On this week’s episode of Frontstretch Happy Hour, hosts Bryan Nolen, Dalton Hopkins and Thomas Dunn are joined by TSJ Sports’ Peter Stratta to discuss the recent points race return to North Wilkesboro Speedway. Is the track ready to become a regular addition to the NASCAR Cup Series schedule? Is there anywhere else that can be revived?
Then, the crew discuss Shane van Gisbergen‘s impressive top-five performance at North Wilkesboro. Has the Kiwi shed his road course ringer label and become more of a NASCAR regular? Is his first oval win coming sooner than later?
Next, the four talk the new changes to the Cup Series superspeedway package that are meant to increase the racing quality at tracks like Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. What should the summer Daytona race look like to consider it a success?
Finally, Joey Logano won his first race of the season at the short track. Is this a sign of more to come for the three-time champion? Will his success guarantee him a spot in The Chase?
Watch the whole show above, on YouTube or listen to the audio version on Apple, Spotify or 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
Thomas is in his second year covering NASCAR at Frontstretch. A Bay Area NASCAR fan for over 15+ years, he found his love for the sport through Jeff Gordon. He helps manage the 2-Headed Monster Column.
Thomas has enjoyed several trips to Sonoma Raceway in his time and currently covers college athletics in the Bay Area, writing about the California Golden Bears and doing play by play broadcasting.
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
Chris Graham is a motorsports producer, director, and broadcast engineer based in the Philadelphia-area. Through his work with NRN Productions, he’s helped build and execute live race coverage and sports streaming workflows ranging from lean, two-to-three person crews to full broadcast-style productions. Chris has worked across nearly every position in the truck—producing, directing, technical directing, replay, graphics, camera operation, and engineering—and has supported events and partners including FloSports, the ASA STARS National Tour, and Diamond State Digital. He’s also involved in developing live show formats and digital coverage that bring fans closer to the stories behind the racing. He is currently also the producer for the Frontstretch podcast Happy Hour.