NASCAR's New Docuseries ‘Rising’ Brings Drivers' Stories Alive on YouTube

The excitement continues to rev up in the world of NASCAR as the sport collaborates with Connor Schell’s Words + Pictures, launching an innovative documentary series titled “Rising.” This groundbreaking five-part docuseries offers fans a perceptive glimpse into the lives of three eminent budding drivers—Carson Hocevar, Jesse Love, and Rajah Caruth.

Premiering on YouTube: A Strategic Move

Airing exclusively for free on YouTube from November 17 to 21, “Rising” aims to captivate a growing global audience. The series will delve deeply into the personal and professional lives of its featured drivers, enhancing viewers’ emotional connection to the sport, as expressed by John Dahl, NASCAR’s SVP/Content. Just like Netflix’s “Quarterback” endeavored to invest audiences in football players off the pitch, “Rising” engages NASCAR enthusiasts by showcasing the human element of its national series heroes.

Behind the Lens: Collaborative Forces

Produced by Full Speed Entertainment—a joint venture between NASCAR and Words + Pictures—the series commandeers the expertise of renowned executive producers including Tim Clark, John Dahl, and Tally Hair of NASCAR Studios, alongside Libby Geist and Aaron Cohen from Words + Pictures. Matthew Chase’s direction promises compelling narratives in each approximately 45-minute episode.

Transitioning to Television: Expanding Reach

After its initial YouTube stint, the docuseries will extend its reach to television audiences. In preparation for the exhilarating Daytona 500, Fox Sports’ FS1 channel will broadcast “Rising” in December, broadening the demographic appeal of NASCAR beyond traditional racing fans.

The Drivers Making Waves

• Carson Hocevar: Emerging from the fiercely competitive Cup Series, Hocevar’s story unfolds surrounded by speed and ambition.
• Jesse Love: Bringing passion and tenacity from the Xfinity Series, Love’s journey captures his relentless pursuit of victory.
• Rajah Caruth: His rise in the Craftsman Truck Series highlights a tale of determination and hopes as an inspiring young African American driver.

Cultivating a New Generation of Fans

By focusing on drivers such as Hocevar, Love, and Caruth, NASCAR’s intention with “Rising” is not just about nurturing these talents but also curating a narrative that resonates with audiences across ages. “We’re trying to see if we can get people invested in them,” Dahl mentions, urging seasoned fans and newcomers alike to get closer to the NASCAR community through these personal stories. As stated in Sports Business Journal, this series represents NASCAR’s innovative approach to showcasing the transformative journeys within its racing arena.

Explore these stories that promise to transcend from asphalt to the heartstrings, encapsulating both the raw energy of races and the rich tapestry of personal triumph and resilience. “`