Michael McDowell gets a big win on the road course at Indy. Heather talks about what that means for other smaller teams and how it's tied into the success of the NextGen car. Heather and Chris also talk about McDowell as well as what's next for Noah Gragson and a preview of the road course at Watkins Glen. Heather's final thought is on the future of the Bristol Spring Race.

Noah Gragson is suspended by his team and NASCAR for liking an insensitive Instagram post. Michael McDowell talks about battling to get in the postseason, if the NextGen is doing its job, and previews Michigan. Heather's final thought is on the four people who don't think Jimmie Johnson is a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Denny ruffles feathers at Pocono. Our Crew Chief Chris Carrier talks about how critical it is to avoid mistakes this time of year and who is in the best position to grab the final playoff spots. Corey Lajoie talks about why tensions appear to be higher on intermediate tracks this season, what the schedule would look like if he designed it, and the keys to Richmond. Heather's final thought is on whether or not Bristol deserves two races.

Heather talks about the resurgent season for Martin Truex, Jr. Chris chimes in on Truex, what's wrong with Chase Elliott and a preview of Pocono. Kyle Larson is the guest talking about his season and being a little under the radar. Heather's final thought is on Justin Haley's move to Rick Ware Racing next season.

Heather talks about William Byron as a title contender. Chris also chimes in on William Byron's season and previews New Hampshire. Chris Buescher talks about RFK's resurgence. Heather's final thought is on Ross Chastain's new sponsor.

Heather talks about the emergence of Shane van Gisbergen in Chicago. Heather and Chris talk about the success of Chicago and preview Atlanta. Alex Bowman talks about battling back from his injury. Heather's final though is about the success of Chicago.

It's finally race weekend in Chicago. Heather and Chris talk about all the build-up to the race as well as a quick recap of last weekend's race at Nashville. Our guest Dale Earnhardt, Jr from NASCAR on NBC talks about what this weekend means for the sport. Heather's final thought is about not liking it before you try it.

On this week's special edition of the Backstretch Heather take a look at the leadup to the Street Race in Chicago and what we can expect next week.

Heather asks people to take their Bristol hate elsewhere, and Chris joins to talk about Martin Truex, Jr's title chances, the future of Bristol Dirt, and midseason grades. Heather's final thoughts are her midseason grades.

Heather talks about why the tangle between the Austins is not the same as Chase vs Denny. Chris joins to talk about Kyle Busch's turnaround, Corey Lajoie's performance in a fill-in role for Chase, and a preview of Sonoma. Heather's final thought is about the number of road courses in the Cup Series