### Carson Hocevar Makes History with First NASCAR Cup Pole at Texas Motor Speedway Carson Hocevar, a 22-year-old driver for Spire Motorsports, has made headlines by securing his first career pole position in the NASCAR Cup Series at Texas Motor Speedway. This achievement is particularly notable as it makes him the youngest pole winner in the history of the track, a significant milestone in his racing career. The Texas Motor Speedway has been a challenging venue for drivers since its reconfiguration and repaving in 2017, adding to the significance of Hocevar's accomplishment. His qualifying lap of 191.659 mph not only earned him the top starting position for the WURTH 400 but also showcased the potential of his team as they continue to make strides in the competitive NASCAR landscape [https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/other-sports/2025/05/03/carson-hocevar-earns-1st-pole-win-at-texas-motor-speedway-ahead-of-sunday-nascar-cup-race]. ### Breakdown of Hocevar's Historic Achievement 1. **Pole Position Details** - Hocevar achieved a qualifying lap time of 28.175 seconds, which translates to an impressive speed of 191.659 mph, edging out 2023 race winner William Byron by just 0.014 seconds [https://www.yardbarker.com/nascar/articles/carson_hocevar_earns_first_career_nascar_cup_series_pole_for_wurth_400_at_texas/s1_13132_42144931]. 2. **Team Performance** - This pole position marks the second for Spire Motorsports in the 2025 season, highlighting the team's growing competitiveness in the NASCAR Cup Series [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/carson-hocevar-earns-first-nascar-173510439.html]. 3. **Historical Context** - At 22 years old, Hocevar is now the youngest driver to win a pole at Texas Motor Speedway, breaking previous records and setting a new benchmark for future competitors [https://www.newsday.com/sports/motor-racing/nascar-cup-qualifying-texas-b08911]. 4. **Race Day Expectations** - Hocevar will lead the field to the green flag in the WURTH 400, with a starting lineup that includes notable drivers such as Austin Cindric, Kyle Larson, and Michael McDowell rounding out the top five [https://www.si.com/onsi/racing-america/news/starting-lineup-nascar-cup-series-wurth-400-at-texas]. ### Supporting Evidence of Hocevar's Performance - **Qualifying Results**: - Hocevar's lap time: **28.175 seconds** (191.659 mph) - Second place: William Byron at **191.564 mph** - Other top qualifiers included Austin Cindric, Kyle Larson, and Michael McDowell [https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/texas-starting-lineup-carson-hocevar-wins-first-career-nascar-cup-pole]. - **Team Milestones**: - This pole is a significant achievement for Spire Motorsports, indicating their upward trajectory in the NASCAR Cup Series [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/nascar-texas-qualifying-results-carson-165425141.html]. ### Conclusion: A New Era for Carson Hocevar and Spire Motorsports In summary, **Carson Hocevar's first career pole at Texas Motor Speedway is a landmark achievement** that not only highlights his talent but also signifies a promising future for Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series. The following points encapsulate the key takeaways: 1. Hocevar's qualifying performance sets a new record for the youngest pole winner at Texas. 2. His achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of his team, which is gaining momentum in the competitive racing environment. 3. The upcoming WURTH 400 presents an opportunity for Hocevar to capitalize on his pole position and further establish his presence in the NASCAR Cup Series [https://www.si.com/onsi/racing-america/news/hocevar-excited-for-no-1-pit-stall-after-first-career-cup-pole].