NASCAR’s New Documentary Series "RISING" Offers Unfiltered Glimpse into the Lives of Young Stars Hocevar, Love, and Caruth

NASCAR is ushering in a new era of content creation, aiming to connect with fans on a more personal level through its recently launched documentary series, "RISING." Premiering on YouTube with daily episodes throughout the week, the series shines a spotlight on three promising young talents: Carson Hocevar, Jesse Love, and Rajah Caruth. This initiative reflects NASCAR’s strategic push to cultivate and showcase compelling personalities within the sport, a move spearheaded by Senior Vice President of Content, John Dahl, who previously played a key role in ESPN’s acclaimed "30 for 30" series.

Carson Hocevar, a prominent figure in the current NASCAR Cup Series season, serves as a de facto central character in "RISING." His willingness to embrace the spotlight and share his journey is deeply ingrained in his public persona. Hocevar is known for his active presence on Twitch, engaging with fans in his evenings, and his off-season plans often include participating in accessible dirt track and short track events. This open approach to his career and personal life made the prospect of a documentary series, capturing his experiences throughout the season, feel less intrusive and more like a natural extension of his public engagement.

"I think it’s healthy for a show to have the good, bad and the ugly, right," Hocevar stated during a 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 elaborated on his perspective, distinguishing "RISING" from heavily scripted reality television. "With some reality shows, a lot if 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."

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This commitment to authentic storytelling aligns with NASCAR’s broader content strategy under John Dahl. Since his appointment in 2024, Dahl has emphasized the importance of highlighting the human element of the sport. He believes NASCAR possesses a rich reservoir of young personalities with compelling narratives.

"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, who has been described as a polarizing figure on the track, has consistently demonstrated a candor in sharing his opinions, regardless of potential reception. This trait was evident from his early days in the short track scene, including his appearances at Berlin Raceway as a teenager, and it continues to define his approach as he enters his third season at the Cup Series level.

Reflecting on his early career and the personas adopted by some younger competitors, Hocevar remarked, "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. 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 emphasizes that his portrayal in "RISING" aims to reflect his genuine identity: an ordinary individual afforded the extraordinary opportunity to compete in high-level racing. He asserts that he is not performing a role or adhering to a preconceived archetype. His aspiration is to embody the kind of racer he admired and would have rooted for as a fan during his childhood.

"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 (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."

He further articulated his motivations, connecting them to the broader 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 positing about the things I do. 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 "RISING" series not only delves into Hocevar’s experiences but also provides insight into the journeys of Jesse Love and Rajah Caruth. Love, a formidable competitor in the ARCA Menards Series and an emerging presence in the Xfinity Series, brings a background of consistent success and a determined work ethic. Caruth, who has made strides in both the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity Series, represents a growing diversity within the sport, bringing his own unique perspective and experiences.

The documentary aims to capture the raw emotion, dedication, and challenges inherent in pursuing a career in professional motorsport. By offering a behind-the-scenes look at these three drivers, NASCAR seeks to demystify the sport for a wider audience and cultivate a deeper connection with its existing fanbase. The decision to release the series on YouTube signifies a commitment to accessible content, leveraging a platform popular with younger demographics and the wider internet-savvy audience.

The production quality and narrative approach of "RISING" are expected to echo the success of previous NASCAR content that has resonated with viewers, such as the "Full Speed" series and the documentaries focusing on Dale Earnhardt. The emphasis on character development and authentic storytelling is a deliberate strategy to build narratives that extend beyond the racetrack and connect with viewers on a personal level.

In an era where sports narratives are increasingly consumed through digital platforms and social media, NASCAR’s investment in a series like "RISING" underscores its understanding of evolving fan engagement. By showcasing the human stories behind the helmets and the horsepower, the organization hopes to not only retain its loyal following but also attract a new generation of fans drawn to relatable personalities and compelling, unvarnished storytelling. The success of this venture could pave the way for further innovative content initiatives designed to enhance the appeal and reach of NASCAR.

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