NASCAR is apparently committed to making superstars of its drivers - and about time we would say.

The sport has never faced greater challenges, whether it be falling TV ratings, the hated playoff format or the hated Next Gen car. There is not much love right now for the folks in Charlotte.

Oh, and next month the France dynasty faces a huge court date with Michael Jordan and co as that blockbusting antitrust case heads for trial.

We’d argue that creating superstar personalities is a good step in the right direction for NASCAR - after all if nobody recognizes a driver walking down Madison Avenue, what chance does the sport have of driving top dollar commercially?

We would also argue that taking a slightly lower dollar figure and not airing its races on TV networks we’ve never heard of would also be a positive step. But that’s for another day.

Right now this, like we said, is a small step in the right direction as NASCAR unrolls its new RISING docuseries, with all five episodes streaming on Youtube this week.

The series puts the focus on three of the young superstars burning up the grid, led by the controversial 2024 Rookie Of The Year Carson ‘Hurricane’ Hocevar.

Hocevar has become a cult hero this year - well hero with most of the fanbase but maybe not so much with his rivals on the grid. Not after those high-profile beefs with the likes of Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Ryan Blaney and Zane Smith. Among others.

The 22-year-old from Portage, Michigan gives off the type of IDGAF attitude which endears him to fans, so why wouldn’t NASCAR play it up?

Also starring on RISING are 20-year-old Xfinity Series champion Jesse Love and 23-year-old Truck Series phenom Rajah Caruth.

The first episode aired Monday evening and every day has a fresh one this week - through Friday November 21.

Hocevar is really keen to show fans behind the scenes in his everyday life - not just what happens at the track.

“Ultimately, you always want to show people more of the insights and everything,” he said.

“I remember as a kid buying every DVD I could find of mini docs. I think Kasey Kahne had one, Tony (Stewart) had one, (Dale) Jr. had plenty. And obviously (Dale) Sr. had a lot of them.

“So, yeah, I mean, that’s what made me a fan, or just kept me in racing. So, the more we can do of that as a sport is big, and for me to be a part of it, I think, is super cool.”