NASCAR Cup Series driver to rock Orioles-related sponsor in Bristol race

Carson Hocevar has put in a ton of blood, sweat and tears to turn himself into one of NASCAR's top prospects. The 21-year-old spent just three full-time seasons in the Truck Series, including last year where he won 4 races in Trucks, before making the leap all the way up to full-time Cup Series driver.

While Hocevar isn't in equipment that will put him in victory lane yet, he's a part of the up-and-coming Spire Motorsports - a team that has gone from back-marker to top-20 runs on most days.

To kick off the 2024 campaign, Hocevar finished 40th (last place) in the Daytona 500 but has since posted three consecutive top-20 finishes. This is an accomplishment for a team and driver that are still trying to establish themselves as competitors you should take seriously.

As the Portage, Michigan native prepares for Sunday evening's race at Bristol Motor Speedway, he is going to enter the event rocking some seriously cool sponsorship that centers around the Baltimore Orioles. According to a press release from the foundation itself, Hocevar will have the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation (in collaboration with Gainbridge) as the sponsor on his No. 77 Chevy.

Carson Hocevar will drive Orioles-themed NASCAR Chevrolet this weekend

The CRSF was founded to honor the life and values of the father of Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr. The foundation works with youth programs to create safe spaces for them to develop life skills, work in positive environments with local law enforcement, learn how to make productive choices for their future and build character.

Gainbridge, a Group 1001 company, is a collective that empowers companies to create positive growth. CEO Dan Towriss has worked with Ripken Jr. in the past and the pair have worked for the CRSF together and helped over 104,000 children across 16 Youth Development Parks.

Ripken, who passed away in March of 1999, is a member of the Orioles Hall of Fame and was on the coaching staff of the 1983 squad that won the World Series. He was the bullpen coach for a year (1976) before becoming the third base coach the season after, where he'd stay through the 1986 campaign.