New NASCAR Documentary Series "RISING" Offers Unfiltered Look at Young Talent, Featuring Hocevar, Love, and Caruth

NASCAR’s ongoing efforts to cultivate and showcase compelling personalities have culminated in the release of "RISING," a new documentary series premiering on YouTube. The five-part series, with new episodes dropping nightly at 7 PM ET, provides an in-depth look at three promising young drivers: Carson Hocevar, Jesse Love, and Rajah Caruth. The initiative reflects a strategic push by the sanctioning body to connect with a broader audience through authentic storytelling, a philosophy championed by NASCAR’s Senior Vice President of Content, John Dahl.

Carson Hocevar, a prominent figure in the series, embodies the type of driver NASCAR aims to highlight. Known for his public-facing persona, which includes regular Twitch streams and accessible off-season dirt track racing, Hocevar expressed his comfort with the documentary’s unfiltered approach. "I think it’s healthy for a show to have the good, bad and the ugly, right," Hocevar stated during a Monday teleconference. "For me, I’m comfortable being vulnerable on a camera just because I think that’s healthy. Life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, and when everything is PR or portrayed that way, the world can see through that pretty easily and feel like something is faked or whatever. I want to watch ‘authentic’ and ‘real’ and there’s a reason drama or clickbait sells. I think shows need that."

Hocevar’s perspective underscores the series’ commitment to authenticity. Unlike heavily scripted reality programs, "RISING" aims to capture the genuine highs and lows of competing at the pinnacle of motorsports. "With some reality shows, a lot of that is faked, even though it’s entertaining be so scripted but this was really enjoyable for me, how authentic it was, and how vulnerable I did get at times. There were times when it was rough, and I did wish it wasn’t being filmed, but at the same time, I look back on it and was happy that it was and I think fans will be too."

The creative direction of "RISING" is heavily influenced by John Dahl, who joined NASCAR in 2024. Dahl, an original executive producer of the acclaimed "30 for 30" documentary series, has brought a similar commitment to authenticity to NASCAR’s content strategy. This approach has previously been evident in successful productions like "Full Speed" and documentaries focusing on the Earnhardt family. Dahl believes that NASCAR possesses a rich reservoir of young talent with compelling narratives waiting to be explored.

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"What we’re looking (to spotlight) is characters and people, drivers in this case, who are willing to open up and not just present a polished PR look at their lives, and are willing to be vulnerable," Dahl explained. "These are drivers that have an interesting story, a backstory, and we see it with all three over the course of these five episodes, that they have inspiring and interesting backgrounds. We show them as human beings, and as we expand our audience for NASCAR, we look to do storytelling that is authentic and relatable, and that’s what we got here with RISING."

Hocevar, often a polarizing figure on the track, has consistently maintained a public persona that is unafraid to express opinions. This trait, evident since his teenage years competing in short track events at Berlin Raceway, continues to define his presence in his third season at the Cup Series level. He contrasts his own upbringing with what he perceives as a more manufactured approach by some emerging drivers.

"There are some young drivers out there, 15 years old, and they show up to the track with nice pants and they look like salesman," Hocevar remarked. "They have buttoned up shirts and their sponsors on them, mostly their family business, and they try to play a part. I never had that. I was showing up to the race track in shorts, and just wanted to race, and I always thought that even if this is what you’re supposed to do, at least I stand out by not doing it."

Hocevar’s aim with "RISING" is to present himself as an ordinary individual who happens to compete in high-level motorsport. He asserts that he is not portraying a character or adhering to a preconceived archetype. His aspiration is to be the kind of racer he admired as a fan during his youth.

"This is a look at who I am behind close doors and how can I be the driver that I was a fan of growing up," Hocevar stated. "We have YouTube documentaries and streaming services, content creators, so that’s new. But even racing the La Mullets (a race at Freedom Factory owned by Cleetus McFarland), that got a crazy number of viewers and that started with a guy that was just shooting content with his iPhone, and it’s just fun to watch."

His overarching goal extends beyond personal representation; Hocevar hopes to contribute to the growth of the sport. "So ultimately, I just want to hopefully grow the sport, and not be a disservice to five-year-old me that fell in love with the sport. It would be a disservice to that kid and every kid like me if I shied away from going into the stands, enjoying a Xfinity or Trucks race, and not posting about the things I do." He emphasized his passion for NASCAR and the desire to connect with younger generations who share his enthusiasm. "I just hope that it moves the needle, because I’m passionate about this sport, and seeing kids with their parents because I was that kid once."

The series’ focus on Hocevar, Love, and Caruth reflects NASCAR’s strategy to invest in emerging talent and cultivate a narrative that resonates with both long-time fans and potential new audiences. Jesse Love, a prodigious talent in the ARCA Menards Series, and Rajah Caruth, who has rapidly progressed through the NASCAR ladder system, bring their own unique journeys and perspectives to the documentary. Their inclusion alongside Hocevar, who has made significant strides in the Cup Series, creates a comprehensive portrait of the future of NASCAR racing.

The production of "RISING" involved extensive access to the drivers’ lives, both on and off the track. This includes behind-the-scenes footage of race weekends, team meetings, training regimens, and personal moments. The series aims to demystify the lives of these athletes, showcasing the dedication, sacrifices, and challenges inherent in professional motorsport. By providing this intimate glimpse, NASCAR hopes to foster a deeper connection between fans and drivers, thereby increasing engagement and interest in the sport.

John Dahl’s vision for NASCAR content emphasizes the importance of character-driven storytelling. In an era where audiences are increasingly drawn to authentic and relatable narratives, "RISING" represents a significant step in that direction for NASCAR. The series’ release on YouTube, a platform with a vast and diverse user base, further amplifies its potential reach. This strategic decision allows NASCAR to tap into a digital-native audience that may not be as familiar with traditional motorsport viewership.

The selection of Hocevar, Love, and Caruth is indicative of a broader trend in sports broadcasting, where the focus is shifting towards humanizing athletes and highlighting their personal journeys. This approach not only entertains but also serves to broaden the appeal of the sport, attracting a wider demographic of viewers and potential participants. As "RISING" unfolds, audiences can expect a candid exploration of what it takes to compete at the highest level of NASCAR, seen through the eyes of three individuals poised to shape the sport’s future. The series’ commitment to authenticity promises to deliver a compelling and insightful look into the lives of these rising stars.

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