On this week’s episode of Frontstretch Happy Hour, hosts Bryan Nolen, Michael Massie and Dalton Hopkins are rejoined by John Newby of Savage Ventures rejoins the show to talk about the difference in The Chase format versus the playoff format that is actually helping storylines this season. No drivers will be eliminated after Bristol Motor Speedway, which means we can focus on the championship contenders more.
Next, the group discusses Homestead-Miami Speedway and debates if the eventual champion will need to win at the circuit to secure his title. Will the field get more spread out as the races go on in The Chase? Will it come down to a one-race finale after all?
Then, the group talks the recent race at World Wide Technology Raceway. After perhaps the most thrilling edition of the NASCAR Cup Series race at the Midwestern track, did it earn a more permanent spot on the Cup schedule for years to come?
Finally, the four brings up the controversial run-in between William Sawalich and Corey Day during the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race. After NASCAR ruled no penalty for Sawalich for their contact, is this a step in the right direction for on-track rivalries or a step back? And should NASCAR allow drivers to be themselves more often when in front of a microphone?
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.
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.
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