Carson Hocevar replacement confirmed for Coronado NASCAR race

Justin Marks will replace Carson Hocevar in the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet for Friday’s Navy 250 at the Qualcomm Circuit in San Diego, California. Hocevar is ineligible for the Truck Series event because full-time Cup drivers are prohibited from competing in Truck or O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races on new circuits, according to race eligibility rules.

Why is Carson Hocevar ineligible for the San Diego race?

Hocevar cannot compete in the Truck Series event because the Qualcomm Circuit is a new venue for all competitors. The 19-turn, 3.4-mile temporary street circuit is located on Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California.

View this post on Instagram about Carson Hocevar, Justin Marks

From Instagram — related to Carson Hocevar, Justin Marks

Under current regulations, full-time Cup Series drivers are barred from running Truck Series or O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events when the circuit is new. Hocevar, who is in his third season as a full-time Cup driver for Spire Motorsports, is only permitted to compete in the Cup Series race this weekend.

Did You Know? The Qualcomm Circuit on Naval Base Coronado is a temporary street course featuring 19 turns across 3.4 miles (5.472 kilometers).

Who is replacing Hocevar in the No. 77 Chevrolet?

Trackhouse Racing team owner Justin Marks will take over the seat for the San Diego race. This marks Marks’ first return to the Truck Series since he competed at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 2022.

Marks has not appeared in any NASCAR national series since 2023. During that year, he drove for Kaulig Racing in the O’Reilly Series for the inaugural street race in Chicago, Illinois.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that these eligibility restrictions for new tracks are designed to prevent experienced Cup drivers from gaining an unfair advantage, ensuring that the first race at a new venue remains a competitive open field.

How has Hocevar’s 2026 Truck Series season progressed?

Hocevar has driven in nine of the first 12 races of the 2026 Truck Series season. His performance includes a victory at Texas Motor Speedway in early May.

While he was scheduled for 11 of the first 12 races, Hocevar missed events at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Nashville Superspeedway. He was replaced by Connor Zilisch at Charlotte and Jesse Love at Nashville.

What happens next for the No. 77 team?

The Truck Series will observe two weekends off following the San Diego event. A driver has not yet been named for the race at Lime Rock Park, scheduled for Saturday, July 11.

Hocevar is expected to return to the Truck Series for two races later in July. Those events will take place at North Wilkesboro Speedway and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

Live coverage of the Navy 250 begins Friday at 7:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t Carson Hocevar race in the San Diego Truck Series event?
Full-time Cup drivers are not allowed to compete in Truck or O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races on new circuits, such as the Qualcomm Circuit.

When was the last time Justin Marks competed in a national series race?
Marks last competed in a national series race in 2023, when he ran the inaugural Chicago street race for Kaulig Racing.

Which races will Carson Hocevar return for in July?
Hocevar is set to return for races at North Wilkesboro Speedway and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

Do you think restrictions on Cup drivers at new tracks help maintain fair competition in the Truck Series?

Justin Marks Returns to Truck Series Racing at Naval Base Coronado in Spire Motorsports Entry