New NASCAR Documentary Series "RISING" Showcases Next Generation of Stars

NASCAR is actively cultivating a new wave of talent, and to highlight these emerging personalities, a documentary series titled "RISING" has been launched on YouTube. The five-part series, with new episodes premiering nightly at 7 PM Eastern Time throughout the week, focuses on three promising young drivers: Carson Hocevar, Jesse Love, and Rajah Caruth.

Carson Hocevar, a prominent figure in the series, embraces the spotlight, a characteristic consistent with his public persona. Off the track, Hocevar is known for his active presence on Twitch and his commitment to accessible fan engagement during the off-season, participating in dirt track and short track events. This openness made the prospect of a season-long documentary less intrusive for him.

"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 further elaborated on the authenticity of the series, contrasting it with 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 approach to storytelling aligns with NASCAR’s content strategy under Senior Vice President of Content, John Dahl, who joined the organization in 2024. Dahl, an original executive producer of the acclaimed "30 for 30" documentary series, is known for his commitment to authentic narratives. He believes NASCAR possesses a wealth of compelling young personalities.

"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 commented. "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, does not shy away from expressing his opinions. This trait has been evident since his teenage years competing in short track events at Berlin Raceway and continues into his third season at the Cup Series level.

"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 observed. "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 aims to be portrayed in "RISING" as an ordinary individual who happens to compete in high-level motorsports, reflecting his genuine personality. He emphasizes that he is not adopting a persona or archetype.

"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 said. "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. 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."

He expressed his hope that the series will positively impact the sport’s growth. "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 aims to provide an in-depth look at the lives and careers of Hocevar, Love, and Caruth, offering fans an unprecedented glimpse into their journeys. The series is expected to resonate with a younger demographic and those new to NASCAR, aligning with the sport’s broader goals of audience expansion and engagement. The focus on authenticity and personal narratives is a strategic move to connect with a generation accustomed to behind-the-scenes content and relatable personalities.

Jesse Love, another featured driver, is a highly regarded prospect in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. As of the latest available data, Love has been steadily building his resume, demonstrating significant potential in a competitive field. His participation in "RISING" is anticipated to illuminate the challenges and triumphs of navigating the upper echelons of stock car racing. His background in various racing disciplines is expected to be a key element of his storyline within the documentary.

Rajah Caruth, the third driver featured, represents a growing diversity within NASCAR. His journey to professional racing is a narrative of dedication and overcoming obstacles. Caruth’s story in "RISING" is likely to highlight his unique path and his aspirations within the sport, further emphasizing NASCAR’s commitment to showcasing a broader range of talent and backgrounds. His recent performances in national series have garnered attention, positioning him as an important figure to watch.

The collaboration between NASCAR and content creators like those behind "RISING" signals a significant shift in how the sport is presented to its audience. By leveraging digital platforms and embracing a more personal storytelling approach, NASCAR seeks to replicate the success seen in other entertainment industries and create compelling content that appeals to both long-time fans and potential new followers. The emphasis on vulnerability and genuine experiences is a deliberate strategy to foster deeper connections between the drivers and the fanbase, moving beyond the traditional on-track rivalries to explore the human element of professional racing.