On this week’s episode of Frontstretch Happy Hour, hosts Bryan Nolen, Michael Massie, Dalton Hopkins and Chris Graham celebrate Kyle Busch Day by reminiscing on the legendary career of Rowdy. The group remembers their favorite moments of the late Busch’s career.
Afterward, the four talk about the current cutline of The Chase and if Ryan Preece can close the 50-point gap on Shane van Gisbergen in the last two races of the regular season. Not to mention, is the fight for 16th in points even something worth talking about? Is 16 too many?
Next, the group discusses the latest big news that Connor Zilisch will be going to Hendrick Motorsports in 2028 in the No. 48. With Zilisch departing Trackhouse Racing, what does that mean for the rest of the team? What does that mean for Corey Day?
Finally, the four talk about the latest schedule news that Chicagoland Speedway will return to the schedule and Homestead-Miami Speedway will also return as the season finale race in 2027. What does that mean for the rest of the season? What other tracks are left to announce for next season.
Watch the whole show above or 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
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.
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.
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