The NASCAR Playoff field of 16 drivers is set after Ryan Blaney won Saturday night (Aug. 23) at Daytona International Speedway, fending off a number of playoff hopefuls at the line. Caleb Barnes and Wyatt Watson react to the race — and the finish — which saw four cars abreast at the stripe.
Blaney followed Cole Custer to the high side, and the two drivers roared to the front in the final two laps. Barnes and Watson discuss what the win meant for Alex Bowman, who was helpless after crashing out of the race in the first stage.
That opening stage did contain some extra action involving both Bowman and Tyler Reddick, the two drivers hoping to race in on points. While the two were safe on points alone, a new winner would have put the odd man out. Barnes and Watson discuss those early crashes and what they added to the race.
Now that the field is set, Barnes and Watson finish by giving quick picks on who they think might be hoisting the trophy out in Phoenix in 10 weeks.
There is a lot to talk about, but just a little time to do so. Check out Stock Car Scoop on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Caleb began sports writing in 2023 with The Liberty Champion, where he officially covered his first NASCAR race at Richmond in the spring. While there, Caleb met some of the guys from Frontstretch, and he joined the video editing team after graduating from Liberty University with degrees in Strategic Communications and Sports Journalism. Caleb currently work full-time as a Multi-Media Journalist with LEX 18 News in Lexington, Kentucky and contributes to Frontstretch with writing and video editing. He's also behind-the-scenes or on camera for the Happy Hour Podcast, live every Tuesday night at 7:30!
Wyatt Watson has followed motorsports closely since 2007. He joined Frontstretch as a journalist in February 2023 after serving in the United States Navy for five years as an Electronic Technician Navigation working on submarines. Wyatt is one of Frontstretch's primary IndyCar correspondents, providing exclusive video content on site. He hosts Frontstretch's Through the Gears podcast and occasionally The Pit Straight.You can find Wyatt's written work in columns such as Friday Faceoff and 2-Headed Monsteras well as exclusive IndyCar features. Wyatt also contributes to Frontstretch's social media team, posting unique and engaging content for Frontstretch.
Wyatt Watson can be found on X @WyattWRacing