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 Pocono Spring Race Recap

July 19, 2023June 10, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

A new track surface, a new race distance and the youngest and oldest Cup drivers competing hammer and tongs for a win.

MPM2Nite: The Long & Short of It

July 18, 2023June 7, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

I’ve been advocating a shorter schedule for over a decade now and I think it’s high time NASCAR start at least exploring the idea.

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

July 16, 2023June 4, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

Yeah, it wasn’t classic Dover, but sometimes a driver and team hit the right setup for a particular day and they dominate.

MPM2Nite: Winners & Losers of NASCAR 2012 to Date

July 16, 2023May 31, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

It’s time to review who is off to a good start this season, who’s off to a poor start and who is living a horrific nightmare through the year’s first 12 races.

Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2012 World 600 Race Recap

July 13, 2023May 28, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

On lap 332, Kasey Kahne passed Denny Hamlin and pretty much put it on cruise control for the final 100 miles of NASCAR’s longest event.

MPM2Nite: NASCAR’s Summer of Discontent

July 13, 2023May 24, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

Right now it’s shaping up to be a real long summer that’s going to have NASCAR shedding fans like a shaking retriever puppy fresh out of the bath sheds water.

Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2012 All-Star Race Recap

July 12, 2023May 21, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

The All-Star Race is pointless … in more ways than one.

Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2012 Darlington Parade Recap

July 10, 2023May 14, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

If points racing can make a Darlington race this bland we’re in for a very, very long summer.

MPM2Nite: Driver No. 14 One for the Record Books

July 9, 2023May 10, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

I was a bit taken aback by Tony Stewart’s comments after Talladega. If they were intended to be funny, he missed by a wide margin.

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

July 7, 2023May 7, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

Just another silly, contrived and violent plate race … racing that appeals to the least common denominators amongst us.