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: 2009 Homestead Race Recap

August 3, 2022November 23, 2009 by Matt McLaughlin

Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin made quick work of Kurt Busch on the final restart at Homestead, and Hamlin prevailed to drive to an uncontested win.

Happy Hour: What NASCAR Really Can Look Forward To in 2010

August 3, 2022November 19, 2009 by Matt McLaughlin

Most sports would still love to have NASCAR’s attendance and ratings, but the current trend is very much downward.

Matt McLaughlin Mouths Off: The Lights of Miami

August 3, 2022November 18, 2009 by Matt McLaughlin

A vessel full of boat people trying to sail from Cuba to Miami? In this case, I’m referring to the NASCAR fan army heading towards Homestead.

Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2009 Phoenix Fall Race Recap

August 2, 2022November 16, 2009 by Matt McLaughlin

Jimmie Johnson’s crew got their driver off pit road first on the final pit stop. Once the No. 48 car had clean air on its snout, it was unstoppable at Phoenix.

Matt McLaughlin Mouths Off: NASCAR Racing Against the Media-ocrity

August 2, 2022November 11, 2009 by Matt McLaughlin

To put it politely, NASCAR Cup racing in 2009 hasn’t been very good.

Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2009 Texas Fall Race Recap

July 31, 2022November 8, 2009 by Matt McLaughlin

Kyle Busch ran out of gas, handing the lead to brother Kurt Busch, who used extraordinary mileage to score his second win of the season at Texas.

Matt McLaughlin Mouths Off: A Trojan Horse?

July 31, 2022November 4, 2009 by Matt McLaughlin

NASCAR officials are like brown recluse spiders in the basement. You can normally live with them, but you need to keep a wary eye on …

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Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2009 Talladega Fall Race Recap

July 31, 2022November 1, 2009 by Matt McLaughlin

Welcome to Talladega, future home of the “Worst Possible Outcome 500.” Your ticket to the race comes with a complimentary toe-tag.

Matt McLaughlin Mouths Off: A Tale of 2 Racetracks

July 30, 2022October 28, 2009 by Matt McLaughlin

It’s coincidental, but still notable, that the NASCAR Cup Series visits its shortest oval racetrack (Martinsville) then heads off to its longest (Talladega).

Matt McLaughlin’s Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2009 Martinsville Fall Race Recap

July 29, 2022October 25, 2009 by Matt McLaughlin

Denny Hamlin held off charges by Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Juan Pablo Montoya during a flurry of late-race restarts to claim another win at Martinsville.