NASCAR
A Look Ahead into a very unique NASCAR Cup Series rookie class
2024 will see one of the most eclectic, diverse, and dynamic rookie classes yet in the NASCAR Cup Series. Three drivers are competing for Rookie of the Year honors, with two of them being teammates. The third entrant is a throwback racer in every sense, being one of the older rookies in recent memory. Here’s a look at all three contenders for top rookie on the Cup Series tour in 2024.
Josh Berry
A late model veteran who cut his teeth on short tracks throughout the south, Josh Berry is getting the break of a lifetime. Replacing Kevin Harvick in the Stewart-Haas Racing lineup, Berry takes over the famed No. 4 Ford Mustang.
At 33 years old, Berry is unusually old for a contemporary NASCAR rookie. What he may lack in NASCAR National Series experience though, he does make up for in time on paved short tracks. Berry is the CARS Tour all-time wins leader, the 2020 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series champion, and has numerous crown jewel late model victories.
“I’m really proud of how I’ve gotten to this point and earned this opportunity,” Berry said. “I don’t like to use the word luck. It’s also been about preparation meeting opportunity.”
“The Xfinity Series win at Martinsville changed my career and allowed us to point toward a full-time season for 2022 where we competed for the championship.”
“It’s also been very meaningful to get some opportunities in the Cup Series (last) year. I’m proud of how they went, but I cannot wait to drive a Cup car that’s got my name on it.”
Berry’s promotion to the NASCAR Cup Series is more than deserving and timely. It comes on the heels of two and a half years in Xfinity competition and select Cup starts this past season. This Xfinity stint primarily with JR Motorsports saw four victories and a Championship 4 berth in 2022. Berry was hand picked by Harvick to take over the iconic ride. He is gearing up to chase wins with fellow late model veteran Rodney Childers as crew chief.
Carson Hocevar
2023’s breakout star in the Craftsman Truck Series, Carson Hocevar found victory lane four times. Following a Championship 4 appearance that was anything but controversy-free, Hocevar will shift to racing on Sundays. He’s the new man behind the Spire Motorsports No. 77 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series.
“I mean, anybody in my position wants to be a Cup Series driver,” said Hocevar. “That’s what you dream about when you’re young. You want to race on Sundays. So, my opportunity to run a few times (last) year, to run on Sunday and get ready, I feel more than prepared to get in the No. 77 car with Spire. That team is growing exponentially and I’m just excited for everything. I have a unique opportunity to build something and grow with it, while growing myself at the same time. For what we’ve been able to do from the Craftsman Truck Series to Cup is pretty crazy. I know it seems like a big jump. With all the tools and resources, and everybody at Spire Motorsports, they have put a lot of faith in me, and I have a lot of faith in them. We all have faith in the whole program. I feel like we can come out of the gate like we’ve done this for years.”
Hocevar may have singlehandedly been the most intriguing driver across all of NASCAR in 2023. While running as a substitute Cup driver Hocevar stood out. The 20-year-old Michigan driver was contending for several top-10s in Cup Playoff races last fall. This came simultaneously to a Truck Series championship run.
Hocevar’s up-and-down 2023 showed a great competitive ceiling, but his age shows limited racing experience. He may already have a negative reputation in some driver’s eyes as well. Similar to Ty Gibbs last year, Hocevar has some image repair ahead of him. Gibbs’ rookie year was very productive though, completely changing his reputation. A similar building year could be in store for Hocevar.
Zane Smith
One of the highest touted NASCAR prospects in several years, Zane Smith is finally in the Cup Series. The 24-year-old California native is the 2022 Truck Series champion, winning nine times over the last four seasons. Smith will make the shift from Ford to Chevrolet, taking the reigns of an expansion team at Spire, the No. 71 Camaro. Smith’s ride will be a collaborative effort with Trackhouse Racing though. Smith is signed to a multi-year deal with the new era team.
“Trackhouse is one of the most progressive organizations in the garage,” Smith said. “I told some friends a year ago that I wanted to be a part of what Trackhouse is doing and I just can’t believe this is all coming true. I am very excited and thankful to have a future with the organization.
“The Cup series is the pinnacle of racing in America, and I cannot wait to compete, learn and hone my skills against the best in the world. I am really looking forward to working with the Spire Motorsports team in 2024 and believe the alliance with Trackhouse will help continue Spire’s ascent up the grid.”
Having Hocevar as a fellow rookie teammate is a unique situation rarely seen before. Spire Motorsports has had a very busy offseason filled with growth and realignment. Can the massive investments into their Cup operation pay off? Smith has the potential to be a superstar in the making alongside veteran presence Corey Lajoie and the younger Hocevar.
Who will win Rookie of the Year in 2024 remains to be seen. All three of these candidates are more than capable of putting up stellar results in their first Cup Series campaign. It will be especially fun to follow along with this particular battle all year long and see which ace is crowned top rookie.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credits to Chris Graythen, Sean Gardner, and Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
