Carson Hocevar will begin Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway from the rear of the grid due to an unapproved adjustment made by his team. The No. 77 Chevrolet’s upper control arm was replaced, a change not permitted by NASCAR rules, according to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. Hocevar was originally scheduled to start in Row 8 alongside Justin Allgaier but will now attempt to work his way up the track in what is expected to be a competitive race. The race marks the first time Darlington will use the new short track package, which includes 750 horsepower, a three-inch rear spoiler, and fewer diffuser strakes. Tire strategy will play a significant role, as it has been 18 years since the track’s last repave. Teams will have access to 12 sets of Goodyear tires for the weekend. The left-side tire, used at Darlington last season, will be paired with the right-side tire, which debuted at Kansas Speedway in September. Some drivers, including Denny Hamlin, have speculated that tire degradation could result in a four-second loss over the course of the race. Darlington, traditionally associated with Throwback Weekend, will not feature official throwback paint schemes this season. However, Hocevar’s team chose to run a Dale Earnhardt-inspired design, replicating the iconic blue and yellow livery from the 1981 season. Dale Earnhardt Jr. praised the scheme, calling it his favorite ever used by his father during his Hall of Fame career. “This is my favorite Dale Earnhardt paint scheme,” Earnhardt said on his podcast, “Dale Jr. Download.” He highlighted the 1981 car, noting its underrated status and the vintage appeal of its yellow nose and vintage stripes. “It’s straight badass vintage,” he added.#carson_hocevar #darlington_raceway #bob_pockrass #dale_earnhardt_jr #goodyear
