The NASCAR Cup Series competed at Talladega Superspeedway and it was a unique event. After NASCAR changed the stage lengths, it created a more spread out Stage 1 and intense Stage 2. Then, the Final Stage produced two-by-two racing, giving a Spire Motorsports driver their first Cup Series victory.

Carson Hocevar and the No. 77 team for Spire Motorsports won the Jack Link's 500 at Talladega on Sunday, earning their first victory of the 2026 Cup Series season. Hocevar was able to beat RFK Racing driver Chris Buescher to the line after battling upfront over the last 40 laps of the event.

CARSON HOCEVAR WINS AT TALLADEGA! pic.twitter.com/5B6WQFi87T

After the event, Hocevar drove his No. 77 car the opposite direction while sitting outside of the vehicle. It was one of the most memorable NASCAR celebrations in recent memory. The Spire Motorsports driver has been knocking on the door, and he finally broke through at Talladega on Sunday evening.

This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: Carson Hocevar wins NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega in April 2026