Ross Chastain stands up for Carson Hocevar after being accused of....

It’s been a difficult time on the track of late for NASCAR Cup Series rookie Carson Hocevar, who picked up a hefty monetary fine and points penalty from an incident in Nashville. But despite barbs coming from fellow drivers, Hocevar has found at least one ally in the pits among his fellow drivers.

Speaking about the young driver, Ross Chastain took up for Hocevar amidst his rocky start so far this year. Chastain recalled breaking into the Cup Series at a young age himself as he talked about what the 20-year-old Hocevar is experiencing.

“I think back to what I was doing at 20 years old and I wasn’t that fast,” Chastain said, according to Sportsnaut. “I am constantly amazed at how he makes speed with these cars. And then off the track, he has a group around him that is there to help him grow and grow with him for the long haul. Because he’s so fast, they are invested in growing with him.”

And Chastain’s support is buttressed by support for Hocevar from others in his corner: Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson (who’s agency once represented Chastain) and Phil Smalley, an agent who has worked with Chastain and now Hocevar.

Dickerson, in particular, has been helpful for Hocevar, Chastain said.

“[Carson] and I talked yesterday and he has a good group of people here at the track so he doesn’t need me,” Chastain said. “He’s got Jeff Dickerson and he’s great. I talked to him earlier in the week. One of Jeff’s strong suits is that he’s very good at dealing with this and helped me get through some of my past mistakes. It was really refreshing to hear from Jeff and what they went through and how they worked through it this week.”