Analyzing trends in the NASCAR 2024 Cup playoffs at halfway: Alex Bowman, Denny Hamlin, officiating and more

Were three victories by drivers outside the playoffs a surprise if the schedule was full of wild cards? (1:00); impact of the Next Gen on teams’ “opportunity” for victories (3:30); can Steve spot how the cars can be differentiated now? (6:00); the acceptance of new technology in NASCAR and where it can head next (9:00); Steve’s ideas for helping improve TV storytelling in NASCAR races (10:30); the influx of personnel into the NASCAR labor market as teams restructure (12:30); how race teams have diversified into non-racing manufacturing industries that require high-end precision (14:00); Alex Bowman’s amazing run (18:00); can Kyle Busch extend his streak of seasons with at least one victory (21:30); what is happening with NASCAR and the inconsistent enforcement of its Damaged Vehicle Policy? (25:00); how NASCAR could have handled communication of its new policy better before Talladega (29:00); will the final four races shift the focus solely back to wining playoff drivers (33:00); the mystery of Denny Hamlin in the 2024 playoffs (35:00).

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