NASCAR penalty report from Phoenix Raceway
Zane Smith has been penalized by NASCAR after crashing into Carson Hocevar after the finish of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway. NASCAR has issued the driver a fine of $50,000.
View the NASCAR penalty report from Phoenix Raceway below.
In this incident, the two drivers have a history. Smith was retaliating on Hocevar for dooring him earlier in the race. Yet, Hocevar was sent into the corner off the front bumper of Ross Chastain. Smith was informed about this and noted, “I don’t give a [expletive].”
Interestingly, we saw a similar incident the previous week at Charlotte Motor Speedway at a much lower rate of speed. Ricky Stenhouse Jr and Michael McDowell both ran into each other after the finish on their way to the pit lane. In that instance, NASCAR elected not to issue a penalty.
Michael McDowell commented, “How about we use our brains here and realize that rubbing doors in 1st gear at 40mph is different than smashing someone at 130 mph. The fact that this has to be explained is mind blowing to me.”
The sanction has continually stated these incidents are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Smith was also warned by NASCAR in the hauler recently.
Click here to watch the video of the incident
NASCAR Cup Series
Penalty Report
Date: 10/18/2026
Track: Phoenix
Team/Member: Zane Smith
Level: Behavioral
Infraction: Sections 4.4a & 10.5.2.5a: Penalty Options; Safety Violations
Penalty/Remarks: Zane Smith has been fined $50,000.
Video of Smith crashing into Hocevar
