Young’s Motorsports announced that NASCAR Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar will be behind the wheel of the team’s No. 42 Chevrolet in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series opener, the United Rentals 300, scheduled for Saturday, February 14, at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. This will mark Hocevar’s first start in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at the iconic 2.5-mile superspeedway.
The 23-year-old racer from Portage, Michigan, will make a one-off appearance with the Mooresville-based team as Zeigler Automotive Group serves as the primary sponsor for the No. 42 entry.
Hocevar Reflects on Opportunity and Race Challenges
Hocevar expressed enthusiasm about the chance to race with Young’s Motorsports at Daytona.
“Any time you get the opportunity to race at Daytona, it’s special,”
said Hocevar. “I’m excited for the chance to race with Young’s Motorsports in the United Rentals 300.”
He acknowledged the demanding nature of superspeedway racing and its requirement for precision beyond sheer speed.
“Superspeedway racing is always intense, and Daytona is a place where preparation and execution matter just as much as speed.”
“I’m thankful to Zeigler Automotive Group for their support and looking forward to the challenge.”
Speedweeks Triple Duty for Hocevar
The United Rentals 300 will be Hocevar’s ninth career race at Daytona and his debut in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at the track. It comes a day before he competes in his third Daytona 500.
During Speedweeks, Hocevar will undertake three races, including the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Fresh from Florida 250 on Friday, February 13, driving for Spire Motorsports, and Sunday’s Daytona 500 in the No. 77 Chevrolet for the same team. This triple engagement reflects his expanding presence across NASCAR’s top divisions while maintaining full-time status in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Experienced crew chief Andrew Abbott will oversee Hocevar’s No. 42 Chevrolet during the 120-lap United Rentals 300.
Zeigler Automotive Group’s Role and Legacy
Zeigler Automotive Group, a major family-owned automotive dealer based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with 88 franchises across Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, backs Hocevar’s entry. Founded in 1975, the company employs over 2,500 staff and is regularly honored as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For nationwide.
“At Zeigler, we believe in backing individuals who show relentless drive and commitment to excellence,”
stated Aaron Zeigler, President and CEO of Zeigler Automotive Group and Zeigler Racing.
“Carson embodies that mindset every time he gets behind the wheel, and sponsoring him at Daytona was an easy decision. We’re proud to see the Zeigler No. 42 take the track with Young’s Motorsports at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race.”
Young’s Motorsports Welcomes Hocevar’s Experience
Tyler Young, team principal of Young’s Motorsports, views Hocevar’s participation as an asset to the team entering its third O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season.
“Carson brings a lot of experience for a young driver, especially at the Cup Series level,”
said Young.
“Daytona is a race where discipline, communication, and execution are critical, and having someone with his background and aggression in the car is an asset for our team. We’re thankful to Zeigler Automotive Group and all of our partners for their support and look forward to kicking off the season with a solid effort.”
Engagement with Fans and Collector Community
Beyond racing, Hocevar will sign autographs for fans on Friday, February 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ET at Luckiest Man Sports Cards located in Orange Park, Florida. Founded in 2022, the store specializes in trading cards for sports, entertainment, and trading card games, emphasizing affordability and fun for collectors of all ages.
Hocevar’s involvement in the collector scene stems from his family’s ownership of Scott’s Sports Cards, Coins & Jewelry in Portage, Michigan, underscoring his ongoing commitment to the hobby.
Details on the United Rentals 300 and Broadcast Information
The United Rentals 300, a 120-lap, 300-mile race at the World Center of Racing, is the first of thirty-three scheduled races for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Practice sessions will take place on Friday, February 13, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:20 p.m., followed by qualifying on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. The race is set to begin shortly after 5:00 p.m.
Live coverage will be available on The CW Network, with radio broadcasts via the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Zeigler Automotive Group’s Expansive Business and Honors
In addition to its automotive dealerships, Zeigler Automotive Group operates Zeigler Motorsports, an 85,000-square-foot facility offering 19 powersports brands, an on-site restaurant called Trak Houz Bar & Grill, and the Elevate Leadership & Team Building Academy, an executive training company. The organization also runs Byrider franchises, finance and insurance companies, and a leasing firm.
With estimated 2024 sales of $2.2 billion, Zeigler ranks among the top 1% of automotive dealers nationally. The company is acclaimed for strong customer service and employee satisfaction initiatives, receiving recognition as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For as well as features in Glassdoor’s 100 Best Places to Work and top 10 for work-life balance in the U.S.
