On this week’s episode of Frontstretch Happy Hour, hosts Bryan Nolen, Michael Massie and Dalton Hopkins are joined by NASCAR Hall of Fame legend Mark Martin and fellow Frontstretch writer Vito Pugliese to discuss the current NASCAR Cup Series points format and how it should be changed.
Afterward, the five discuss the suspension of Austin Hill after the Richard Childress Racing driver had a scuffle with Aric Almirola during the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway that granted him a weekend home. Was it warranted? Has Martin ever been in a similar situation?
Then, Martin and the gang discuss JR Motorsports’ 100th win. Martin, the first evert winner for the organization, reminisces about the group’s success.
Finally, the group talk about the Brickyard 400’s status as a NASCAR crown jewel event. Martin, a near winner of the event, weighs in on its prestige.
Watch the whole show or listen to the audio version wherever you get your podcasts.
Dalton Hopkins began writing for Frontstretch in April 2021. Currently, he is the lead writer for the weekly Thinkin' Out Loud column, co-host of the Frontstretch Happy Hour podcast, and one of our lead reporters. Beforehand, he wrote for IMSA shortly after graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2019. Simultaneously, he also serves as a Captain in the US Army.
Follow Dalton on Twitter @PitLaneCPT
Bryan Nolen is the Operations Manager and Multimedia Director for Frontstretch.com. He also hosts the Bringing the Heat with Bryan Nolen Podcast and occasionally makes appearances on The Happy Hour Podcast. He has a Sportscasting degree from the Dan Patrick School of Sportscasting. He resides in Boise, Idaho, with his wife, his French Bulldog Archer and two rabbits.
Follow him on Twitter @TheBryanNolen
Vito is one of the longest-tenured writers at Frontstretch, joining the staff in 2007. He’s a contributor to several other outlets, including Athlon Sports and Popular Speed in addition to making radio appearances. He forever has a soft-spot in his heart for old Mopars and presumably oil-soaked cardboard in his garage.
Michael Massie joined Frontstretch in 2017 and has served as the Content Director since 2020.
Massie, a Richmond, Va., native, has covered NASCAR, IndyCar, SRX and the CARS Tour. Outside of motorsports, the Virginia Tech grad and Green Bay Packers minority owner can be seen cheering on his beloved Hokies and Packers.