Welcome to a new weekly Frontstretch column that delivers on exclusive coverage, interviews and press conferences at the track each weekend. The Saturday before a NASCAR Cup Series race has a media bullpen for select Cup drivers, and interviews obtained by Frontstretch’s reporters will be posted in this column and on YouTube.
CONCORD, N.C. – Between silly season updates, the return of stage cautions, a new restart zone and reactions to the newly released 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, Saturday’s (Oct. 7) media availabilities at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL provided plenty of unique answers from drivers across the board.
And that’s without mentioning the playoff battle, as four of the 12 playoff drivers will be eliminated from championship contention after the conclusion of Sunday’s (Oct. 8) Bank of America ROVAL 400.
On-site reporters Stephen Stumpf and Chase Folsom caught up with drivers before and after Saturday’s practice and qualifying sessions.
AJ Allmendinger
Austin Cindric
Chris Buescher
Erik Jones
Martin Truex Jr.
Mike Rockenfeller
Ross Chastain
Ty Gibbs
Stephen Stumpf is the NASCAR Content Director for Frontstretch and is a three-year veteran of the site. His weekly column is “Stat Sheet,” and he formerly wrote "4 Burning Questions" for three years. He also writes commentaries, contributes to podcasts, edits articles and is frequently at the track for on-site coverage.
Find Stephen on Twitter @stephen_stumpf
Chase began working with Frontstretch in the spring of 2023 as a news writer, while also helping fill in for other columns as needed. Chase is now the main writer and reporter for Frontstretch.com's CARS Tour coverage, a role which began late in 2023. Aside from racing, some of Chase's other hobbies include time in the outdoors hunting and fishing, and keeping up with all things Philadelphia sports related.