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.

MPM2Nite: Bristol – Everything Old is New Again

June 16, 2023March 22, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

While he painted a brave face on it over the weekend, Bruton Smith was apparently a bit stung by the size of the crowd that attended Sunday’s race at Bristol.

MPM2Nite: A Travesty & a Tragedy – Reviewing the Johnson Appeal Decision

June 15, 2023March 20, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

Throw away the NASCAR rulebook. Punishment is no longer certain – at least not for certain teams.

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

June 15, 2023March 19, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

Brad Keselowski and Matt Kenseth had what appeared to be equally fast cars for the second half of the race, so it came down to which driver wanted it most.

MPM2Nite: Bread & Circuses Surround No. 48 Appeal, but Did It Matter?

June 11, 2023March 14, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

To nobody’s great surprise, the appeals board upheld the penalties assessed against the No. 48 team after Daytona on Tuesday.

Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2012 Las Vegas Race Recap

June 9, 2023March 11, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

For those keeping score, that’s Steve Addington – 1, Darian Grubb – 1.

MPM2Nite: The Way We Were

June 8, 2023March 8, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

Some of today’s broadcasters need to dig up a copy of the ‘88 Daytona 500 and watch how the legends of NASCAR broadcasting actually promoted and grew the sport.

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

June 1, 2023March 5, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

Denny Hamlin and Darian Grubb got served up a huge helping of redemption after their humiliations last season.

MPM2Nite: Your Cheating Art – Analyzing the Knaus/Hendrick Penalty

May 30, 2023March 1, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

What did Chad Knaus do to bring down the wrath of NASCAR?

Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2012 Daytona 500 Race Recap

May 25, 2023February 28, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

The Daytona International Speedway … putting the “car” back in “carnage.”

Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2012 Twin 150s at Daytona Race Recap

May 23, 2023February 23, 2012 by Matt McLaughlin

With the Top-35 teams in last year’s owner points locked into the race there’s little drama waiting to see who is going to qualify and who’s going home.