The Backstretch

Heather Williams

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. há 2 dias

    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

  2. 29 de ago.

    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

  3. 22 de ago.

    The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 30: Chase Briscoe

    Joey Logano has completely changed the direction of his season. Logano scores his second win of the year at Richmond, continuing a remarkable summer turnaround. When the summer began, he was outside the Chase and hovering around 20th in points. Now he's inside the top 10 and suddenly looks like a legitimate championship threat. In Season 5, Episode 30 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Logano's resurgence and the biggest NASCAR storylines with the Chase quickly approaching. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't Connor Zilisch is headed to Hendrick Motorsports in 2028. That's a long way away, so how much does the announcement really matter right now? Two NASCAR legends put on a show in the revived IROC Series as Kurt Busch edges Jimmie Johnson in an unbelievable finish. It's not NASCAR—but does a finish like that matter for the future of IROC? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Chase Briscoe Chase Briscoe joins the show to talk about his season, the battle for the Chase and what drivers face as the pressure ramps up during the final weeks of the regular season. 📻 Say What? – Radio Chatter Carson Hocevar reacts after losing an engine Saturday night, leading to debate over whether what happened afterward was intentional. More importantly, Hocevar was fifth in points just a few weeks ago and has now fallen to 11th. Can he stop the slide before the Chase begins? Kyle Larson and the No. 5 team work out a plan over the radio to get him to Iowa for the Knoxville Nationals. Chris discusses Hendrick Motorsports' willingness to help Larson continue racing on dirt—and why those opportunities are so important to him. 🛠 Pit Notes NASCAR heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to winning at the "Magic Mile," including braking, track position, tire management and the challenges of getting around the flat, one-mile oval. The Chase is getting closer, Logano is getting hotter and the pressure around the cut line is building. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns and pit box perspective from inside the sport. #NASCAR #JoeyLogano #ChaseBriscoe #CarsonHocevar #KyleLarson #NewHampshireMotorSpeedway #HendrickMotorsports #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries

  4. 15 de ago.

    The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 29: Ross Chastain

    Ty Gibbs is making a statement. Gibbs scores his second win of the season at Iowa and moves into second in the points standings. With the Chase approaching, is it time to consider Gibbs a legitimate Cup Series championship contender? In Season 5, Episode 29 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Gibbs' rise and the biggest NASCAR storylines heading into Richmond. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't Ty Gibbs' post-race press conference at Iowa lasted just seven minutes and sparked plenty of debate. But does the length of a driver's media availability really matter? NASCAR's 2027 schedule continues to come together track by track, and we now know the All-Star Race is returning to North Wilkesboro. After hosting a points race this season, does North Wilkesboro losing that date matter? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Ross Chastain Ross Chastain joins the show to talk about his season, the final push toward the Chase, and what it takes to navigate the pressure as the regular season winds down. 📻 Say What? – Radio Chatter Ryan Blaney has a close encounter with a boom camera on pit road. Drivers already have plenty to avoid in the pits—do cameras now need to be added to the list? Chase Elliott battles for the Lucky Dog while his team feeds him information over the radio. Chris explains how much communication a driver really wants while fighting for position—and when a crew chief or spotter can actually say too much. 🛠 Pit Notes NASCAR heads to Richmond Raceway for another short, flat-track battle. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to winning at Richmond, including tire management, long-run speed, pit strategy, and finding grip as the track changes throughout the race. The Chase is getting closer, the pressure is building, and Ty Gibbs may be emerging as one of the drivers everyone needs to watch. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns, and pit box perspective from inside the sport. #NASCAR #TyGibbs #RossChastain #RichmondRaceway #RyanBlaney #ChaseElliott #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries

  5. 8 de ago.

    The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 28: Josh Berry

    The break is over, and now the pressure is on. NASCAR returns from its off week with just four races remaining before the Chase begins. In Season 5, Episode 28 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier look at the biggest storylines to watch as drivers make their final push toward the postseason. Who can afford to play it safe? Who needs to start taking chances? And which teams should be getting nervous? 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't The preseason Clash is officially heading back to Daytona, taking place the Saturday before the Super Bowl. Does returning the exhibition race to Daytona matter, and what could it mean for kicking off the NASCAR season? Hendrick Motorsports enters the final regular-season stretch in an unusual slump, going three consecutive races without putting a driver in the Top 10. Is this just a rough patch—or something worth worrying about with the Chase approaching? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Josh Berry Josh Berry joins the show to talk about his season, finishing his time with the Wood Brothers, and what it takes to capitalize when opportunities come late in the regular season. 🛠 Pit Notes NASCAR heads to Iowa Speedway, a short, flat track that presents its own set of challenges. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to winning at Iowa, including tire management, track position, braking, and finding a way to pass when space is at a premium. The off week is over. Four races remain. And the race to the Chase is officially on. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter, and pit box perspective from inside the sport. #NASCAR #JoshBerry #HendrickMotorsports #IowaSpeedway #NASCARPlayoffs #Daytona #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries

  6. 2 de ago.

    The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 27: Ty Gibbs

    Corey Heim is proving he belongs. The part-time driver earned his second Cup Series victory of the season, this time at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Just how impressive is what Heim is doing with limited opportunities? In Season 5, Episode 27 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Heim's latest statement win, the future of NASCAR's schedule, and one of the biggest Silly Season stories yet. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't Reports suggest NASCAR is planning major playoff schedule changes for 2027, with Bristol, Darlington, and World Wide Technology Raceway potentially moving out of the postseason while Richmond, Watkins Glen, and New Hampshire move in. How significant would those changes be? Alex Bowman announces he will retire following next season. It's early, but speculation about who replaces him has already begun. Does it matter this far in advance? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Ty Gibbs Ty Gibbs joins the show to discuss his improved season, building momentum, and the confidence that comes with becoming a consistent contender in the Cup Series. 📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter) Ryan Blaney and John Hunter Nemechek react after the incident that cost Blaney the In-Season Challenge. Nemechek apologized—but if you're constantly in the middle of incidents, is saying "sorry" enough? Frustration boils over on the radios of the No. 4 and No. 88 teams. Are these simply emotional moments, or signs of bigger issues for two teams that expected much more this season? 🛠 Pit Notes With NASCAR taking the weekend off, Chris Carrier looks at the most improved teams of 2026. Spire Motorsports tops the list, with the No. 77 climbing 18 spots in the standings from a year ago. Daniel Suárez has also made an 18-position jump from the 7 car's position last season, while Ty Gibbs and Chris Buescher continue trending in the right direction. Which team has made the biggest leap, and who's positioned for a strong playoff run? Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns, and pit box perspective you won't hear anywhere else.

  7. 26 de jul.

    The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 26: Denny Hamlin

    Joey Logano is back in Victory Lane. Logano snapped a year-long winless streak at North Wilkesboro, becoming the first Ford driver not named Ryan Blaney to win this season. After back-to-back victories for Ford, has the manufacturer finally found something? In Season 5, Episode 26 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Logano's breakthrough win, Ford's recent momentum, and the biggest storylines heading into one of NASCAR's crown jewel events. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't NASCAR is bringing back 50-minute practice sessions at every track except the superspeedways. Will more practice make the racing better, and does it really matter? Todd Gilliland advances to face Ryan Blaney in the In-Season Challenge championship, giving fans a second straight Cinderella story in the finals. Does the tournament matter to drivers and fans? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Denny Hamlin Denny joins the show to discuss his remarkable season, the championship battle, and what it takes to stay at the top of the sport after more than two decades in the Cup Series. 📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter) Shane van Gisbergen's radio after an impressive fifth-place finish on the oval at North Wilkesboro. Has SVG proven he's more than just NASCAR's best road course racer, and is he now a legitimate playoff contender? A crucial spotter call from Frankie Kimmel on the No. 7 team during green-flag pit stops helps keep the team on the lead lap after contact between the No. 48 and No. 45. Chris explains why spotters can make the difference between a top-10 finish and a disappointing day. 🛠 Pit Notes NASCAR heads to the legendary Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to conquering one of racing's most historic venues, from passing opportunities and pit strategy to avoiding costly mistakes at the Racing Capital of the World. Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns, and pit box perspective you won't hear anywhere else. #NASCAR #DennyHamlin #JoeyLogano #Brickyard400 #IndianapolisMotorSpeedway #FordPerformance #ShaneVanGisbergen #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries

  8. 19 de jul.

    The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 25: Christopher Bell and Noah Gragson

    Ryan Blaney survives a wild night at Atlanta to score a huge victory—and suddenly he's right in the middle of the regular season championship conversation. In Season 5, Episode 25 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down one of the most chaotic races of the season and look ahead to another historic weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't NASCAR has announced rules changes ahead of Daytona. Will they actually make a difference when the field heads to the high banks? Once again, the race came down to the closing laps and no one was willing to work with Carson Hocevar. Has his reputation officially changed the way other drivers race him—and does it matter? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Christopher Bell Christopher Bell joins the show to discuss his season, the pressure of racing for wins, and what it takes to stay in the championship hunt as the playoffs draw closer. 📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter) A rare moment of frustration on the No. 24 team radio. William Byron entered the season as a championship favorite, but now finds himself dangerously close to the playoff cut line. What's behind the struggles? Tempers flare between Toyota teammates after an on-track incident. Is this simply hard racing, or could it become a bigger issue as the championship battle heats up? 🎙 Backstretch Conversation Noah Gragson joins the show to talk about the highs and lows of the season, maintaining confidence through adversity, and why his connection with NASCAR fans continues to grow. 🛠 Pit Notes For the first time in three decades, North Wilkesboro Speedway hosts a NASCAR Cup Series points race. Chris Carrier explains what makes the historic short track so unique, how teams will approach the weekend, and why patience and track position could decide the winner. Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns, and pit box perspective you won't hear anywhere else.

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Sobre

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.

Informações

  • Criado por
    Heather Williams
  • Anos de atividade
    2022 - 2026
  • Episódios
    100
  • Classificação
    Livre
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Site do podcast
    The Backstretch