By Zach Gillispie

Never at a loss for words, Zach Gillispie is a young marketing professional from North Carolina who writes and talks about racing on the side. Since joining Frontstretch in 2018, Zach has served in a variety of roles. Currently, he pens the NASCAR 101 column, a weekly piece covering the basic nuts and bolts of the sport. In his free time, you can find Zach in the great outdoors, cheering on his beloved Atlanta Braves or ruthlessly pestering his colleagues with useless statistics about Delma Cowart.

Friday Faceoff: Has RFK Returned to Glory?

March 23, 2023 Zach Gillispie, Steve Leffew, Wyatt Watson, Josh Calloni and Luken Glover

#6: Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing, Nexlizet Ford Mustang

(Photo: NKP)

With a win last year and a strong start to 2023, is RFK back?

NASCAR 101: Let’s Meet the COTA Road Course Ringers

March 23, 2023 Zach Gillispie

2023 Daytona WEC Jenson Button Phil Allaway

(Photo: Phil Allaway)

So many ringers for COTA across all three series. Here’s a primer on them.

Friday Faceoff: Would an Electric Vehicle Event Help NASCAR Grow?

March 17, 2023March 16, 2023 Mark Kristl, Zach Gillispie, Mike Neff, Chris Skala, Andrew Stoddard, Stephen Stumpf, Joy Tomlinson and Wyatt Watson

2023 Cup Phoenix I William Byron checkered flag (Credit: NKP)

Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography

Our writers discuss a hypothetical electric vehicle event, NASCAR’s latest penalties, and what would make William Byron Hendrick’s top dog.

NASCAR 101: How Dominant Can a Manufacturer Be?

March 16, 2023 Zach Gillispie

2023 Cup Phoenix I side-by-side racing Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron, No. 24 Chevrolet, and Kyle Larson, No. 5 Chevrolet (Credit: NKP)

Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography

Chevrolet is dominating the Cup Series so far, but NASCAR history shows it’s not that unusual for one manufacturer to flex like this.

NASCAR 101: Please Sign My Waiver

March 9, 2023 Zach Gillispie

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

If NASCAR elects to grant Chase Elliott a waiver, he would join a growing list of drivers who have taken advantage of this valuable option.

Friday Faceoff: Is This Finally William Byron’s Breakout Year?

March 10, 2023March 9, 2023 Mike Neff, Zach Gillispie, Luken Glover and Wyatt Watson

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

And considering he’s won races in the past, what would Byron even have to do for the masses to consider 2023 a breakthrough?

NASCAR 101: History Says Kyle Larson Won’t Be the 2023 Champion

March 2, 2023 Zach Gillispie

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Yep, it’s already over, apparently.

Friday Faceoff: Will Kyle Busch’s Success Help or Hurt Austin Dillon?

March 2, 2023March 2, 2023 Amy Henderson, Steve Leffew, Wyatt Watson, Zach Gillispie and Stephen Stumpf

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Kyle Busch is off to a strong start at RCR. Where does that leave Austin Dillon?

NASCAR 101: Closing a Chapter on Auto Club Speedway

February 24, 2023February 23, 2023 Zach Gillispie

2019 Auto Club Speedway NXS Tyler Reddick Kyle Busch photo credit NASCAR via Getty Images

(Photo: NASCAR via Getty Images)

Auto Club may end up popular as a short track, but it was already pretty special in its soon to be former configuration.

Friday Faceoff: Does It Matter if There Is No Cup Race in Southern California?

February 24, 2023February 23, 2023 Luken Glover, Josh Calloni, Jack Swansey, Zach Gillispie and Wyatt Watson

2020 Fontana Auto Club Cup Clint Bowyer Jimmie Johnson pack racing NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Does it matter if there’s no NASCAR Cup Series points race in Southern California next year? If it does, where should the race be? Zach Gillispie: Let’s make one thing clear: The Los Angeles Coliseum should not be a points race. Yes, it’s been fun racing there, but it is a gimmick for TV money. …

NASCAR 101: The 40 Horsemen of the Daytona 500

February 16, 2023 Zach Gillispie

#18: Kyle Busch, Joe Gibbs Racing, Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry, #4: Kevin Harvick, Stewart Haas Racing, Mobil 1 Ford Mustang, #10: Aric Almirola, Stewart Haas Racing, Smithfield Ford Mustang, #24: William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports, Axalta Chevrolet Camaro, #19: Martin Truex Jr, Joe Gibbs Racing, Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry, #99: Daniel Suarez, TrackHouse Racing, Freeway Insurance Chevrolet Camaro

(Photo: NKP)

Learn a little more about the 40 drivers contesting this year’s Daytona 500.

Friday Faceoff: Who Is Under the Most Pressure in 2023?

February 16, 2023February 16, 2023 Luken Glover, Mike Neff, Wyatt Watson, Josh Calloni, Chris Skala, Jack Swansey, Amy Henderson and Zach Gillispie

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Our writers ponder who’s on the hot seat, which new driver/team combo will hit it off in 2023 and who will win Cup Series Rookie of the Year.