The Backstretch

Tyler Reddick gets it done at Darlington — and once again proves he’s one of the most complete drivers in the field. In Season 5, Episode 9 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and former NASCAR Cup Series crew chief Chris Carrier break down Reddick’s win at one of the toughest tracks on the schedule, and what it says about his consistency early in the season. We also dive into: 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn’t RFK Racing’s strong weekend — is this momentum real? Are Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing starting to come back to the pack, or is the field just catching up? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Michael McDowell Michael joins the show to talk Darlington’s unique challenges, tire management, and the mindset shift heading into Martinsville. 📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter) Riley Herbst frustrated with Connor Zilisch — young driver tensions building The Denny Hamlin / Erik Jones incident — racing deal or something more? 🛠 Pit Notes Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to Martinsville — braking zones, track position, patience (or lack of it), and how races can unravel fast at the paperclip. Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.  

Denny Hamlin makes history at Las Vegas — and the NASCAR garage is heating up on and off the track. In Season 5, Episode 8 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and former Cup Series crew chief Chris Carrier break down Hamlin’s latest win as he moves into the Top 10 on the all-time wins list — and what that says about his legacy right now. We also dive into: 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn’t The growing tension between Daniel Suárez and Ross Chastain — is this feud just getting started? The Gabehart vs Joe Gibbs Racing trial continues — how much does off-track drama impact a race team? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Brad Keselowski Brad joins the show to talk about his comeback from a broken leg, RFK's start to the season and racing at Darlington 📻 Say What? Pit stops and hand signals — how teams communicate in chaos Speeding on pit road — why drivers are always right on the edge 🛠 Pit Notes Chris Carrier breaks down Darlington Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

Ryan Blaney takes the win at Phoenix — and on a track where precision and discipline matter most, that victory could mean more than just another early-season trophy. In Season 5, Episode 7 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and former NASCAR Cup Series crew chief Chris Carrier break down Blaney’s Phoenix victory, what the 750 horsepower package looked like at the flat mile, and why tire management was the biggest factor in the race. We also dive into: What Matters / What Doesn’t The 750HP package at Phoenix — what actually changed for drivers? Alex Bowman set to miss another race and Justin Allgaier stepping into the No. 48 this week — does it matter who’s driving the car? Turn 5 Five Minutes with Ty Dillon Ty Dillon joins the show to talk Phoenix tire strategy, the early-season championship picture, and what drivers expect heading into Las Vegas. Say What? (Radio Chatter) The tire story at Phoenix Frustration on the No. 8 radio as someone on the team wasn’t happy with Kyle Busch during the race Pit Notes Chris Carrier previews the upcoming race at Las Vegas — wind, tire cycles, long runs, and the strategy drivers need to win there. Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage.   Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won’t hear anywhere else. #NASCAR #RyanBlaney #TyDillon #PhoenixRaceway #LasVegasMotorSpeedway #CupSeries #BackstretchPodcast

Tyler Reddick has done it again — three straight wins to start the season. In Season 5, Episode 6 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and former Cup Series crew chief Chris Carrier break down what Reddick’s dominant start really means for the championship picture — and whether the rest of the garage is already feeling the pressure. We also dive into: What Matters / What Doesn’t The debut of 750 horsepower at COTA — what actually changed? All of the Joe Gibbs Racing cars and two of the four Hendrick Motorsports cars sitting outside the playoff picture — early concern or March overreaction? Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Joey Logano Joey joins the show to talk Reddick’s hot streak, the early playoff picture, the 750HP package, and what Phoenix demands from drivers. Say What? The Alex Bowman driver switch — what really goes into a move like that? Staying out at the end of Stage 2 for points — smart strategy or short-term gamble? Pit Notes Chris Carrier breaks down Phoenix — restarts, tire wear, pit road traps, and why discipline wins at this track. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

Tyler Reddick is 2-for-2 to start the season — and the garage is officially on notice. In this episode of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and former NASCAR Cup Series crew chief Chris Carrier break down what Reddick’s back-to-back wins really mean for the championship picture — and how early dominance can shift the mindset across the field. We also dive into: 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn’t The lawsuit filed by Joe Gibbs Racing against Chris Gabhart and Spire Motorsports — how much does this actually impact teams? The new NASCAR All-Star Race format — smart shakeup or unnecessary change? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Todd Gilliland Todd joins the show to talk early-season momentum, garage reaction to Reddick’s hot start, and what to expect heading into COTA. 📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter) Carson Hocevar’s aggressive moves during the race And Hocevar asking Ross Chastain for a mid-race “shake and bake” — bold strategy or chaos? 🛠 Pit Notes Chris Carrier breaks down Circuit of The Americas — braking zones, tire strategy, passing challenges, and what fans should watch for this weekend. Fast takes. Real talk. Inside perspective. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box insight you won’t hear anywhere else.

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.