. They could have shifted focus to different series or different storylines. Instead, they chose to double down on Hocevar — a decision that reflects not just his on-track performance, but his ability to connect with audiences in a way that translates beyond race results.
Who Is Carson Hocevar and Why Does He Matter?
At just 23 years old, Carson Hocevar has quickly become one of the most talked-about drivers in the NASCAR garage. Racing for Spire Motorsports in the Cup Series, Hocevar has built a reputation that extends well beyond his finishing positions. He is polarizing, unpredictable, and undeniably compelling — the kind of personality that generates conversation whether fans are cheering him on or shaking their heads at his latest move on the track.
That combination of controversy and charisma is exactly what makes great documentary subjects. Racing docuseries live and die by the authenticity of their characters, and Hocevar delivers that in abundance. Fans who watched Season 1 got a genuine look at who he is, and apparently, they wanted more. The numbers backed it up, and NASCAR listened.
His inclusion in Season 2 is also a nod to continuity. Docuseries that follow drivers over multiple seasons can build something rare in sports media: a real, evolving narrative. Fans who invested in Hocevar's story during Season 1 now have a reason to return and watch what happens next. That kind of serialized storytelling is one of the most powerful tools available for growing a fanbase around a specific athlete.
Connor Zilisch and Butterbean Queen Round Out a Strong Cast
While Hocevar may be the returning anchor, the new additions to the Season 2 lineup are far from afterthoughts. Connor Zilisch has been one of the most exciting young drivers to watch in the Cup Series, bringing a fresh energy and a compelling racing style that has already earned him a dedicated following. His inclusion alongside Hocevar creates an interesting dynamic between two drivers who are chasing similar dreams through very different paths.
Brenden "Butterbean" Queen adds another dimension entirely. As a standout in the Craftsman Truck Series, Queen's presence broadens the docuseries beyond just the Cup level and gives fans a window into a different stage of the NASCAR ladder system. His nickname alone is enough to make viewers curious, and that curiosity is exactly the kind of hook that gets people to press play.
What 'RISING' Means for NASCAR's Future
The return of "RISING" is part of a broader strategic effort by NASCAR to evolve how it communicates with its audience. Traditional broadcast coverage remains important, but younger fans increasingly discover sports through social media, streaming platforms, and documentary content. A series like "RISING" meets those fans where they already are.
By making the series available first on Xumo Play and then on YouTube, NASCAR is creating multiple on-ramps for new viewers to discover these drivers. Someone who has never watched a race in their life might stumble across an episode of "RISING," fall in love with Hocevar's story, and find themselves tuning in on Sunday afternoons before the season is over.
That is the long game NASCAR is playing — and based on the 11 million views Season 1 generated, it is a game they are already winning.
The Bottom Line
NASCAR's decision to center Season 2 of "RISING" around Carson Hocevar is a calculated and confident bet on a young driver who has already proven he can capture attention. With Connor Zilisch and Butterbean Queen joining the cast, the new season has the makings of a docuseries that could surpass its predecessor in both reach and impact.
- Season 2 of "RISING" debuts in August exclusively on Xumo Play
- Carson Hocevar is the only returning driver from Season 1
- Connor Zilisch and Brenden "Butterbean" Queen join the cast for Season 2
- Season 1 generated over 11 million views across NASCAR's YouTube channel and FOX Sports platforms
- The series will eventually be available on NASCAR's YouTube channel after its Xumo Play debut
For NASCAR fans, this is required viewing. For those who are just getting to know the sport, it might be the perfect place to start.