The Backstretch

By Heather WilliamsSports

The Backstretch episodes

August 22The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 30: Chase Briscoe
Joey Logano has completely changed the direction of his season.
Logano scores his second win of the year at Richmond, continuing a remarkable summer turnaround. When the summer began, he was outside the Chase and hovering around 20th in points. Now he's inside the top 10 and suddenly looks like a legitimate championship threat.
In Season 5, Episode 30 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Logano's resurgence and the biggest NASCAR storylines with the Chase quickly approaching.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
Connor Zilisch is headed to Hendrick Motorsports in 2028. That's a long way away, so how much does the announcement really matter right now?
Two NASCAR legends put on a show in the revived IROC Series as Kurt Busch edges Jimmie Johnson in an unbelievable finish. It's not NASCAR—but does a finish like that matter for the future of IROC?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Chase Briscoe
Chase Briscoe joins the show to talk about his season, the battle for the Chase and what drivers face as the pressure ramps up during the final weeks of the regular season.
📻 Say What? – Radio Chatter
Carson Hocevar reacts after losing an engine Saturday night, leading to debate over whether what happened afterward was intentional. More importantly, Hocevar was fifth in points just a few weeks ago and has now fallen to 11th. Can he stop the slide before the Chase begins?
Kyle Larson and the No. 5 team work out a plan over the radio to get him to Iowa for the Knoxville Nationals. Chris discusses Hendrick Motorsports' willingness to help Larson continue racing on dirt—and why those opportunities are so important to him.
🛠 Pit Notes
NASCAR heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to winning at the "Magic Mile," including braking, track position, tire management and the challenges of getting around the flat, one-mile oval.
The Chase is getting closer, Logano is getting hotter and the pressure around the cut line is building.
Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns and pit box perspective from inside the sport.
#NASCAR #JoeyLogano #ChaseBriscoe #CarsonHocevar #KyleLarson #NewHampshireMotorSpeedway #HendrickMotorsports #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries
33 min
August 15The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 29: Ross Chastain
Ty Gibbs is making a statement.
Gibbs scores his second win of the season at Iowa and moves into second in the points standings. With the Chase approaching, is it time to consider Gibbs a legitimate Cup Series championship contender?
In Season 5, Episode 29 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Gibbs' rise and the biggest NASCAR storylines heading into Richmond.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
Ty Gibbs' post-race press conference at Iowa lasted just seven minutes and sparked plenty of debate. But does the length of a driver's media availability really matter?
NASCAR's 2027 schedule continues to come together track by track, and we now know the All-Star Race is returning to North Wilkesboro. After hosting a points race this season, does North Wilkesboro losing that date matter?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Ross Chastain
Ross Chastain joins the show to talk about his season, the final push toward the Chase, and what it takes to navigate the pressure as the regular season winds down.
📻 Say What? – Radio Chatter
Ryan Blaney has a close encounter with a boom camera on pit road. Drivers already have plenty to avoid in the pits—do cameras now need to be added to the list?
Chase Elliott battles for the Lucky Dog while his team feeds him information over the radio. Chris explains how much communication a driver really wants while fighting for position—and when a crew chief or spotter can actually say too much.
🛠 Pit Notes
NASCAR heads to Richmond Raceway for another short, flat-track battle. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to winning at Richmond, including tire management, long-run speed, pit strategy, and finding grip as the track changes throughout the race.
The Chase is getting closer, the pressure is building, and Ty Gibbs may be emerging as one of the drivers everyone needs to watch.
Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns, and pit box perspective from inside the sport.
#NASCAR #TyGibbs #RossChastain #RichmondRaceway #RyanBlaney #ChaseElliott #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries
36 min
August 08The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 28: Josh Berry
The break is over, and now the pressure is on.
NASCAR returns from its off week with just four races remaining before the Chase begins. In Season 5, Episode 28 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier look at the biggest storylines to watch as drivers make their final push toward the postseason.
Who can afford to play it safe? Who needs to start taking chances? And which teams should be getting nervous?
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
The preseason Clash is officially heading back to Daytona, taking place the Saturday before the Super Bowl. Does returning the exhibition race to Daytona matter, and what could it mean for kicking off the NASCAR season?
Hendrick Motorsports enters the final regular-season stretch in an unusual slump, going three consecutive races without putting a driver in the Top 10. Is this just a rough patch—or something worth worrying about with the Chase approaching?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Josh Berry
Josh Berry joins the show to talk about his season, finishing his time with the Wood Brothers, and what it takes to capitalize when opportunities come late in the regular season.
🛠 Pit Notes
NASCAR heads to Iowa Speedway, a short, flat track that presents its own set of challenges. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to winning at Iowa, including tire management, track position, braking, and finding a way to pass when space is at a premium.
The off week is over. Four races remain. And the race to the Chase is officially on.
Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter, and pit box perspective from inside the sport.
#NASCAR #JoshBerry #HendrickMotorsports #IowaSpeedway #NASCARPlayoffs #Daytona #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries
24 min
August 02The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 27: Ty Gibbs
Corey Heim is proving he belongs.
The part-time driver earned his second Cup Series victory of the season, this time at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Just how impressive is what Heim is doing with limited opportunities?
In Season 5, Episode 27 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Heim's latest statement win, the future of NASCAR's schedule, and one of the biggest Silly Season stories yet.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
Reports suggest NASCAR is planning major playoff schedule changes for 2027, with Bristol, Darlington, and World Wide Technology Raceway potentially moving out of the postseason while Richmond, Watkins Glen, and New Hampshire move in. How significant would those changes be?
Alex Bowman announces he will retire following next season. It's early, but speculation about who replaces him has already begun. Does it matter this far in advance?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Ty Gibbs
Ty Gibbs joins the show to discuss his improved season, building momentum, and the confidence that comes with becoming a consistent contender in the Cup Series.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
Ryan Blaney and John Hunter Nemechek react after the incident that cost Blaney the In-Season Challenge. Nemechek apologized—but if you're constantly in the middle of incidents, is saying "sorry" enough?
Frustration boils over on the radios of the No. 4 and No. 88 teams. Are these simply emotional moments, or signs of bigger issues for two teams that expected much more this season?
🛠 Pit Notes
With NASCAR taking the weekend off, Chris Carrier looks at the most improved teams of 2026. Spire Motorsports tops the list, with the No. 77 climbing 18 spots in the standings from a year ago. Daniel Suárez has also made an 18-position jump from the 7 car's position last season, while Ty Gibbs and Chris Buescher continue trending in the right direction. Which team has made the biggest leap, and who's positioned for a strong playoff run?
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.
38 min
July 26The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 26: Denny Hamlin
Joey Logano is back in Victory Lane.
Logano snapped a year-long winless streak at North Wilkesboro, becoming the first Ford driver not named Ryan Blaney to win this season. After back-to-back victories for Ford, has the manufacturer finally found something?
In Season 5, Episode 26 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Logano's breakthrough win, Ford's recent momentum, and the biggest storylines heading into one of NASCAR's crown jewel events.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
NASCAR is bringing back 50-minute practice sessions at every track except the superspeedways. Will more practice make the racing better, and does it really matter?
Todd Gilliland advances to face Ryan Blaney in the In-Season Challenge championship, giving fans a second straight Cinderella story in the finals. Does the tournament matter to drivers and fans?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Denny Hamlin
Denny joins the show to discuss his remarkable season, the championship battle, and what it takes to stay at the top of the sport after more than two decades in the Cup Series.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
Shane van Gisbergen's radio after an impressive fifth-place finish on the oval at North Wilkesboro. Has SVG proven he's more than just NASCAR's best road course racer, and is he now a legitimate playoff contender?
A crucial spotter call from Frankie Kimmel on the No. 7 team during green-flag pit stops helps keep the team on the lead lap after contact between the No. 48 and No. 45. Chris explains why spotters can make the difference between a top-10 finish and a disappointing day.
🛠 Pit Notes
NASCAR heads to the legendary Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to conquering one of racing's most historic venues, from passing opportunities and pit strategy to avoiding costly mistakes at the Racing Capital of the World.
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.
#NASCAR #DennyHamlin #JoeyLogano #Brickyard400 #IndianapolisMotorSpeedway #FordPerformance #ShaneVanGisbergen #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries
35 min
July 19The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 25: Christopher Bell and Noah Gragson
Ryan Blaney survives a wild night at Atlanta to score a huge victory—and suddenly he's right in the middle of the regular season championship conversation.
In Season 5, Episode 25 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down one of the most chaotic races of the season and look ahead to another historic weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
🏁 What Matters / What Doesn't
NASCAR has announced rules changes ahead of Daytona. Will they actually make a difference when the field heads to the high banks?
Once again, the race came down to the closing laps and no one was willing to work with Carson Hocevar. Has his reputation officially changed the way other drivers race him—and does it matter?
🎤 Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell joins the show to discuss his season, the pressure of racing for wins, and what it takes to stay in the championship hunt as the playoffs draw closer.
📻 Say What? (Radio Chatter)
A rare moment of frustration on the No. 24 team radio. William Byron entered the season as a championship favorite, but now finds himself dangerously close to the playoff cut line. What's behind the struggles?
Tempers flare between Toyota teammates after an on-track incident. Is this simply hard racing, or could it become a bigger issue as the championship battle heats up?
🎙 Backstretch Conversation
Noah Gragson joins the show to talk about the highs and lows of the season, maintaining confidence through adversity, and why his connection with NASCAR fans continues to grow.
🛠 Pit Notes
For the first time in three decades, North Wilkesboro Speedway hosts a NASCAR Cup Series points race. Chris Carrier explains what makes the historic short track so unique, how teams will approach the weekend, and why patience and track position could decide the winner.
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.
44 min
July 12The 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.
39 min
July 05 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.
43 min
June 28The 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.
42 min
June 20The 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
46 min

About The Backstretch

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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…

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The Backstretch

The Backstretch episodes

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