By Matt McLaughlin

Matt joined Frontstretch in 2007 after a decade of race-writing, paired with the first generation of racing internet sites like RaceComm and Racing One. Now semi-retired, he submits occasional special features while his retrospectives on drivers like Alan Kulwicki, Davey Allison, and other fallen NASCAR legends pop up every summer on Frontstretch. A motorcycle nut, look for the closest open road near you and you can catch him on the Harley during those bright, summer days in his beloved Pennsylvania.

Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2012 Watkins Glen Race Recap

December 17, 2019August 13, 2012 Matt McLaughlin

This one wasn’t over until the checkered flag was thrown. Wow.

Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2012 Pocono Summer Race Recap

December 17, 2019August 6, 2012 Matt McLaughlin

Jimmie Johnson, who had dominated the race, had his car get out from under him on the final restart and collected second-place Matt Kenseth. From there, it was on.

Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2012 Brickyard 400 Race Recap

December 16, 2019July 30, 2012 Matt McLaughlin

The Brickyard 400… the ultimate example of sizzle over steak.

Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2012 New Hampshire Summer Race Recap

December 16, 2019July 16, 2012 Matt McLaughlin

Denny Hamlin dominated much of the race but miscommunication in the pits dropped him to 14th. Kasey Kahne inherited the lead and with clean air on the nose of his Chevy drove to an easy win.

Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2012 Firecracker 400 at Daytona Race Recap

August 24, 2023July 9, 2012 Matt McLaughlin

The weekend’s big loser was AJ Allmendinger. If you were on vacation, he was suspended from driving in the Firecracker after failing a random drug test.

MPM2Nite: We’ll Be Back After This – the NASCAR KFC Nightmare

August 4, 2023July 5, 2012 Matt McLaughlin

I surely never thought I’d be reduced to the level of writing about a commercial for fried chicken.

Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2012 Kentucky Race Recap

August 3, 2023July 2, 2012 Matt McLaughlin

OK, Bruton Smith. You fixed Bristol, you fixed the Kentucky traffic disaster, can you maybe fix this mess of a racetrack too?

MPM2Nite: Did TV Networks Force Matt Kenseth to Bolt?

July 31, 2023June 28, 2012 Matt McLaughlin

So why is Matt Kenseth leaving his longtime home? It probably has more to do with sponsorship concerns as I see it.

MPM2Nite: Moving Pictures

July 26, 2023June 21, 2012 Matt McLaughlin

OK, we have our concept, a movie about people involved in NASCAR racing, not a movie about NASCAR racing.

Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2012 Michigan Spring Race Recap

July 25, 2023June 18, 2012 Matt McLaughlin

Junior wins again and all is sweetness and light around the globe. In fact, I predict tomorrow we’ll see Romney and Obama sharing a single root beer float