The Backstretch

Heather Williams
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

The Backstretch is a motorsports podcast that will give viewers to hear the top drivers in the sport talk about the top stories in NASCAR.It is hosted by WCYB Sports Anchor Heather Williams with NASCAR Crew Chief Chris Carrier providing analysis.

  1. 3d ago

    The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 38: Austin Cindric

    Chase Briscoe is on fire, but Kyle Larson isn't giving up his championship lead! Briscoe wins his second consecutive race in a thrilling finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway, holding off Christopher Bell as tire trouble nearly costs him the victory. Meanwhile, Larson continues his remarkable consistency, finishing sixth or better in every Chase race so far. With just four races remaining, is the championship Larson's to lose? In Season 5, Episode 38 of The Backstretch Podcast, News 5's Heather Williams and Henderson Motorsports crew chief Chris Carrier break down the championship battle, a potential new manufacturer in NASCAR and some heated post-race tempers. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't Dodge is reportedly nearing a return to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027! With a potential partnership involving Kaulig Racing and ECR Engines, could Dodge make an immediate impact against Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota? Kyle Larson's incredible Chase consistency has him leading the championship standings. After last year's controversial finish to the title fight, does Larson's performance this season prove the value of NASCAR's return to a consistency-based championship format? 🎤 Turn 5 – Austin Cindric This week's Turn 5 is a little different! After a scheduled guest had to cancel, Heather joins NASCAR's weekly media availability with Austin Cindric. The Team Penske driver discusses the final four races of the season, his team's improved performance, Phoenix Raceway, brake concerns, tricky pit stalls and the challenge of racing at the front of the Cup Series field. 📻 Say What? – Radio Chatter Michael McDowell vs. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.! Tempers flare after the checkered flag at Charlotte, leaving damaged race cars and frustrated teams. Chris explains why post-race retaliation is especially aggravating from a crew chief's perspective and whether NASCAR should step in. Briscoe vs. Bell in a Charlotte thriller! We listen to the dramatic radio communications as Briscoe battles tire trouble in the closing laps and Bell nearly steals the victory. Chris breaks down the emotions on both pit boxes during one of the closest finishes in Charlotte Motor Speedway history. 🛠 Pit Notes – Phoenix Raceway For the first time in seven seasons, Phoenix won't host the NASCAR Cup Series championship finale. Chris Carrier explains how moving Phoenix earlier in the Chase could change race strategy, driver aggression and the championship battle. With Larson holding a commanding lead, could Phoenix be the last real opportunity for drivers like Ryan Blaney and Chase Briscoe to make up significant ground? Four races remain. Larson leads the way. Briscoe is charging. And Talladega is still waiting. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, driver interviews, radio chatter and insider perspective from the pit box! #NASCAR #AustinCindric #ChaseBriscoe #KyleLarson #ChristopherBell #Dodge #PhoenixRaceway #MichaelMcDowell #RickyStenhouseJr #NASCARChase #BackstretchPodcast

  2. Oct 11

    The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 37: Ryan Blaney

    Chase Briscoe puts on a show at Las Vegas, dominating the competition as NASCAR reaches the halfway point of the Chase! With five races down and five to go, the championship picture is starting to take shape. But what have we really learned, and who has the best chance to take home the Cup Series title? In Season 5, Episode 37 of The Backstretch Podcast, News 5's Heather Williams and Henderson Motorsports crew chief Chris Carrier break down Briscoe's impressive performance, reflect on an emotional weekend for the NASCAR community and look ahead to the next stop in the championship battle. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't The NASCAR community gathered in Charlotte for a celebration of life honoring Kyle Busch, a little more than three months after his tragic passing. We share a special video from the event as Chris reflects on Busch's legacy, the impact of his loss and why publicly celebrating his life matters so much to the racing community. NASCAR announces another rules package change for Talladega. With the superspeedway race approaching, will the adjustments make a meaningful difference in the racing, or are we expecting too much? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Ryan Blaney Ryan Blaney joins the show as the Chase reaches its halfway point. We discuss the championship battle, the pressure of the postseason and what it takes to remain in contention as the schedule winds down. 📻 Say What? – Radio Chatter Denny Hamlin goes for a spin at Las Vegas, but NASCAR keeps the race green. Was that the right call, or should officials have thrown the caution? Heather and Chris debate where NASCAR should draw the line. Christopher Bell battles a power steering failure during the race. Just how difficult is it to control a Cup car without power steering? Chris explains what happens behind the wheel and whether teams can do anything to prevent or manage the problem once it begins. 🛠 Pit Notes – Charlotte Motor Speedway For the third consecutive week, NASCAR heads to a mile-and-a-half track, this time at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to success at Charlotte, including tire management, changing track conditions, pit strategy and finding the speed needed to compete for a victory as the championship battle intensifies. Five races down. Five to go. The Chase is heating up, and every point matters. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, the best radio chatter and insight from the pit box. #NASCAR #RyanBlaney #ChaseBriscoe #KyleBusch #LasVegasMotorSpeedway #CharlotteMotorSpeedway #DennyHamlin #ChristopherBell #NASCARChase #BackstretchPodcast

  3. Oct 4

    The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 36: Bubba Wallace

    Kyle Larson is the man of the hour in NASCAR. Larson wins at Kansas, stretches his lead in the Chase standings and puts himself in position to accomplish something NASCAR hasn't seen since Jimmie Johnson — win back-to-back Cup Series championships. In Season 5, Episode 36 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Larson's championship run and the biggest stories from Kansas as NASCAR heads deeper into the Chase. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't Brad Keselowski is leaving the No. 6 car at the end of the season and giving up his ownership stake in RFK Racing. It's a massive change for an organization he helped reshape — but what does it mean for Keselowski and RFK moving forward? Erik Jones re-signs with Legacy Motor Club, completing the team's driver lineup, while Jeremy Bullins joins the organization to help complete its crew chief lineup. Is Legacy quietly putting together the pieces it needs to take another step forward? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Bubba Wallace Bubba Wallace joins the show to talk about his season, the intensity of the Chase and what it takes to stay in the championship fight as NASCAR enters the heart of the postseason. 📻 Say What? – Radio Chatter Brad Keselowski and Carson Hocevar make contact at Kansas after Keselowski previously warned that payback was coming. Was this simply a racing incident — or did Brad finally collect on what happened at Darlington? Austin Hill has had enough of Shane van Gisbergen. As emotions boil over on the radio, Chris explains the crucial roles spotters and crew chiefs play in calming a driver down, keeping them focused and preventing frustration from turning into an even bigger problem. 🛠 Pit Notes – Las Vegas Next stop: Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to winning in Vegas, from finding speed on the mile-and-a-half oval to tire management, changing track conditions and executing when the Chase pressure is at its highest. Larson has the points lead. Keselowski is making a major career change. Rivalries are boiling over. And the championship fight is only getting tighter. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns and pit box perspective from inside the sport. #NASCAR #BubbaWallace #KyleLarson #BradKeselowski #CarsonHocevar #AustinHill #SVG #LasVegasMotorSpeedway #NASCARChase #BackstretchPodcast

  4. Sep 27

    The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 35: Michael McDowell, Darnette Vickers

    ust when you thought the Chase couldn't get any crazier, Bristol said, "Hold my beer." Joey Logano continues one of the biggest turnarounds of the season, winning at Bristol for his third victory of the year. When the summer began, Logano looked like he might miss the Chase entirely. Now he's firmly in the championship fight. But the biggest story coming out of Bristol may have happened after the racing stopped. In Season 5, Episode 35 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down the Ryan Blaney-Carson Hocevar fight, NASCAR's decision not to issue punishment and everything else from a wild night at The Last Great Colosseum. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't Kyle Larson leaves Bristol as the points leader, but NASCAR now returns to the mile-and-a-half tracks where Toyota has been dominant. How much does holding the points lead matter at this stage of the Chase? The No. 6 team makes a major change with Jeremy Bullins leaving and Mike Skarbowski taking over as crew chief. Can a crew chief change this late in the season make a meaningful difference? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Michael McDowell Michael McDowell joins the show to talk about the intensity of Bristol, navigating the Chase portion of the schedule and what drivers face as the championship pressure continues to build. 📻 Say What? – Bristol Fight Fallout Carson Hocevar gives his side of the post-race confrontation with Ryan Blaney before Blaney discusses the fight on Denny Hamlin's Actions Detrimental podcast. Does the fact that Blaney finally confronted Hocevar change anything about how the garage races the No. 77 going forward? NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell addresses the incident on Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour podcast. NASCAR isn't punishing the drivers for the fight, so Chris weighs in on whether letting drivers handle their own business is the right approach. 🎙 Backstretch Conversation – Darnette Vickers Kyle Busch superfan Darnette Vickers joins Heather for a personal conversation about losing her favorite driver and the emotions of returning to Bristol Motor Speedway, a track where Busch created so many unforgettable memories. 🛠 Pit Notes – Kansas There's no place like home. NASCAR heads to Kansas Speedway, Heather's home track, for the next stop in the Chase. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to success on the 1.5-mile oval and what the return to intermediate racing could mean for the championship contenders. Logano is surging. Larson has the points lead. Tempers are boiling. And the Chase is only getting more intense. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns and pit box perspective from inside the sport. #NASCAR #MichaelMcDowell #RyanBlaney #CarsonHocevar #JoeyLogano #KyleLarson #KansasSpeedway #BristolMotorSpeedway #DarnetteVickers #BackstretchPodcast

  5. Sep 19

    The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 34: Connor Zilisch

    The Chase is bringing out another gear in NASCAR's biggest teams. After a wild weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway, Kyle Larson snaps his winless streak and gets back to Victory Lane. In Season 5, Episode 34 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Larson's win and why it's no coincidence that some of NASCAR's top teams are finding extra speed now that the postseason has arrived. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't A frightening crash on pit road during the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race raises questions about the width and safety of pit road at World Wide Technology Raceway. Several drivers say it's simply too narrow. Does NASCAR need to make a change? Josh Berry will join Legacy Motor Club next season, while Daniel Suárez says he expects news about his future soon. With Silly Season seats quickly filling up for next year and beyond, how much do these moves matter for the teams and drivers involved? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Connor Zilisch Connor Zilisch joins the show to talk about navigating the ups and downs of his rookie season, what he's learned along the way and his future as one of NASCAR's most talked-about young drivers. 📻 Say What? – Radio Chatter The No. 12 team battles brake problems at Gateway as brake issues become a recurring theme throughout the weekend. They once seemed relatively rare—so why are we hearing about them more often? Brad Keselowski reacts after Joey Logano drives right past him, raising an interesting question for Chris: Can there really be "good engines" and "bad engines" among teams using the same manufacturer? 🛠 Pit Notes – Bristol NASCAR is coming to our backyard. The Chase heads to Bristol Motor Speedway, and Chris Carrier breaks down what it takes to survive 500 laps at The Last Great Colosseum. From tire management and traffic to track position, pit road and keeping your emotions under control, there's little room for error when the championship contenders take on the high banks. Larson is back in Victory Lane. The championship contenders are turning up the pressure. And now it's time for Bristol under the lights. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns and pit box perspective from inside the sport. #NASCAR #KyleLarson #ConnorZilisch #BristolMotorSpeedway #WWTR #JoshBerry #DanielSuarez #NASCARChase #BackstretchPodcast

  6. Sep 12

    The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 33: Ryan Preece

    After seven runner-up finishes, Christopher Bell finally breaks through. Bell scores his first win of the season in the Southern 500 at Darlington, starting the Chase with a statement victory. In Season 5, Episode 33 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down how big this win is for Bell and the No. 20 team as the championship battle gets underway. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't Brad Keselowski becomes the latest driver to call out Carson Hocevar, telling Above the Yellow Line that payback is coming. Denny Hamlin also criticized Spire Motorsports' handling of Hocevar on his podcast. We've discussed Hocevar's aggressive style all season—but where is the line, and what happens when the garage decides he's crossed it? Pit crews had a rough weekend at Darlington, with mistakes affecting Bell, Hamlin, Daniel Suárez and others. Chris explains just how important pit crew performance becomes when every position matters in a 10-race Chase. 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Ryan Preece Fresh off his dramatic Daytona victory that put him into the Chase, Ryan Preece joins the show to talk about his season, the pressure of the postseason and what changes once you're racing for a championship. 📻 Say What? – Radio Chatter NASCAR is donating $5 to charity for every swear word heard over the team radios, and after just one weekend, the drivers and teams have already raised more than $1,000. Apparently, racing for a championship can get a little colorful. More pit road frustration surfaces between Chase Elliott and longtime crew chief Alan Gustafson after confusion surrounding their final stop. It's the second time this season we've heard tension from one of Hendrick Motorsports' longtime driver-crew chief pairings. After a difficult year by Hendrick standards, is it simply Chase pressure—or evidence of a bigger problem? 🛠 Pit Notes – World Wide Technology Raceway NASCAR heads to the St. Louis area for the second race of the Chase. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to World Wide Technology Raceway, from braking and track position to managing the track's different corners and putting together a mistake-free race when postseason points are at a premium. Bell has the first win of the Chase. The Hocevar controversy isn't going away. And with nine races remaining, the pressure is only beginning. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns and pit box perspective from inside the sport.

  7. Sep 6

    The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 32: Bubba Wallace

    Ryan Preece delivers the ultimate walk-off win at Daytona. With the regular season on the line, Preece scores a dramatic victory to grab one of the final three spots in the Chase, joining Bubba Wallace and Austin Cindric as the final drivers to make NASCAR's 16-driver postseason field. In Season 5, Episode 32 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down the Daytona drama, the final Chase field and the biggest questions as the championship battle begins. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't Denny Hamlin captures the regular-season championship. But for a driver still searching for his first Cup Series title, how much does winning the regular-season crown really matter? John Hunter Nemechek is out at Legacy Motor Club, while The Athletic reports Josh Berry is the leading candidate to replace him. Could this be the opportunity Berry needs after his recent hot streak, and what would the move mean for Legacy? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Bubba Wallace Bubba Wallace joins the show after securing his place in the Chase. He talks about reaching the postseason, the pressure of racing his way into the championship field and what changes when the focus shifts from making the Chase to trying to win it. 📻 Say What? – Radio Chatter Chase Elliott and the No. 9 team work through fuel-saving strategy at Daytona. NASCAR debuted a new superspeedway package to mixed reviews, so did the changes actually reduce fuel saving or make it easier for drivers to pass? 🛠 Pit Notes – Darlington The Chase begins at Darlington Raceway, where 16 drivers start their 10-race pursuit of a championship. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to surviving "The Lady in Black" and taming "The Track Too Tough to Tame," from tire management and racing the wall to keeping mistakes from derailing a championship run before it really gets started. The regular season is over. The Chase is set. Now the road to the championship begins. 16 drivers. 10 races. One champion. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns and pit box perspective from inside the sport. #NASCAR #BubbaWallace #RyanPreece #DennyHamlin #Daytona #Darlington #NASCARChase #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries

  8. Aug 29

    The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 32: Ross Chastain

    Ryan Blaney gets the win at New Hampshire, continuing Team Penske's dominance on NASCAR's short, flat tracks. But with that portion of the regular-season schedule behind us, can Penske keep rolling as the series heads to very different tracks before returning to Phoenix and Martinsville late in the Chase? In Season 5, Episode 31 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Blaney's victory, Penske's championship potential and everything that's on the line heading into the regular-season finale at Daytona. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't Austin Hill will remain in the No. 33 next season as he makes the move to full-time Cup Series racing. After stepping into some big shoes, what does the commitment mean for Hill and his future? Josh Berry scores his fourth consecutive Top 10, the longest streak of his Cup career. But with Berry still searching for a ride next season, does the late-season surge help his Silly Season prospects—or is it too little, too late? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Ross Chastain Ross Chastain joins the show with the Chase just one race away to talk about his season, the pressure surrounding the playoff cutoff and the unpredictability of racing at Daytona with everything on the line. 📻 Say What? – Radio Chatter Chase Elliott and the No. 9 team have an unusual problem during non-competitive pit stops when the tires are put on backward. Chris explains how a mistake like that happens—and why it's one teams simply can't afford to make. Joey Logano reacts after Carson Hocevar spins under caution while NASCAR is deciding whether conditions are good enough to return to green-flag racing at New Hampshire. Was trying to race in the wet worth the risk? 🛠 Pit Notes – Daytona It's all on the line at Daytona International Speedway. The regular-season finale will determine the final three spots in the Chase, and one unexpected winner could completely scramble the playoff picture. Chris Carrier breaks down what we're watching for at Daytona, how teams approach a superspeedway race when points are everything, and which three drivers he believes will grab those final Chase spots. One race. Three spots. And Daytona. What could possibly go wrong? Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns and pit box perspective from inside the sport. #NASCAR #RyanBlaney #RossChastain #Daytona #DaytonaInternationalSpeedway #NASCARChase #TeamPenske #JoshBerry #AustinHill #BackstretchPodcast

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Backstretch is a motorsports podcast that will give viewers to hear the top drivers in the sport talk about the top stories in NASCAR.It is hosted by WCYB Sports Anchor Heather Williams with NASCAR Crew Chief Chris Carrier providing analysis.

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Williams
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Backstretch