The Backstretch

On this episode of The Backstretch Podcast (Season 5, Episode 4) we break down a HUGE week in NASCAR:  Henderson Motorsports runs inside the Top 10 with Corey LaJoie in the Truck race at Daytona… until disaster strikes. Chris explains what happened. What Matters, What Doesn't Tyler Reddick wins the Daytona 500, putting Michael Jordan in Victory Lane as a Cup Series owner — does that matter? Fans voice frustration over fuel saving and drivers riding half throttle — but did it actually impact how the race played out? NASCAR announces 150,000 fans attended the Daytona 500 and more than 450,000 were on property for the week — do numbers like that matter? Then, we go Five Minutes on Turn Five with Daytona 500 champion Michael McDowell — a thoughtful and insightful conversation you don't want to miss. Back with Chris for Say What? We react to Ryan Blaney's comments about the Stage 2 caution incident and the late blocks from Justin Allgaier and Riley Herbst — is blocking becoming a Daytona problem? Kyle Busch's post-race audio sparks debate — what do we think of the No. 8 car bailing at the end? Plus — our featured Backstretch Conversation with NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell, talking about the state of the sport and what's ahead. And to wrap it up, Chris puts the crew chief hat back on as NASCAR heads to EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta) — what makes it different from Daytona, and what are the biggest challenges teams will face? It's insight. It's analysis. It's real talk from the garage. Hit subscribe and join us every week on The Backstretch.

he Great American Race is here — and Episode 3 of The Backstretch Podcast dives headfirst into everything that makes Daytona unlike anywhere else. In Heather and Chris' Opening Laps, they break down what truly makes Daytona special — from the history and intensity to the pressure that builds the moment Speedweeks begin. Then in Turn 5, Chase Elliott joins the show to talk about coming heartbreakingly close to winning the Daytona 500, what it's like racing for that Harley J. Earl Trophy, and his thoughts on NASCAR's return to the Chase format. In What Matters | What Doesn't, the debate heats up: Does the current points format really matter to the powerhouse teams? And how much do those tough tracks to start the season actually shape the championship picture? Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher stops by for a special Backstretch Discussion, offering insight into the magnitude of the 500 and what fans can expect this year. To close it out, Chris goes full crew chief mode with his pit box breakdown, detailing his keys to winning at Daytona — strategy, execution, and the moments that can change everything in seconds. History. Strategy. Heartbreak. And the biggest stage in NASCAR. Make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along all season long with The Backstretch Podcast.

Season 5 rolls on!  In Episode 2 of The Backstretch Podcast, hosts Heather Williams and Chris Carrier break down all the biggest moments from the Clash. In What Matters | What Doesn't, the crew debates a question every NASCAR fan is asking: Does it really matter to win the Clash, or is finishing well the real victory? Then it's Say What… time as we dissect the heated radio exchanges between Bubba Wallace and Daniel Suárez, plus James Small's very vocal frustration over the fuel caution. We're also joined by two great guests: Austin Dillon talks racing, momentum, and the season ahead | Nate Bargatze, Daytona 500 Grand Marshal, stops by with laughs and insight you don't want to miss From on-track chaos to off-track drama (and a little comedy), this episode has it all. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of The Backstretch Podcast.

The Backstretch Podcast is back for Season 5! News 5's Heather Williams and NASCAR Crew Chief Chris Carrier kick off the new season by breaking down the cold weather—and possible snow—heading into The Clash. They also recap the offseason, discuss which drivers they're watching closely this year, and explain the latest changes to the NASCAR points system. Plus, the show features exclusive conversations with Erik Jones and Austin Cindric as they share their perspectives heading into the season. It's a packed Season 5 premiere you won't want to miss.

Heather and Chris breakdown the Cup Championship weekend in Phoenix, including why each driver can win and why they might lose. Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. is our guest. Heather's final thought is on Denny Hamlin's father's illness and the loss of her own father.

There are two races to go in the regular season and one last chance for drivers to make the Championship Four. Heather and Chris talk about that, plus Daniel Suarez's move to Spire Motorsports and this weekend's race at Martinsville. Suarez and Erik Jones are this week's guest.

The playoff drivers have trouble in Las Vegas. Denny Hamlin writes his name in this history books. Spire Motorsports makes a change. Heather and Chris break it all down. Chase Briscoe and Chase Elliott both stop by to talk about their playoff runs.

Heather and Chris talk about the Roval race, strategy vs manipulation, 750 hp coming NASCAR and a preview of Vegas. Christopher Bell and Zane Smith are the guest. Heather's final thought is the Roval.

Heather and Chris talk about the race at Kansas, more trouble for Carson Hocevar and preview the cutoff race at the Charlotte Roval. Austin Dillon is this week's guest, Heather's final thought is about the state of NASCAR.

Fords open round two of the playoffs strong. Heather and Chris talk about Penske's strong start to round two of the playoffs, the teammate scuffle between Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs and Preview Kansas. John Hunter Nemechek stops by and Heather's final thought is on the teammate troubles.

Heather and Chris recap the action from Bristol. PRN announcer Mark Garrow stops by to swap stories and talk about his retirement announcement

Heather and Chris talk about Denny Hamlin's win at Gateway, the Playoffs and preview Bristol. Guest Joey Logano talks about Bristol, his love of cars and family life. Heather's final thought is about Bristol.

Chase Briscoe put a beatdown on the field at Darlington. Heather and Chris talk about the race good and bad. Also what happened to Hendrick Motorsports at Darlington and who is excited for St. Louis. Speedway Motor Sports' Steve Swift stops by to talk about how he became the man who makes the Smith family's crazy ideas reality and how fountains almost ended up on the Roval. Heather's final thought is on the continuing lawsuit news

Heather and Chris preview the NASCAR Playoffs, talk about two of NASCAR's worst kept secrets (Kaulig to Dodge and Connor Zilisch to the Trackhouse Cup car) and they preview Darlington. Heather shares a snippet of her conversation with Austin Dillon and her final though is on the NASCAR Playoffs.  

The 2026 NASCAR schedule is released. Heather and Chris break it down and talk about it may or may not impact any changes to the playoffs. Regular season points champ William Byron is the guest. Heather's final thought is on Humpy Wheeler's impact in racing.

Heather starts by talking about the report the All-Star Race may be moving to Dover. Chris joins Heather to talk about SVG's fourth win of the season, Connor Zilisch's scary fall and to preview Richmond. Heather's final thought is on Silly Season

Heather and Chris talk about the drivers who can win the regular season championship, the drivers that need to go if they want to make the playoffs and they preview Watkins Glen. Justin Haley is this week's guest. Heather's final thought is on Henderson Motorsports return to the track this weekend.

Heather and Chris talk about Bubba Wallace's win at the Brickyard, the debate about the playoffs vs full season points and the preview Iowa. Austin Dillion is the guest, talking about the Speedway Classic at BMS. Heather's final thought is on attendance numbers vs track capacity.

Heather and Chris talk about the 23XI/Front Row Lawsuit against NASCAR, the announcement of a race next season in San Diego, the in-season tournament and racing at Indy. Riley Herbst is the guest

Heather gets us up to speed on the breaking news about the 23XI, Front Row lawsuit against NASCAR. Then Chris joins Heather to talk about SVG third win of the season, NASCAR's in-season final four and to preview Dover. Christopher Bell is the guest. Heather's final thought is on Joey Logano's 600th start.

SVG wins again in Chicago, the Clash is returning to Bowman Gray, plus Heather and Chris preview Sonoma. Chris Buescher is the guest. Heather's final thought is on road course racing

Is there such thing as too much chaos? Heather and Chris talk about busted brackets at Atlanta, the start of silly season after the announcement that Daniel Suarez is out at Trackhouse and they preview the Chicago Street Race. Justin Haley is this week's guest. He finished second in Chicago in 2023. Heather's final thought is on street racing's place in NASCAR.

Heather and Chris talk about Chase Briscoe's big win at Pocono, potential upsets in NASCAR's first in season tournament and remember the life of former NASCAR team owner Larry McClure. Erik Jones is the guest

Heather and Chris take a look back at the Mexico City Race and ahead to Pocono. They also talk about their friend Charlie Henderson.

Denny Hamlin wins at Michigan in the midst of a lot going on off the track, now he will skip Mexico City. Dodge is returning to the truck series. Heather shares a recent conversation with Hall of Famer Donnie Allison. Here final thought is on the race in Mexico City.

On this week's edition of the Backstretch Heather talks about the breaking news surrounding the 23XI/Front Row vs NASCAR Lawsuit. Chris then joins her to talk about Ryan Blaney's win at Nashville, the continued run-ins for Carson Hocevar and they have a preview of Michigan. This week's guest is Ty Gibbs and we get to know about Ty the 22 year-old, not just Ty the race car driver.

Ross Chastain adds a crown jewel to his collection. Kyle Larson's double does not go well. The guest this week is Daniel Suarez and Heather's final thought it about Amazon Prime's first cup broadcast.

Heather and Chris talk about the Hall of Fame Class of 2026, did we finally crack the code on short track racing at the All-Star Race and look forward to the Coke 600.Austin Dillon is the guest and Heather's final thought is about the drama in IndyCar right now.

Kyle Larson runs away at Kansas, so is it a car problem or a Kyle problem. The debate continues on what to do with the NASCAR postseason and our guest this week is Christopher Bell.

Joey Logano finds a way to win, NASCAR is taking it's championship on the road and this week's guest is Shane Van Gisbergen

Was Talladega boring and how can we fix super speedway racing? Joey Logano and Chipper Jones now have beef and Chase Briscoe is this week's guest.

A big shocker as Spire Motorsports cuts ties with Rodney Childers. The All-Star race makes some interesting changes and NASCAR heads to Talladega. Zane Smith is the guest.

No off weeks on the Backstretch, though this a little less formal an episode. Heather and Chris talk about the race at Bristol and look forward to Rockingham. Plus a quick chat with Austin Dillon.

There were some technical issues on the Backstretch, so this podcast was from before the Bristol race, but we thought you might have a good time listening to how wrong we were about what might happen on Sunday, and the chat with John Hunter Nemechek is a good one

Xfinity drivers put on track behavior debate back in the spotlight. Heather and Chris talk about that as well and Denny Hamlin ending his Martinsville winless streak and preview Darlington. Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. is the guest. Heather's final thought is on Darlington throwback weekend.

Kyle Larson came really close to sweeping the weekend at Homestead. Can he do it in a few weeks at Bristol? Heather and Chris talk about that plus where the championship race should be, and they preview the race this weekend at Martinsville. Erik Jones is the guest. Heather's final though is on the Championship Race location.

Josh Berry gets his first Cup Series win, he is the guest this week on the podcast. Heather and Chris talk about Josh's win plus the smart call in the pits by the 20 team and they preview the race at Homestead. Heather's final thought is about the continuing debate about who should be cleared to drive in Cup Series Races.

Christopher Bell is red hot. Heather and Chris talk about C-Bell's third straight win, who should be given the chance to run a cup car and they preview this weekend's race at Las Vegas. Alex Bowman is this week's guest and Heather's final thought is on the points system.

Heather and Chris break down a fun finish at COTA, just how good Christopher Bell is and they preview Phoenix. Heather chats about the NASCAR penalty news of the week and her final thought is about the schedule to start the season.

It was a wild weekend in Atlanta, Heather and Chris talk racing to the line, aggressive driving, and preview COTA. Ty Gibbs is the guest.

Our Crew Chief Chris Carrier joins us to talk about his lost appeal of the Henderson Motorsports disqualification at Daytona. Josh Berry is the guest. He talks about joining the Wood Brothers this season. In Heather's final thought, she gives a shoutout to Legacy Motor Club after putting all three of their cars in the top 11 at Daytona.

NASCAR is back with the season opener at the Daytona International Speedway. Our Crew Chief Chris Carrier gets us ready for 2025 and SVG joins us to talk about his rookie season

In a special edition of the Backstretch Podcast, Heather takes a look back at the playoffs and the road to Sunday's Championship race in Phoenix

Just one race to go before the championship four is set in NASCAR. Heather and Chris talk about Tyler Reddicks incredible run at Homestead to lock himself in the championship race and who might join him. Christopher Bell stops by and discusses the pressure of trying to make the final and how this year is different from the previous two. Heather's final thought is on who might join Joey Logano and Tyler Reddick in the title race

Joey Logano got back into the playoffs and took advantage, advancing to the championship four with a win at Vegas. Logano is this week's guest. Heather and Chris discuss Logano's win, which drivers are in trouble heading to Homestead, and whether the playoffs are broken. We get a bonus visit from William Sawalich. Heather's final thought is about the tracks in the NASCAR playoffs.

Heather and Chris discuss Kyle Larson's domination at the Roval, Alex Bowman's disqualification, and why a light car is an advantage. Ryan Blaney is the guest and he talks about getting his teammate back in the playoffs and the 12 team's drive for back-to-back titles. Heather's final thought is on the impact Doug Rice has had on the sport as he gets ready to call his final race at Las Vegas.

Heather and Chris discuss a wild finish at Talladega, the importance of a NASCAR Charter, and preview the cutoff race at the Charlotte Roval. Heather's final thought is on whether chaos is good for the sport.

NASCAR is sued by 23XI and Front Row Motorsports. No playoff drivers are safe as the Cup series heads to Talladega after non-playoff driver Ross Chastain wins Kansas. William Byron stops by to talk about how he's navigating round two of the playoffs and his latest Lego project. Heather's final thought is on a rough week for Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. How you can help flood victims: https://tinyurl.com/ms547uaw

Round two of the playoffs opens at Kansas, Christopher Bell is the guest. Plus was Bristol a good race?

A playoff crasher wins at Sonoma putting some big names below the cutline as we head to Bristol. Austin Cindric has shocked many people and shaken up the playoff as he sits third in the standings. Heather's final thought is on Playoff format haters

Heather and Chris talk about Penske's hot streak in the postseason, NASCAR's Charter chatter, and preview Watkins Glen. The Champ Ryan Blaney is the guest. Heather's final thought is more on the charters.