Digest

Ditty Hanlon and Jared Allen Redvast recap the NASCAR Gateway race, highlighting key moments and discussing the implications for the playoffs. They analyze the Kyle Larson and Kyle Busch incident, concluding that Larson was at fault for initiating the contact. They also discuss Austin Cindrick's win, which catapulted him into the playoffs, and the impact of the playoff bubble on drivers like Kyle Busch. The hosts also delve into the technical aspects of road course racing, including the importance of spotters and the challenges of mirror driving. They discuss the impact of internet outages on teams and the unpredictability of NASCAR races, particularly due to cautions and wrecks. The episode concludes with a humorous anecdote about Ditty Hanlon's family finding a stray puppy at the Gateway race, leading to a discussion about the responsibilities of pet ownership and the potential for the puppy to become the shop dog at 2311. The hosts then discuss the potential for a driver's union in NASCAR, citing the recent controversy surrounding Kyle Larson's waiver and the arbitrary nature of fines. They also discuss the closing of Stewart-Haas Racing, speculating on the reasons behind the decision and its potential impact on the sport. The episode concludes with a discussion about Denny Hamlin's wife's participation in the Better Half Dash, highlighting the challenges of competing against experienced drivers and the importance of finding a new saying for next year.

Outlines

00:00:00

NASCAR Gateway Race Recap

This Chapter discusses the NASCAR Gateway race, focusing on the Kyle Larson and Kyle Busch incident, Austin Cindrick's win, and the implications for the playoffs.

00:21:23

Ditty Hanlon's Puppy

This Chapter recounts Ditty Hanlon's experience finding a stray puppy at the Gateway race, leading to a discussion about the responsibilities of pet ownership and the potential for the puppy to become the shop dog at 2311.

01:00:51

Kyle Busch's Waiver and the Future of NASCAR

This Chapter discusses the potential for a driver's union in NASCAR, citing the recent controversy surrounding Kyle Larson's waiver and the arbitrary nature of fines. They also discuss the closing of Stewart-Haas Racing, speculating on the reasons behind the decision and its potential impact on the sport.

01:24:17

Denny Hamlin's Wife's Better Half Dash

This Chapter discusses Denny Hamlin's wife's participation in the Better Half Dash, highlighting the challenges of competing against experienced drivers and the importance of finding a new saying for next year.

Keywords

Q&A

• What caused the incident between Kyle Larson and Kyle Busch at the Gateway race?

  Ditty Hanlon believes that Larson was at fault for initiating the contact by running into Busch's left rear while trying to side draft. He suggests that drivers are being taught to get closer and closer to the side of the car, leading to more contact.

• How did Austin Cindrick's win at Gateway impact the playoffs?

  Cindrick's win secured him a playoff spot, highlighting the importance of winning races to make the playoffs. It also adds to the pressure on drivers who are on the playoff bubble.

• What are some of the challenges of road course racing?

  The hosts discuss the importance of spotters, as drivers can't rely on their mirrors as much on road courses. They also highlight the difficulty of mirror driving, which requires a lot of muscle memory and concentration.

• How does the playoff bubble affect drivers like Kyle Busch?

  The hosts suggest that Busch is feeling the pressure of his current position outside the playoff bubble, which is a change from his previous dominance in the sport. They also discuss the possibility that NASCAR might not grant Busch a waiver to make the playoffs, despite his Indy 500 participation.

• What are the implications of NASCAR's potential decision to not grant Kyle Busch a waiver?

  The hosts discuss the potential impact on NASCAR ratings, as Busch is a popular driver who moves the needle. They also suggest that NASCAR might be sensitive to the perception that they are playing second fiddle to other racing series.

• What is the significance of the stray puppy found at the Gateway race?

  The puppy's appearance leads to a humorous discussion about the responsibilities of pet ownership and the potential for the puppy to become the shop dog at 2311. It also highlights the unexpected moments that can occur during a race weekend.

• Why is there a discussion about a driver's union in NASCAR?

  The hosts discuss the potential for a driver's union in NASCAR, citing the recent controversy surrounding Kyle Larson's waiver and the arbitrary nature of fines. They believe that drivers need a stronger voice in the sport and that a union could help address issues related to safety, competition, and compensation.

• What are the reasons behind the closing of Stewart-Haas Racing?

  The hosts speculate that the closing of Stewart-Haas Racing is due to a combination of factors, including the financial burden of running a four-car team, the lack of sponsorship, and the owners' desire to pursue other interests. They also suggest that the owners may be frustrated with NASCAR's lack of collaboration and their perceived power imbalance.

• What is the impact of Stewart-Haas Racing's closing on the sport?

  The hosts discuss the potential impact of Stewart-Haas Racing's closing on the sport, noting that it will leave a number of talented employees unemployed and that it could signal a shift in the power dynamics between NASCAR and its teams. They also suggest that the closing could make it more difficult for new teams to enter the sport.

• What are the challenges of competing in the Better Half Dash?

  The hosts discuss the challenges of competing in the Better Half Dash, noting that it is difficult to compete against experienced drivers who have been racing for years. They also highlight the importance of practice and the need to avoid getting caught up in crashes.

Show Notes