NASCAR on NBC podcast

A recap of some major takeaways from NASCAR’s trips to Las Vegas and Phoenix, as well as the IndyCar 2024 opener in St. Petersburg. Among the topics: Toyota’s strong showing on a critical track; the short-track rules package debate; changes for Kyle Busch and his pit crew; Rajah Caruth’s breakthrough NASCAR victory; NASCAR president Steve Phelps on the possibility of racing at Dodger Stadium; a discussion of charter systems and big salaries in IndyCar; St. Pete winner Josef Newgarden and his new professional outlook.

With his first Daytona 500 victory, William Byron continues the momentum of his breakthrough 2023 season and overcomes some of the “impostor syndrome” that he’s felt as an iRacer turned NASCAR Cup Series championship contender. And some early season thoughts from Ryan Blaney, Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski and Martin Truex Jr.

On the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Daytona 500, revisiting some of the major storylines and big moments before, during and after Dale Earnhardt Jr. winning the Great American Race for the first time. With President George W. Bush and a cavalcade of stars on hand, NASCAR opened its season with a new title sponsor in Nextel and a new playoff-style system to choose its champion.

A look back at the 2023 season and look forward to 2024 through the eyes of five stars in the NASCAR Cup Series – Ryan Blaney, Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin.

After suffering a massive penalty for manipulating tire pressure data during last year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona victory, two-time defending champion Meyer Shank Racing was left without a manufacturer deal for the 2024 season and on the sidelines of IMSA for the first time in 20 years. How team owner Mike Shank is handling the disappointment of missing Daytona and his plan to return in 2025.

Wayne Taylor Racing Andretti has more than tripled in size while adding a second hybrid prototype for the 62nd Rolex 24 at Daytona and bringing in an all-star cast of Jenson Button, Marcus Ericsson and Colton Herta. A conversation with WTR Andretti executive Travis Houge and team owner Wayne Taylor, who is trying to win his fifth Rolex 24 since 2017.

A preview of the 62nd Rolex 24 at Daytona, which again will draw an all-star field from around the globe for the race of champions that unofficially kicks off the world’s 2024 motorsports season with 24 hours of sports car racing at Daytona International Speedway

NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Jarrett on Ryan Blaney’s Martinsville breakthrough and maturation into a championship contender; William Byron’s gutty performance to reach the Championship 4; Martin Truex Jr.’s latest letdown; Denny Hamlin coming up short of that elusive championship again; previews of the Xfinity and Cup championship races and DJ’s pick win the 2023 title.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Steve Letarte on the turning point of the Round of 8 Cup race at Homestead-Miami Speedway; why Kyle Larson was to blame for his pit mishap but also should be celebrated for staying true to his style; the Chris Gabehart-Denny Hamlin dynamic and what the crew chief might have said to his driver after his crash; Martin Truex Jr.’s radio “on fire” again; if being yelled at by your driver goes with being a crew chief; Christopher Bell’s winning performance; can William Byron make the championship round just by gaining stage points at Martinsville?

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on how Kyle Larson saved his car (and maybe his season) off Turn 2 to win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway; Christopher Bell’s charge that came up just short after another disappointing pit stop; why switching pit crews is harder than it seems; a critically damaging strategy call for Martin Truex Jr.; Ryan Blaney’s disqualification; Homestead-Miami Speedway preview.

NASCAR on NBC analyst/pit reporter and Xfinity Series driver Parker Kligerman on A.J. Allmendinger’s emotional victory at the Roval and the long journey to get there; why Allmendinger is so good at road courses; the current state of Cup road racing; Kyle Larson’s rebound from a practice crash; Martin Truex Jr.’s championship hopes; the wild ending to Parker’s Xfinity race at the Roval; reflecting on his full-time return to NASCAR in 2023 and how it built confidence for becoming a championship contender in 2024.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Kyle Petty on Ryan Blaney’s impressive superspeedway prowess, vast potential and what the Talladega win means; Kevin Harvick’s near-miss at getting a checkered flag in his final season; the sports psychology games that drivers play; what’s going on with regular-season champion Martin Truex Jr.; what happened in the Brad Keselowski-Carson Hocevar incident; Bubba Wallace’s frustration and Michael Jordan’s pep talk; why a Talladega comeback showed again why this is Denny Hamlin’s year; what the outlook is heading into the Round of 12 cutoff at the Roval.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Jarrett on the two late restarts that essentially decided the race; what happened with Kyle Larson’s crash while leading; how Bubba Wallace let the lead slip away on the last restart; why William Byron now should be considered a championship favorite and a strong pick to make the Phoenix title race; Hendrick Motorsports’ 300th victory; the pit collision between Ty Gibbs and Denny Hamlin; Ross Chastain’s rebound for second from adversity; Ryan Blaney’s speeding penalty; Martin Truex Jr.’s “disaster” of a start; Talladega preview.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on the playoff eliminations of Kevin Harvick and Joey Logano; why it’s become harder for teams to improve in the early development of the Next Gen; what it’s like for a driver trying to soak in the last races of their career; the Round of 12 outlook; Denny Hamlin gleefully embracing the “villain” role.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Steve Letarte on Kansas being a treacherous playoff track; Martin Truex Jr.’s stunningly on the brink of playoff elimination; pivotal restarts and strategy calls; how the race got away from Kyle Larson; Chase Elliott’s fire; previewing the Bristol Motor Speedway cutoff race.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Kyle Petty on the teamwork of Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski; how the Next Gen still is changing the balance of power in Cup; Keselowski’s destiny realized as a team owner; Chase Elliott’s disappointment; Bubba Wallace’s stress level; the wicked impacts of Ryan Blaney and Ryan Preece amid NASCAR’s continued safety enhancements; a 2023 playoff preview.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Jarrett on William Byron’s emergence as the “new age” NASCAR championship contender who hones his craft on data, iRacing and simulation; how Byron also is a throwback to how DJ started in racing; should NASCAR reconsider having stage break yellow flags on road courses?; potential track limits for Watkins Glen; the ideal length of time for a Cup race; has the Next Gen become too drivable at road courses and should NASCAR add horsepower; what went wrong with Chase Elliott’s fuel strategy and was it the result of playoff pressure?; the impact of Hendrick possibly missing its two biggest sponsors in the playoffs; previewing Daytona for Chase; DJ’s Championship 4 favorites.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on an Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course race that was light on cautions; two critical moments that helped Michael McDowell secure the victory; how the Next Gen has been a game-changer for Front Row Motorsports; Denny Hamlin’s digs at McDowell; what it’s like being a driver involved in team personnel decisions; how McDowell and crew chief Travis Peterson become a successful pair; McDowell’s career story and perseverance; Shane van Gisbergen’s second Cup race and his prospects for 2024; NASCAR returning to the IMS oval next year; a concept for rotating “roval” races; the playoff cutline outlook with two races remaining.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Steve Letarte on the key strategic moments that enabled Chris Buescher to beat Martin Truex Jr. at Michigan; how Buescher and Tyler Reddick might have been helping each other to stay ahead of Truex; why the tactical calls by the crew chiefs for Buescher and Truex both could be right; the surprising star emergence of Chris Buescher; the impact of Brad Keselowski joining Roush Fenway Racing; 23XI Racing’s systemic pit crew problems; why so many drivers spun at Michigan from the inside; Christopher Bell’s impressive comeback with a damaged car; the playoff outlook for Chase Elliott and Alexander Bowman; the influx of international stars at Indianapolis.

NASCAR on NBC pit reporter Kim Coon on Richmond Raceway winner Chris Buescher and the strength of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing this season; the long green-flag strategy calls at Richmond and how it’s changed the style of racing on the 0.75-mile oval; Martin Truex Jr.’s rebound despite confusion on his team’s tactics; numerous pit mistakes; the difference on being a pit reporter on TV vs. radio; how Kim handled a newsworthy interview with Kyle Larson after the Pocono race; how Denny Hamlin’s move on Larson might factor into this weekend at Michigan Speedway; Bubba Wallace’s more measured mindset heading into Michigan.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Jarrett on Martin Truex Jr.’s first win at New Hampshire; how Truex has recaptured his 2017-21 championship form after a winless ’22; will Truex keep racing beyond 2023?; critical errors by the pit crews of Christopher Bell and Ryan Blaney; the tightening playoff bubble with six races remaining in the regular season; the unconventionally aggressive playoff plan for Michael McDowell; why it’s win or else now for Chase Elliott; Joey Logano’s impressive second-place finish; a preview of Pocono Raceway.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Steve Letarte on the strategic stress that Cup crew chiefs faced with thunderstorms looming at Atlanta Motor Speedway; why teams’ “war rooms” now need to include amateur meteorologists; race winner William Byron’s impressive rally from 36th to first; the championship-caliber partnership of Byron and crew chief Rudy Fugle; why Kyle Larson’s right-front tire exploded; NASCAR’s decision to hold the yellow flag; how long can Atlanta’s new pavement produce such high-quality racing?; a preview of New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on Shane van Gisbergen’s stunning victory in his NASCAR debut; giving Trackhouse Racing credit for its successful “disruption” with the Project 91 car; how SVG’s win helps NASCAR’s international footprint and will it attract more stars from the around the world; the impact of the heel-to-toe shifting technique used by SVG and can the lost art be reclaimed in NASCAR?; the overall impressions of Chicago playing host to the first street race in the 75-year history of NASCAR’s premier series; what’s the future of Chicago and street courses in general for NASCAR; can Chase Elliott make the playoffs on points; and an Atlanta Motor Speedway preview.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Jarrett on Ross Chastain winning at Nashville Superspeedway to end a 42-race winless streak; the maturity and newfound patience in Chastain’s driving; whether Chastain has garnered more respect from rivals; the pivotal conversations that Chastain had with Justin Marks and Rick Hendrick; analyzing Ryan Blaney’s controversial crash and why NASCAR needs SAFER barriers everywhere; Nashville’s high quality of racing; previewing the inaugural Chicago Street Race weekend; how many more winners will there be in the 2023 Cup season?

A panel debate and discussion with Mike Forde of NASCAR, Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, Steve Letarte of NASCAR on NBC and Pete Pistone of SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on some of the hot-button topics in NASCAR, including lightning rod stars Ross Chastain, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch; the car vs. driver debate; are drivers' opinions becoming overexposed?; the state of short-track racing; the Next Gen culture shift and penalty storylines; should NASCAR rebalance its Cup schedule in the future.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Kyle Petty on Martin Truex Jr.’s 2023 resurgence and what it means for the future; Kyle Busch being a championship contender; Chase Elliott’s struggle to get back in rhythm; Tyler Reddick earning a penalty for doing a good deed; the state of Trackhouse Racing; the NASCAR on NBC 2023 schedule outlook.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on Kyle Busch’s continued surge with Richard Childress Racing; how Cup teams were impacted by the lack of data acquisition; whether Austin Cindric intentionally wrecked Austin Dillon and does it merit a suspension from NASCAR; what has happened to Ross Chastain?; Chicago Street Race preview.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Jarrett on analyzing NASCAR’s return to the North Wilkesboro Speedway and its big event feel, what lies ahead for the track after its revival, how NACAR can continue tweaking its short track package, why Kyle Larson’s All-Star Race win was so impressive and showed how adaptable he can be, what it’s been like being honored in NASCAR’s 75th Anniversary season, a favorite memory from DJ’s 1996 Coca-Cola 600 victory, a preview of the Coke 600 and Indy 500.”

NASCAR on NBC analyst Kyle Petty on being part of the Darlington Raceway broadcast with his father for the first time and what the track means to the Petty family; analyzing the Ross Chastain-Kyle Larson incident and what happened with Martin Truex Jr.; why Petty believes Chastain has a similar temperament to some NASCAR legends; Byron’s continued growth into NASCAR Cup Series star; the return of NASCAR to North Wilkesboro Speedway; recapping the 27th Kyle Petty Charity Ride.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Steve Letarte on Martin Truex Jr. ending a 54-race winless streak at Dover; the bickering between Truex and crew chief James Small and whether it actually is good for their working relationship; Ross Chastain’s controversial wreck of Brennan Poole that took out Kyle Larson; Chastain’s apology; echoes of Dale Earnhardt?; what’s next for Chastain working with the rest of the field; strong performances for Toyotas, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing; weaker performances for Team Penske and Richard Childress Racing; the struggles of Austin Dillon amid his emergence as a de-facto general manager who recruited Kyle Busch to the team; Steve’s first time at a Supercross event and working in a broadcast booth with Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart.

NASCAR on NBC NASCAR Talk editor and writer Dustin Long on Kyle Busch becoming a superspeedway force in his first season with Richard Childress Racing; how the two-time Cup champion and team are working so well together; the wicked impact between Ryan Preece and Kyle Larson; Kyle Larson’s literal hard luck at Daytona and Talladega; the blocks that went badly for Bubba Wallace; Larson gets ready for the 2024 Indy 500.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Jarrett on Kyle Larson finally breaking through for a victory at Martinsville, if Larson is back in 2021 championship form, Ryan Preece’s costly mistake in the pits; Chase Elliott makes an impressive return from injury; surprisingly ho-hum finishes for Christopher Bell and William Byron; how to improve the low downforce package on short tracks; was Martinsville lacking action?; Talladega fantasy preview.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on why the Bristol Dirt Race finally delivered a winner with a dirt background; the improving conditions on dirt in the race’s third year; who was right and wrong in Kyle Larson vs. Ryan Preece; Larson’s overlooked inherent aggression as a great driver; where are the lines on NASCAR retaliation?; should NASCAR get involved in officiating driver disputes; should NASCAR race dirt at Bristol again next year?; Martinsville Speedway preview; why NASCAR should make its penalty and appeal process entirely transparent.

NASCAR Talk editor and writer Dustin Long on Tyler Reddick becoming the best road-course racer in NASCAR; the winning three-stop strategy; an emotional victory for Kurt Busch; should NASCAR consider local yellows?; the feud between Trackhouse Racing teammates Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez; can Suarez expect to be penalized for bumping Alex Bowman?; Jenson Button’s big day; who is up and down as the Cup Series season reaches the quarter pole in 2023; previewing Richmond Raceway.

NASCAR on NBC and MRN pit reporter and NASCAR media personality Kim Coon on her 2023 NASCAR plans and an off-weekend; Joey Logano’s “full-circle” victory at Atlanta and why it made some feel old; the two sides of the two-time Cup Series champion; his battle with a former teammate; why spotters were the storyline; how a pit reporter processes the nonstop information of a superspeedway race; Denny Hamlin’s fine and appeal for wrecking Ross Chastain at Phoenix; the Josh Williams controversy; the Kevin Harvick crash; COTA preview with a cast of stars from other series.

NASCAR on NBC analyst/pit reporter and Xfinity Series driver Parker Kligerman on William Byron’s win at Phoenix; another critical restart and how it went wrong for Kevin Harvick; are the powerhouse teams striking back in the Cup Series?; Parker’s 2023 Xfinity Series season and return to full-time NASCAR; why Parker has given up his personal life to make his racing career work; the ups and downs on track; where things stand with John Hunter Nemechek after a Las Vegas run-in; how the narrative is changing for young drivers in NASCAR; the upcoming collection of racing stars coming to the COTA Cup race.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Kyle Petty on why he believes Las Vegas Motor Speedway marked the beginning of the “real” 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season; his trip to Daytona Bike Week; William Byron’s overtime victory over Kyle Larson in a 1-2-3 finish for Hendrick Motorsports at Las Vegas; Martin Truex Jr.’s gamble and why didn’t more drivers try it; Chase Elliott breaking his leg in a snowboarding accident; why KP believes Chase Elliott deserves a waiver; the optics of Elliott getting hurt the day before Cup cars are on track; more takeaways from Las Vegas; is Stewart-Haas Racing in big trouble?

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on Kyle Busch’s sudden re-emergence as a winner and championship contender for Richard Childress Racing; how Busch thrives with a chip on his shoulder, but this win was more about proving it to himself; the surprising fan reaction to “Rowdy”; Trackhouse Racing’s hot start; the impact of no practice and why there’s a need for more in the future; how a longer restart zone helped trigger a big wreck; contemplating the past and future of Auto Club Speedway in Fontana; will Southern California still have a Cup points race in 2024?; previewing Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Steve Letarte on why the Daytona 500 made a triumphant return but still needs some practice tweaking; a plan for upping the number of car entries; the turning points in this year’s race; dissecting the winning move by Ricky Stenhouse Jr.; whether Kyle Larson let a win slip away with an incorrect decision; how Stenhouse’s superspeedway mistakes have turned him into a Daytona 500 winner; the symbiotic relationship of Stenhouse and crew chief Mike Kelley and the faith they built over the best decade of bonding; the essence of Stenhouse and why he’s so well liked by peers but still his own man; is the Daytona 500 diminished by its unlikely winners?; what we can expect in the season’s second race (and last on the 2-mile oval) at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Parker Kligerman on the championship confidence of Joey Logano and Paul Wolfe at Phoenix Raceway; why their Las Vegas victory was so critical to winning the title; what happened between Chase Elliott and Ross Chastain; what’s the future hold for Logano; what to expect from NASCAR in Next Gen Year 2; Parker’s novel concept for getting drivers out of the simulator and onto the racetrack more often; Parker’s 2023 Xfinity plans and return to full-time driving for the first time in a decade.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on why riding the wall at 130 mph worked for Ross Chastain at Martinsville Speedway; whether NACAR needs to take action to limit such a move for the championship race at Phoenix Raceway; whether the wild ride was embarrassing for NASCAR despite the exposure; Christopher Bell’s latest must-win moment in the 2022 playoffs; what lies ahead for Ty Gibbs in the Xfinity Series championship after he wrecked his teammate; a preview of the wide-open Cup Series Championship 4 finale.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Kyle Petty on why Kyle Larson’s win at Homestead-Miami Speedway was such a focused and inspired drive; his Championship 4 sleeper pick of Ross Chastain and the crafty strategies of Trackhouse Racing; what happened in the pits between Larson and Martin Truex Jr.; the historical significance of a possible split driver-owner title in the Cup Series; a tough-luck season for Martin Truex Jr.; Ryan Blaney’s outlook after two major playoff blunders drop him below the cut line; why qualifying will be so critical at Martinsville Speedway.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on how Joey Logano outdueled Ross Chastain to win at Las Vegas and secure a Championship 4 berth; the improvement of 1.5-mile racing this season; why drivers are struggling to find the limits of the Next Gen car; how NASCAR should address the Bubba Wallace-Kyle Larson crash; the plight of Chase Elliott entering Homestead; a sendoff for Kurt Busch.

NASCAR on NBC analyst and pit reporter Parker Kligerman on Christopher Bell’s impressive win at the Roval; Kyle Larson’s massive disappointment; the tribulations of Daniel Suarez amid a lack of steering; Chase Briscoe’s mad dash deeper into the playoffs; whether Cole Custer did anything wrong; why the Next Gen has been lacking on road courses; a Formula One salary cap story being watched closely; Round of 8 preview.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Steve Letarte on the sublime moves of Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney in the battle of Talladega; some new players emerging in superspeedway racing; was the relatively tamer racing related to safety concerns?; dissecting the decisions by Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano; what’s ahead in making the Next Gen’s rear end safer and how can the car continually be improved; a preview of the Roval.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Kyle Petty on why he thinks NASCAR could have thrown in the towel early on Texas; the controversy over tire failures and the ugly memories that it can prompt; William Byron vs. Denny Hamlin and a missed call by NASCAR; the inspirational bond of race winner Tyler Reddick and his loyal crew; what awaits at wild card Talladega in a wide-open playoffs.

NASCAR on NBC analyst and Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett on the record-tying 19 winners in the Cup Series this season, why it’s harder to “peak” in the playoffs, how the Next Gen car was “exposed” at Bristol Motor Speedway, the downsides to having a spec series; what NASCAR can do to address Next Gen reliability and its racing on short tracks; the first win for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing; what it said about Brad Keselowski’s belief in Chris Buescher; a Round of 12 preview with Chase Elliott as the championship favorite.

NASCAR on NBC pit reporter Kim Coon on the calm and confident demeanor for Bubba Wallace and his team before their win at Kansas Speedway; digesting Kyle Busch’s move to Richard Childress Racing, the comparisons to Dale Earnhardt and what it means for Tyler Reddick; analyzing the high stakes of the first-round cutoff race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on two big moves by Austin Dillon that won him Daytona and a spot in the Cup Series playoffs; Tyler Reddick’s good-faith play for Richard Childress Racing; nepotism in NASCAR and how it’s judged; a very good move by NASCAR on handling the rain … and a more questionable call; what’s next for NASCAR in officiating with inclement weather; how running order works under a caution flag; the mystique of Daytona and Darlington; a playoff preview.

NASCAR on NBC analyst and pit reporter Parker Kligerman on the aftermath of Kyle Larson moving Chase Elliott to win on the final restart at Watkins Glen International; where the Hendrick Motorsports teammates go from here; do either have any regrets about the decisions made?; an optimum rain race for NASCAR; the impact of Kimi Raikkonen and other international drivers in the field; a preview of the regular-season finale as Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr. arrive at Daytona International Speedway without momentum.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Steve Letarte on Kevin Harvick’s surge into championship contender; the struggles of Denny Hamlin’s pit crew and what it means for Joe Gibbs Racing; how the NASCAR Cup Series pit stop has changed; the strategy gamble that nearly won Richmond for Christopher Bell … and why didn’t more teams try it?; Richmond being a tough track to stay on top of for teams that start well; Richmond’s brand of short-track racing; Harvick embracing the role of being the successful old guy; Kimi Raikkonen’s Cup debut at Watkins Glen.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Kyle Petty on Kevin Harvick becoming the most dangerous driver in the Cup Series playoffs with his stunner at Michigan; Bubba Wallace’s heart-wrenching runner-up finish and whether he was too hard on himself; the raised stakes for Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr. now battling for a final playoff spot; a crazy year for Kyle Busch; Ty Gibbs’ emergence and what it might portend for KB18; Denny Hamlin’s pit crew mistake in a season of errors for Joe Gibbs Racing; Kyle Petty’s new memoir, “Swerve or Die”; and his visit with the Avett Brothers.

IndyCar on NBC analyst James Hinchcliffe on his crossover broadcasting work at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for NBC Sports; how he prepared for calling the NASCAR Xfinity and Cup races on the Indy road course; how Year 3 of the IndyCar-NASCAR doubleheader weekend was received by fans at IMS; breaking down the last restart of Sunday’s Cup race and Ross Chastain’s controversial move on the access road; the quality of road racing in the Cup Series; the appeal of strategy racing in NASCAR and whether alternate tire compounds would be an enhancement; the mental toughness of Tyler Reddick and Alex Palou; handicapping the last four races of the 2022 IndyCar season; previewing the Music City Grand Prix in Nashville.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on the inherent dangers of racing; the variables that make racing different form other pro sports; the origins of the safety revolution in NASCAR; the evolution of how safety conversations went from contentious to collaborative; the next steps for SAFER barriers, understanding that “things happen at speed” and understanding the risks while keep pushing forward.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Jarrett on the disqualifications of Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch; whether NASCAR should be inspecting more cars with greater scrutiny postrace; the new Next Gen message to the Cup garage; why a DQ carries extra negative perception; the strain and stress of a difficult season for Joe Gibbs Racing; analyzing the latest round of Denny Hamlin vs. Ross Chastain and why Hamlin’s move was fair; Chase Elliott becoming the championship favorite; NASCAR’s concussion policy and concern about hard impacts with the new car; a career-best finish in IndyCar for Jimmie Johnson; NASCAR-IndyCar preview at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.

Summary: NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on Christopher Bell backing up he’s the fastest driver at Joe Gibbs Racing; what drivers want to hear on the team radio; the validation of Gibbs’ pit crew moves and a fortunate non-call by NASCAR; Chase Elliott’s harsh self-evaluation; must-win situations for Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Blaney; Kyle Busch’s surprising contract situation and the pressure it’s putting on him and his team; Austin Dillon vs. Brad Keselowski; Pocono preview.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Kyle Petty on the reinvention of superspeedway racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway and how it’s different from Daytona and Talladega; what a home-track victory meant for Chase Elliott; how the win was further evidence of Elliott’s growth as a driver and 2022 championship contender; analyzing the eventful closing laps; how Corey LaJoie’s stature could improve immensely despite the heartbreaking finish; where things stand for Ross Chastain after another dustup with Denny Hamlin.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on the two critical restarts that helped Chase Elliott win at Nashville Superspeedway; how the Next Gen is forcing some uncharacteristic driving and different approaches to lane choices; the pit stop conundrum for Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota; why NASCAR teams are having so much trouble getting their arms around the single-lug pit stops; Bubba Wallace’s radio outbursts at his 23XI team; the Cup Series championship outlook with nine races left in the regular season; a preview of NASCAR at Road America.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Steve Letarte on Trackhouse Racing’s amazing breakout as the story of the 2022 Cup Series season; how the Next Gen car has impacted NASCAR team personnel; why Daniel Suarez needed the Sonoma victory to secure his long-term future; the level of concern for winless champions Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr.; the keys to understanding what might happen in Silly Season and why Kyle Busch wants to keep an eye on Truex; previewing Nashville Superspeedway and a race weekend expected to near 100 degrees.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Parker Kligerman on Daniel Suarez’s memorable first Cup Series victory at Sonoma Raceway; whether Trackhouse Racing teammate Ross Chastain’s success took a toll on Suarez and crew chief Travis Mack; the massive sacrifices that Suarez made in moving from Mexico to the United States without knowing any English while trying to break into NASCAR a decade ago; whether Chastain’s ordeal at Gateway indirectly might have helped Suarez; Kevin Harvick’s frustration with a bad pit stop and calling out his crew; how the Next Gen is performing differently at road courses this season; what’s up for Parker Kligerman race car driver.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Kyle Petty on the takeaways from a tumultuous race for Ross Chastain after dustups with Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott; team owner Justin Marks’ unapologetic defense of Chastain’s style; Hamlin’s vow of retribution; the future for NASCAR veterans over 40; whether NASCAR should step in more to prevent “self-policing” by its stars in the “Boys, Have at It” era; the fantastic finish at Gateway between Joey Logano and Kyle Busch and what it says about how their relationship has evolved; the remarkable knack that Joey Logano and Kyle Busch have for excelling in inaugural races; the enthusiasm of NASCAR’s Cup debut in the St. Louis area; what’s ahead for the rest of the regular season; what Petty has been up to with a new memoir, TV show and his annual charity ride.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Jarrett on Kurt Busch’s ability to improve every race team he joins; why the Kansas victory might be bigger than Busch’s 2017 Daytona 500 win; how this was such an emotional victory for 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin and Busch; why being a driver who also owns a team is so difficult; Bubba Wallace’s ongoing pit crew challenges; more single-lug pit stop problems; the rash of tire problems at Kansas; DJ on attending his first Indy 500 and seeing Jimmie Johnson take a crack at history.

NASCAR on NBC analyst and Truck series driver Parker Kligerman on whether Joey Logano’s move on William Byron to win at Darlington Raceway was fair; how the ethics of racing have evolved generationally; the impact of the Next Gen car on hard racing in the future; the impressive turnaround by Logano and Team Penske; why some parts of the Next Gen seem more fragile; the reason Turn 2 was more treacherous than ever; why Denny Hamlin’s team remains dangerous; impressions of the F1 Miami Grand Prix; Parker’s fantastic weekend in Darlington and what’s ahead this season.

NASCAR on NBC analyst and Xfinity/Cup series driver A.J. Allmendinger on Ross Chastain’s crafty patience and maturation into a Cup superspeedway winner; why Chastain could be poised for a deep playoff run; the mistake that Kyle Larson made; heartbreaker for Erik Jones; why Talladega became a track position race with passing at a premium; Allmendinger’s near-miss at an Xfinity victory; Kyle Busch’s surprising contract situation; Allmendinger’s busy 2022 schedule and great start to his season at Kaulig Racing.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Jarrett on Kyle Busch “backing in” to his 60th career Cup victory and why the win meant so much on multiple levels even if he “stole it”; Chase Briscoe’s failed attempt at a last-lap pass for the lead that kept Tyler Reddick from his first career victory; how Reddick handled the situation with class but also a surprising amount of calm; whether the dirt experiment at Bristol Motor Speedway has worked over the past two seasons; and why to expect more chaos as NASCAR heads to Talladega Superspeedway.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Steve Letarte on William Byron solving Martinsville and becoming the lead driver at Hendrick Motorsports and the Cup Series early in his contract year; Chase Elliott’s unfortunate pit stop and what it means for the No. 9 crew chief-driver relationship; a lackluster Cup race by Martinsville standards and what can NASCAR do to address improving the Next Gen on flatter short tracks, the Xfinity Series fight between Ty Gibbs and Sam Mayer and why Steve’s opinion has changed on physical altercations; the long-term prognosis for managing Jimmie Johnson’s recovery from a fractured right hand while looking ahead to his Indy 500 debut.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Jarrett on a strategy-laden victory for Denny Hamlin; what it's like to be a late-career veteran driver adapting to a new car in your 40s; what makes racing at Richmond an "art form" of precision and why Denny's hometown edge might matter; why the victory also was critical for Toyota; is engineering too important in the modern-day Cup Series?; why DJ isn't a big fan of the new pit stop choreography; how Hamlin's team is dealing with burnout in a brutal schedule; whether day racing is the future of Richmond; why Martinsville could be a slam-bang endurance test like never before.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on the crazy finish at Circuit of The Americas and whether Ross Chastain went over the line to win his first Cup Series race; the development of Ross Chastain and sudden emergence of Trackhouse Racing; the pressure building on winless drivers; the ramifications of Brad Keselowski's big penalty; the enforcement of track limits and full-course yellow flags on road courses; lug nuts and loose wheel penalties; a Richmond Raceway renaissance?

NASCAR on NBC analyst Kyle Petty on whether the reconfiguration of Atlanta Motor Speedway passed the test, whether NASCAR driver opinions should matter or if they should 'shut up and drive'; why Atlanta is more mentally exhausting now than Daytona and Talladega; how William Byron as the future and anchor of Hendrick Motorsports; Jimmie Johnson's career-best sixth in IndyCar and if he now could win the Indy 500.

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson discusses his 2021 season in sports cars heading into the IMSA Petit Le Mans season finale at Road Atlanta, his joy of working again with Chad Knaus and the lessons he's learned about being a racing businessman chasing sponsors to stay on track.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on whether Kyle Larson is the world's best driver; why Championship 4 teams didn't focus more on qualifying and pit selection when it decided the race; the decision by Rick Hendrick to allow so much dirt racing; the "culture shock" of Next Gen and what's ahead in 2022.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Steve Letarte on Alex Bowman vs. Denny Hamlin for the victory at Martinsville Speedway; Martin Truex Jr.'s wild ride, the struggles of Team Penske; handicapping the Championship 4 for Phoenix.

Xfinity Series regular-season champion AJ Allmendinger looks back on the peaks and valleys of his NASCAR career as he approaches a shot at his first series title.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Jarrett on the Chase Elliott-Kevin Harvick feud; a curious case of NASCAR skipping a black flag; Kyle Larson's incredible comeback victory; William Byron's near-miss; and sizing up the Round of 8.

A narrative history of the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, which has become a highly anticipated stop on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit and a beacon for new tracks and future schedule changes.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on the Chase Elliott-Kevin Harvick confrontation at Bristol Motor Speedway; playoff surprises; and more proof that points matter more than ever.

In a sitdown with NBC Sports, Mike Helton recalls the impact of Sept. 11 on NASCAR, from a postponed race to an emotional, patriotic and triumphant return at Dover with Dale Jr.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton discusses the fierce battle for the final Cup Series playoff spot at Daytona; drivers worried about being sidelined by COVID-19 protocols; the rise of Ryan Blaney in 2021.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Steve Letarte discusses the IndyCar-NASCAR crossover at Indianapolis Motor Speedway; Cup's debut on the road course, the Turn 6 curbing failure; Chase Briscoe vs. Denny Hamlin and the significance of AJ Allmendinger's victory.

NASCAR and NFL Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs and team president Dave Alpern discuss his book "Taking The Lead" and the past, present and future at JGR.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton discusses Kurt Busch's victory over brother Kyle at Atlanta Motor Speedway; Kyle Busch vs. Ross Chastain; and the controversy over the track's 2022 reconfiguration plans.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Parker Kligerman discusses a host of NASCAR issues including the positive trends of team economics in the truck series, being a part owner of historic Lime Rock Park, hooking a Silicon Valley sponsor and updatse on eSports/iRacing.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton discusses a memorable doubleheader Cup race weekend at Pocono Raceway.

Chad Knaus, Hendrick Motorsports VP of competition, on loving his sports car racing debut with Jimmie Johnson this year, how it helps in getting ready for NextGen and the tweaks he's made to the team's NASCAR debriefs.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Jarrett on Kyle Larson winning in the return of the NASCAR Cup Series to the Nashville area.

NASCAR on NBC analysts Jeff Burton and Steve Letarte assess Kyle Larson's amazing run, the Cup Series regular season to date and NASCAR's return to Nashville Superspeedway after a 10-year absence.

NASCAR on NBC analyst and NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman breaks down the June 6 Cup race at Sonoma Raceway, including Kyle Larson's blinding speed; whether Hendrick Motorsports can be caught; the importance of doing homework for NASCAR drivers and the Scott Speed connection; a new layer to Larson's relationship with crew chief Cliff Daniels and F1 tries a NASCAR finish in Azerbaijan.

The NASCAR on NBC Podcast examines the CART-IRL Split and the 1996 Indy 500/U.S. 500 in a 25-year retrospective that examines one of the most momentous events in IndyCar history.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton breaks down the May 16 Cup race at Dover International Speedway, including Hendrick Motorsports' unprecedented day and bright future; Alex Bowman's pep talk with crew chief Greg Ives; Kyle Larson's near-miss and looking ahead to COTA and Austin, Texas.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Kyle Petty discusses the May 9 Cup race at Darlington Raceway, including Martin Truex Jr.'s dominating performance, Kyle Laron's one shot at a victory; William Byron's elite emergence and the low-downforce debate.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Jarrett discusses the May 2 race at Kansas Speedway, including Kyle Busch's impressinve winning streak under duress, Kyle Larson's disappointment and a curious caution call by NASCAR.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton discusses the April 25 race at Talladega Superspeedway, including Brad Keselowski's big win, Matt DiBenedetto's wrong move, Joey Logano's airborne crash and the Burton family's big weekend.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Steve Letarte discusses Alex Bowman's stunning victory at Richmond; Hendrick's winning formula; a fork in the road for Denny Hamlin; curious strategy for Brad Keselowski; and Jimmie Johnson's IndyCar debut.

Michelle Martinelli of For The Win! and USA Today Sports discusses the new NASCAR-themed true crime podcast about Mario Rossi, a famous crew chief who disappeared nearly 40 years ago.

The GM of the Daytona 500 winning team for Front Row Motorsports and Michael McDowell, Jerry Freeze discusses the afterglow of winning NASCAR's biggest race, its impact on an underdog organization and why the competition has seemed more even in the Cup Series this season.

NASCAR on NBC analyst Kyle Petty recaps the Bristol Dirt Race on what worked and what didn't, which drivers really impressed and what to make of Denny Hamlin v. Joey Logano, PLUS Parker Kligerman joins in a bonus segement on what it was like to race a truck on the Bristol dirt.

Recapping the NASCAR Cup Series at race March 21 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where Kyle Larson blew a late lead after dominating for most of 500 miles before Ryan Blaney used excellent tire management to snatch the victory away.

Recapping the NASCAR Cup Series at race March 14 at Phoenix Raceway, where Martin Truex Jr. outdueled Joey Logano on a restart to score a pivotal victory for the No. 19 team and raise the question of whether the regular season will yield more than 16 winners

Recapping the NASCAR Cup Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where Kyle Larson continued Hendrick Motorsports' impressive run as the new top dog in the NASCAR Cup Series.