The Backstretch

The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 16: Erik Jones and Noah Gragson

Shane van Gisbergen wins again at Watkins Glen — and once again the question comes up: are we watching the greatest road course driver NASCAR has ever seen? In Season 5, Episode 16 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down SVG’s latest road course masterclass and what separates him from the rest of the field whenever NASCAR turns right. We also dive into: 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn’t * Katherine Legge attempting the Indy 500 / Coca-Cola 600 double — how difficult is it really, and does it matter for NASCAR? * The many changes coming to this year’s All-Star Race and what drivers really think about them 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Erik Jones Erik joins the show to talk about his season so far, the challenge of adapting week-to-week, and the upcoming All-Star Race changes. 📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter) * Carson Hocevar and the No. 21 get together — racing incident or reputation problem? * NASCAR keeps the race green after Cody Ware’s hard hit late in the race — are officials letting too much go? 🎙 Backstretch Conversation – Noah Gragson Noah talks about staying confident during tough stretches, handling expectations, and how he became one of NASCAR’s most popular personalities. 🛠 Pit Notes Chris Carrier previews the All-Star Race at Dover for the first time — breaking down the Monster Mile, tire wear, aggression, and why mistakes happen fast there. Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 15: Dystany Spurlock

Chase Elliott gets the win at Texas — and reaches two victories earlier in the season than ever before. In Season 5, Episode 15 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down what Elliott’s fast start really means — and whether he’s now the biggest threat to Tyler Reddick’s early-season dominance. We also dive into: 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn’t * Carson Hocevar at the Met Gala — unexpected, but does it actually matter? * Ryan Blaney and Tyler Reddick sign long-term deals, locking up two major names this silly season — no surprise, but how important is it? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Dystany Spurlock Dystany joins the show to talk her journey, opportunity in the sport, and what comes next. 📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter) * The No. 60 team penalized after a run-in with the 54 — was it the incident or the radio traffic that made the difference? * Kyle Busch avoids penalty in a similar situation — where’s the line? * Busch’s weekend continues with tension involving the 77 and the 42 — is fighting multiple battles helping or hurting his momentum? 🛠 Pit Notes Chris Carrier previews Watkins Glen — strategy, braking zones, and how rain in the forecast could change everything. Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won’t hear anywhere else. #NASCAR #ChaseElliott #DystanySpurlock #WatkinsGlen #KyleBusch #TylerReddick #CupSeries #BackstretchPodcast

The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 14: Chris Buescher

Carson Hocevar gets his first career Cup Series win — and celebrates like it. In Season 5, Episode 14 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Hocevar’s breakthrough moment, what it means for Spire Motorsports, and why this win could be bigger than just one race. It also felt like a big weekend for the sport — maybe even a shift. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn’t * A changing guard in NASCAR? From Hocevar’s win to rising names across the sport * Cleetus McFarland finishes second in ARCA, Corey Day wins in the O’Reilly Auto Parts race (with Jason Kelce on the pit crew) — is this real momentum or just a moment? * A major leadership change: Jim France steps down as CEO, and Steve O’Donnell becomes the first non-France family member to take the role — how much does that matter? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Chris Buescher Chris joins the show to talk Talladega, adapting to evolving race strategy, and what it takes to stay competitive as the season shifts. 📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter) * New stage strategies reduced fuel saving — but passing still proved difficult * More radio issues across teams — and a much bigger problem this week for Ryan Preece at Talladega 🛠 Pit Notes Chris Carrier previews Texas Motor Speedway — speed, risk, and why execution matters more than ever at one of the fastest tracks on the schedule. Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won’t hear anywhere else. #NASCAR #CarsonHocevar #ChrisBuescher #Talladega #TexasMotorSpeedway #CupSeries #BackstretchPodcast

The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 13: Riley Herbst

Tyler Reddick keeps rolling — five wins in the first nine races, this time at Kansas. In Season 5, Episode 13 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Reddick’s dominant start and what it means for the rest of the field as the season takes shape. We’re also taking a step back to look at the bigger picture across NASCAR right now — what matters, and what doesn’t. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn’t Ratings vs attendance — TV numbers may be flat, but crowds look strong. Does that actually matter? Trackhouse Racing continues to struggle, with owner Justin Marks calling it a rebuild — is this part of the plan or a real concern? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Riley Herbst. Riley joins the show to talk Kansas, early-season momentum, and how drivers deal with pressure — whether they’re leading or chasing. 📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter & Off-Track Talk) A funny exchange on the No. 7 radio… but one that points to a real issue Kyle Busch reveals his “hate list” on a podcast — is that mindset helpful, or does it create more problems? 🛠 Pit Notes Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to Talladega Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 12: Cole Custer

Ty Gibbs gets his first career Cup Series win — and he does it at Bristol Motor Speedway. In Season 5, Episode 12 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Gibbs’ breakthrough moment and what it means for his future — and the rest of the field. We also dive into: 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn’t * The 750 horsepower package has now been tested across multiple track types — does the added power actually matter? * Cup drivers sweep all three races at Bristol, with a record number competing in the Truck Series — is that good for the sport? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Cole Custer Cole joins the show to talk Bristol, the current state of competition, and what drivers are seeing as the season evolves. 📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter) * Ryan Blaney and the No. 12 team — frustration, adjustments, and what it signals heading into Kansas * The No. 8 team continues to be a talking point — at what point does something have to change? 🛠 Pit Notes Chris Carrier previews Kansas Speedway — his hometown track — breaking down speed, tire wear, and what it takes to win on one of the fastest intermediates on the schedule. Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won’t hear anywhere else. #NASCAR #TyGibbs #ColeCuster #Bristol #KansasSpeedway #CupSeries #BackstretchPodcast