The Backstretch

By 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 NASCA... more

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FAQs about The Backstretch:

How many episodes does The Backstretch have?

The podcast currently has 154 episodes available.

The Backstretch episodes:

July 12, 2026The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 24: Daniel Suárez
Chase Briscoe is back in Victory Lane.
After a slow start to the season, Briscoe and the No. 19 team have found their rhythm just in time for the summer stretch. But with another Toyota in Victory Lane, the bigger question is becoming impossible to ignore.
In Season 5, Episode 24 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Briscoe's breakthrough win and whether Toyota's recent dominance should have Ford and Chevrolet worried.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
Toyota continues to stack wins. Is this just another cycle in NASCAR, or is the balance of power shifting? At what point should the other manufacturers become concerned?
NASCAR is in the middle of three consecutive Sunday night races. Fans have strong opinions about start times—but do they actually matter?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Daniel Suárez
Daniel joins the show to discuss his season, staying motivated through the ups and downs of a long NASCAR schedule, and what it will take to build momentum heading into the second half of the year.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
Ryan Preece's practice radio sparks a debate about what should—and shouldn't—be fair game when it comes to team communications.
Austin Hill and Shane van Gisbergen have become unlikely "best friends" after their recent on-track exchanges.
Carson Hocevar and Zane Smith continue to add fuel to a growing rivalry. Are these kinds of feuds exactly what NASCAR needs?
🛠 Pit Notes
NASCAR heads to EchoPark Speedway for one of the most unpredictable races of the season. Chris Carrier breaks down what it takes to win at Atlanta's high-speed drafting track, including manufacturer alliances, pit strategy, and surviving the closing laps when everything is on the line.
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.
...more
39min
July 05, 2026 The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 23: Alex Bowman and Corey Heim
Shane van Gisbergen does it again. With another road course victory at Sonoma, SVG is now just two wins behind Jeff Gordon for the most road course victories in NASCAR Cup Series history. Is he already the greatest road course racer the sport has ever seen? In Season 5, Episode 23 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down another dominant performance by SVG and what his continued success means for NASCAR.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't Multiple reports suggest Dodge could return to the NASCAR Cup Series as early as next season. We always knew it was the goal—but does the timeline matter? For the second straight year, the No. 1 seed is eliminated in the opening round of NASCAR's In-Season Tournament. Coincidence or a sign that seeding doesn't matter?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Alex Bowman Alex Bowman joins the show to discuss his season, the return to Chicagoland Speedway, and the mindset drivers take into one of the most anticipated weekends of the year.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter) Cody Ware and the No. 51 team feel they aren't getting the respect they deserve. Has it become time for the garage to take that team more seriously? The incident that sent Denny Hamlin spinning at Sonoma. Did Carson Hocevar really cause the wreck, or did the crash actually begin several rows behind the leaders? Chris Carrier breaks down how superspeedway-style chain reactions can happen at road courses, too.
🎙 Backstretch Conversation Recent first-time Cup Series winner Corey Heim joins the show to talk about earning his breakthrough victory, balancing part-time opportunities, and what's next in his NASCAR career.
🛠 Pit Notes After seven years away, NASCAR returns to Chicagoland Speedway. Chris Carrier breaks down what teams should expect from the aging intermediate track, how the surface has changed, and the keys to winning as the Cup Series returns to one of its former staples.
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.
...more
43min
June 28, 2026The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 22: William Byron and AJ Allmendinger
Corey Heim pulls off a surprise victory on NASCAR's historic street course at Naval Base Coronado, adding another chapter to what's already been an unpredictable season.
In Season 5, Episode 22 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Heim's breakthrough win and what it means for one of NASCAR's brightest young stars.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
The legendary IROC Series is making a comeback as part of IndyCar's Freedom 250 weekend, with racing icons including Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch, Bobby Labonte, Tony Kanaan, and Hélio Castroneves expected to compete. Is bringing IROC back a great idea, and does it matter to today's fans?
The legal battle between Joe Gibbs Racing and Spire Motorsports continues as Spire files a countersuit. Does this ongoing lawsuit have any real impact on what happens on the race track?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with William Byron
William Byron joins the show to discuss his season, the challenges of adapting to NASCAR's newest street course, and what it takes to consistently compete for wins.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
Sheldon Creed and Jesse Love react after a fan somehow makes it onto the racing surface during the O'Reilly Series race. The moment was memorable—but it ended with the fan being arrested by NCIS after entering the Naval Base.
Noah Gragson voices his frustration following hard racing with Kevin Magnussen. Which side are you on—Team Noah or Team Kevin?
🎙 Backstretch Conversation
AJ Allmendinger joins the show ahead of his 500th career NASCAR Cup Series start, reflecting on the milestone, his longevity in the sport, and what has kept him competing at the highest level for nearly two decades.
🛠 Pit Notes
NASCAR heads to Sonoma Raceway, and Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to success on one of the premier road courses on the schedule. From braking zones and tire conservation to elevation changes and passing opportunities, Chris explains what it takes to conquer wine country.
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.
...more
42min
June 20, 2026The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 21: Cole Custer and Greg, Aiden Price
Denny Hamlin wins for the third straight week.
At this point, what else can you say? One of NASCAR's all-time greats continues to add to his legacy while proving he can still compete with the sport's best week after week.
In Season 5, Episode 21 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Hamlin's incredible run and what it means as the NASCAR season heads into a critical stretch.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
The bracket is officially set for NASCAR's In-Season Tournament. Now in its second year, is the tournament becoming a meaningful part of the schedule?
Chris Buescher re-signs with RFK Racing, taking another major name off the Silly Season board. Does it matter?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Cole Custer
Cole joins the show to talk about his season, adapting to changing circumstances, and the challenges drivers face at Coronado Navy Base
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
The No. 20 team gambles on fuel mileage in an attempt to win the race. The strategy doesn't work and the team finishes deep in the field. Was the risk worth taking?
Connor Zilisch voices his frustration after another early exit. Is this simply rookie growing pains, or has everything that can go wrong gone wrong for the young driver?
🎙 Backstretch Conversation
This week's special guest segment features Cadillac Formula 1 father-son duo Greg and Aiden Price. We discuss motorsports development, racing opportunities, and the growing connection between different racing disciplines.
🛠 Pit Notes
NASCAR heads to one of the most unique venues on the schedule — the new street course at Naval Base Coronado. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to success on a brand-new circuit where teams will be learning in real time.
Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage.
Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns, and pit box perspective you won't hear anywhere else.
#NASCAR #DennyHamlin #ColeCuster #ChrisBuescher #ConnorZilisch #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries #Motorsports #CadillacF1 #StreetCourseRacing
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46min
June 14, 2026 The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 20: Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. and Ron Capps
Denny Hamlin wins for the second straight week and continues his march up the NASCAR record books. In Season 5, Episode 20 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Hamlin's latest victory and what it means as he ties Kyle Busch for ninth on NASCAR's all-time wins list. 🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't Josh Berry announces he won't return to the Wood Brothers next season, creating another unexpected Silly Season storyline. Does it matter? NASCAR begins a stretch of unique tracks starting with Pocono. How much does this part of the schedule change the championship picture? 🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Ricky joins the show to discuss his season, navigating the ups and downs of the Cup Series schedule, and what drivers face as NASCAR heads to one of its most unique tracks. 📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter) Drivers react after the massive crash involving Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott at Michigan Bell suffered a broken hand but plans to race at Pocono The No. 11 team reacts after an accident Carson Hocevar may or may not have caused Bubba Wallace had a conversation with Hocevar after the race about choosing his spots — does Hocevar need to adjust his aggressive driving style? 🎙 Backstretch Conversation NHRA legend Ron Capps joins the show to talk racing, competition, and the similarities and becoming a Legend of Thunder Valley 🛠 Pit Notes Chris Carrier previews Pocono Raceway and breaks down the keys to winning at the Tricky Triangle, including strategy, shifting, braking zones, and why Pocono rewards drivers who can adapt quickly. Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won't hear
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48min
June 06, 2026The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 19: Carson Hocevar
Denny Hamlin wins at Nashville and moves one step closer to NASCAR history.
In Season 5, Episode 19 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Hamlin's 62nd career Cup Series victory, putting him just one win behind Kyle Busch for ninth on NASCAR's all-time wins list. At 45 years old, Hamlin continues to perform at an elite level — but just how impressive is this run?
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
The Nashville race lasted more than four hours, prompting Denny Hamlin to suggest shortening the event to 300 miles. Does race length matter?
Corey Heim is officially announced as the driver of the No. 35 car next season, replacing Riley Herbst. Another young driver is making the jump to a full-time Cup ride — how important is that for the sport?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Carson Hocevar
Michigan native Carson Hocevar joins the show to discuss his season, racing in front of a home-state crowd, and the challenges of competing at NASCAR's highest level.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
The No. 6 team reacts after an incident involving Austin Dillon and the No. 3 car
NASCAR declines to penalize Dillon, citing throttle data discussed on the Hauler Talk podcast
More frustration surfaces from the No. 12 team late in the race — was it directed at Shane van Gisbergen or simply the product of hard racing at Nashville?
🛠 Pit Notes
Chris Carrier previews Michigan International Speedway and explains the keys to winning at one of NASCAR's fastest intermediate tracks, where momentum, clean air, and fuel strategy often decide the race.
Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage.
Subscribe for weekly NASCAR breakdowns, driver interviews, and pit box perspective you won't hear anywhere else.
...more
30min
May 30, 2026The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 18: Doug Rice and Michael McDowell
One week after the tragic and unexpected loss of Kyle Busch, the NASCAR community continues to reflect on the impact he had on the sport, the garage, and generations of racers.
In Season 5, Episode 18 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier open the show by sharing memories of Kyle Busch and discussing what his loss means to NASCAR. Chris also reflects on his team's relationship with Kyle Busch Motorsports and the influence Busch had on young drivers throughout the sport.
🎙 Special Conversation with Doug Rice
In the hours following Kyle Busch's passing, Heather spoke with Doug Rice of the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio about Busch's legacy, his place in NASCAR history, and the lasting impact he leaves behind.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
Daniel Suárez wins the rain-shortened Coca-Cola Almost 600, earning his first victory with Spire Motorsports and the organization's second win of the season. Does it matter that the race didn't go the full distance?
Rain impacted every major race of the weekend. How much should shortened events affect how we view the results?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Michael McDowell
Michael joins the show to discuss the season so far, the challenges of racing through changing conditions, and what teams are focused on as NASCAR heads into the summer stretch.
🛠 Pit Notes
Chris Carrier previews Nashville Superspeedway and breaks down the keys to winning in Middle Tennessee, from track position and tire management to the importance of execution on restarts.
This week's episode is part reflection, part racing conversation, and a reminder of the people who make this sport special.
Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, driver interviews, and insider perspective from the pit box.
#NASCAR #KyleBusch #MichaelMcDowell #DougRice #DanielSuarez #NashvilleSuperspeedway #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries
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46min
May 30, 2026The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 17: Remembering Rowdy
Kyle Busch's career has been defined by speed, intensity, championships, rivalries, and unforgettable moments. In this special episode of The Backstretch Podcast, we take a look back at the life and legacy of one of NASCAR's most impactful drivers.
From his early rise through the sport to his dominance at Bristol Motor Speedway, this episode features interviews with people who knew Kyle best, along with highlights from some of the moments that made him one of the most recognizable names in NASCAR.
🏁 In This Special Episode
Reflections from friends, competitors, and members of the NASCAR community
Kyle Busch's greatest moments at Bristol Motor Speedway
Career-defining victories and memorable performances
The impact he made on fans, teams, and the sport as a whole
Why his legacy will continue to be felt for generations of drivers to come
Whether you cheered for him, rooted against him, or simply respected his talent, there's no denying the mark Kyle Busch left on NASCAR.
Join us as we celebrate the memories, the milestones, and the moments that made Kyle Busch one of the sport's most unforgettable figures.
Thank you for watching and for sharing your memories in the comments below.
#NASCAR #KyleBusch #BristolMotorSpeedway #BackstretchPodcast #NASCARHistory #RacingLegend
...more
12min
May 16, 2026The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 16: Erik Jones and Noah Gragson
Shane van Gisbergen wins again at Watkins Glen — and once again the question comes up: are we watching the greatest road course driver NASCAR has ever seen?
In Season 5, Episode 16 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down SVG’s latest road course masterclass and what separates him from the rest of the field whenever NASCAR turns right.
We also dive into:
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn’t
Katherine Legge attempting the Indy 500 / Coca-Cola 600 double — how difficult is it really, and does it matter for NASCAR?
The many changes coming to this year’s All-Star Race and what drivers really think about them
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Erik Jones
Erik joins the show to talk about his season so far, the challenge of adapting week-to-week, and the upcoming All-Star Race changes.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
Carson Hocevar and the No. 21 get together — racing incident or reputation problem?
NASCAR keeps the race green after Cody Ware’s hard hit late in the race — are officials letting too much go?
🎙 Backstretch Conversation – Noah Gragson
Noah talks about staying confident during tough stretches, handling expectations, and how he became one of NASCAR’s most popular personalities.
🛠 Pit Notes
Chris Carrier previews the All-Star Race at Dover for the first time — breaking down the Monster Mile, tire wear, aggression, and why mistakes happen fast 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.
...more
35min
May 08, 2026The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 15: Dystany Spurlock
Chase Elliott gets the win at Texas — and reaches two victories earlier in the season than ever before.
In Season 5, Episode 15 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down what Elliott’s fast start really means — and whether he’s now the biggest threat to Tyler Reddick’s early-season dominance.
We also dive into:
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn’t
Carson Hocevar at the Met Gala — unexpected, but does it actually matter?
Ryan Blaney and Tyler Reddick sign long-term deals, locking up two major names this silly season — no surprise, but how important is it?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Dystany Spurlock
Dystany joins the show to talk her journey, opportunity in the sport, and what comes next.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
The No. 60 team penalized after a run-in with the 54 — was it the incident or the radio traffic that made the difference?
Kyle Busch avoids penalty in a similar situation — where’s the line?
Busch’s weekend continues with tension involving the 77 and the 42 — is fighting multiple battles helping or hurting his momentum?
🛠 Pit Notes
Chris Carrier previews Watkins Glen — strategy, braking zones, and how rain in the forecast could change everything.
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 #ChaseElliott #DystanySpurlock #WatkinsGlen #KyleBusch #TylerReddick #CupSeries #BackstretchPodcast
...more
36min

FAQs about The Backstretch:

How many episodes does The Backstretch have?

The podcast currently has 154 episodes available.