The 2026 Craftsman Truck Series is set to run its iconic Coca‑Cola 600 this weekend, but one of its rising stars will be absent from the lineup. Spire Motorsports announced that Carson Hocevar, who has been a full‑time Cup Series driver for three seasons, will not compete at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Why Hocevar is stepping back
Hocevar has already contested eight of the first nine Truck races this year, breaking the eight‑race limit that typically applies to Cup‑Series regulars in their third full‑time season. The team cited his need to concentrate on the Coca‑Cola 600 as the reason for skipping the next three events, which include the Charlotte, Nashville and Michigan races.
The decision follows an earlier omission at the St. Petersburg street circuit, where the Cup Series was scheduled at Circuit of the Americas. Hocevar had previously captured a victory at Texas Motor Speedway, underscoring his competitiveness despite a limited Truck schedule.
Zilisch and van Gisbergen step in
Connor Zilisch, who finished second at Watkins Glen International in his last Truck outing, will take over the No. 77 truck for the Charlotte race. Zilisch has indicated that he does not have any further Truck starts planned beyond this weekend, making the appearance a one‑off opportunity.
Joining Zilisch on the track will be Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealand-born road‑course specialist, who is slated to drive the No. 71 truck. Van Gisbergen’s most recent Truck result was a third‑place finish at Watkins Glen for Niece Motorsports, though he has not yet tackled an oval in the series since his debut at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in 2023.
Veteran Kyle Busch will also be on the grid, piloting his familiar No. 7 truck for a fifth scheduled start of the year. Busch, an eight‑time Charlotte Truck Series winner, has already secured two victories in his first four Truck starts this season, highlighting his continued dominance in the division.
Implications for the series
The reshuffling underscores the fluid nature of the Truck Series lineup, where Cup‑Series commitments often dictate participation. While Hocevar’s absence opens a door for Zilisch and van Gisbergen, the presence of a seasoned competitor like Busch adds another layer of intrigue to the Coca‑Cola 600. Fans can expect a dynamic race as the series continues to blend road‑course talent with traditional oval specialists.