Victory Lane

William Byron earned his first career Cup Series victory in the regular season finale at Daytona to vault himself into the playoffs, and boy oh boy did it deliver. Jimmie Johnson won't be able to chase eight, as a late "Big One" sealed his fate. With 26 races down and 10 to go, the NASCAR Playoffs are here. Davey previews the postseason round by round and gives his predictions, including his 2020 champion. Plus, a preview of the Southern 500 from Darlington to kick off the playoffs and "Lug Nuts of the Week" including a couple contract extensions.

Davey welcomes on NASCAR Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, Brandon Thompson (31:10), for an insightful and honest conversation. From getting started as an intern in Nashville 17 years ago to becoming the first diversity intern graduate to join NASCAR’s executive ranks as an officer, BT has done it all. How his time as the managing director of the touring series furthered his love and passion for racing, his time at Rev Racing and how it all came full circle, the significance of Bubba Wallace in today's climate and how the progressive stances NASCAR has taken and continues to take makes him feel as a Black man in the position of leadership at the company. Plus, some fun tales of his family sneaking into Nashville Fairgrounds as a kid, his collection of vinyl records and his favorite race tracks/destinations over the years. In addition, Davey recaps an extremely busy weekend of racing from the Monster Mile, as Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick continue to rack up playoff points. With one race to go in the

The Daytona Road Course made its NASCAR national series debut over the weekend, and the road course king reigned supreme once again. Davey recaps the inaugural event, including why change is good and whether or not returning to the venue should happen. He then welcomes back Heather DeBeaux (22:50) for part two of their extended conversation. Topics include getting into pit reporting, covering the K&N Pro Series and AFT (and how it led her to her boyfriend), working with PRN, reporting on live television versus tape delayed races, her competitive spirit when it comes to bodybuilding competitions and more. Lastly, a preview of the Dover doubleheader with a plea to Jimmie Johnson to git 'er done.

Back from his trip to Acadia, Davey recaps the doubleheader dominated by Kevin Harvick from Michigan, including Rodney Childers’ speed secrets and why wins may mean more than championships in todays NASCAR. He then welcomes on Heather DeBeaux (22:50), pit reporter extraordinaire for NBC and PRN, for part one of a fun chat. From spending time during a pandemic in a hotspot (Arizona) to when she became involved in racing (including how a MySpace advertisement started everything), the two touch on it all. Reminiscing on the SPEED days, stories of the late Steve Byrnes, transitioning to an on-camera role, being a female in motorsports, having her first interview be with the G.O.A.T. and more. Finally, Davey touches on the unpredictability that’ll come with the Daytona Road Course this weekend before tightening some Lug Nuts.

Add Austin Dillon to the list of surprise winners, as a late-race caution spiced things up at Texas, as well as the playoff picture. But the star of the show is Davey's girlfriend, Robin (21:45). The two discuss her indoctrination (whether she liked it or not) to NASCAR, including what she's learned, who she likes (and doesn't), who's cute (and isn't), a story involving Denny Hamlin on one of their first dates and her thoughts on how the championship will play out this year. Don't be too surprised at her knowledge though—she knows her stuff. Finally, Davey briefly previews Kansas and discusses the elimination of practice and qualifying for the remainder of 2020.

Lots to hit on this week, including a first-time winner in a lackluster race (yet incredible finish) from Kentucky, an All-Star Race from Bristol that saw a new some visual experiments and NASCAR's most popular driver becoming $1 million richer. But why didn't we even SEE the choose cone in effect?! Plus, why Kentucky needs to go, the Texas race should be shortened and the announcement of a new racing series, spearheaded by two Hall of Famers, coming next year.

Another week, another race with Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin up front battling for the win. Davey recaps a busy Brickyard 400 from Indianapolis, including numerous tire failures (and rough impacts), the pit road fiasco resulting in an injured crew member and the strategy/on track battle between Harvick and Hamlin. He also touches on why we should sit back and appreciate the battle the two future Hall of Fame drivers and teams are putting on right now, and analyzes whether or not it'll last throughout the season. Plus, the addition of the Daytona Road Course to the 2020 schedule, President Donald Trump's false comments surrounding Bubba Wallace and NASCAR's television ratings, a brief Kentucky preview and more.

The first ever NASCAR Cup Series doubleheader weekend was a success, as Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin both earned victories (and almost swept the events) from the Tricky Triangle. Davey recaps all the racing action from Pennsylvania over the weekend before welcoming on businessman, entrepreneur and photographer extraordinaire: Daylon Barr (28:15). The two friends have an all encompassing conversation, ranging from whether or not birds are real (IYKYK), learning what a chanticleer is to his fascination with memes. The two also discuss how Daylon has built his racing photography company from the ground up, the satisfaction of it turning into one of the premier outlets in the garage, trials and tribulations that have come with owning his own business, life on the road traveling the NASCAR circuit and more. Plus, Davey previews this weekend’s Fourth of July racing festivities from Indianapolis, tightens some Lug Nuts and gives an ode to a former pace car driver and race winner from the great state of Maryland.

After what's been a whirlwind week, Davey discusses the events that have thrust NASCAR and Bubba Wallace into the international spotlight, including how the sanctioning body handled finding a noose in the No. 43 garage stall at Talladega, the positive resolution and problems that still persist following the incident. He also recaps the instant classic from 'Dega, where Ryan Blaney was victorious in yet another (identical) photo finish, previews the doubleheader and racing action from Pocono and more.

With the Class of 2021 for the NASCAR Hall of Fame set to be enshrined, Davey touches on each of the inductees and why the new process of electing three individuals instead of five is infinitely better for the sport long term. He also preaches as to why the resume of one inductee makes him a slam dunk for the Hall, despite some naysayers. Plus, a complete recap of a busy weekend of racing at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

It's been a progressive week for NASCAR amid protests for racial injustices, which culminated in the sanctioning body banning the confederate flag. Davey explains why this flurry of changes are good for the sport, and represent a glimpse into the future of inclusivity within it. He also details his unique experience being one of the only media members to cover a race during COVID-19, including the screening process. Plus, recaps of the events from Atlanta and Martinsville and a preview of Homestead-Miami.

There are bigger things going on in the country than racing right now, and they need to be talked about. Davey addresses the current racial tensions and injustices going on in the United States and why staying silent is no longer an option in the fight for equality. He also recaps the insane race from Bristol, where a perfect storm resulted in one of the best races in the last few years. Plus, a preview of Atlanta this weekend and NASCAR's return to Nashville is announced.

Davey recaps the double shot of racing from Charlotte, including Brad Keselowski's Coca-Cola 600 win, Chase Elliott's costly decision, the bounty being claimed in the Truck Series, Elliott getting the monkey off his back on Thursday and more. Plus, a preview of Bristol this weekend.

Real NASCAR racing is back and all is right in the world again. Davey recaps all the action from Darlington Raceway, including Kevin Harvick's milestone win and Denny Hamlin's rain-shortened victory on Wednesday. Topics also include Hamlin's hilarious mask, Chase Elliott's gesture to Kyle Busch, why Wednesday Night NASCAR needs to become a regular thing and was a gigantic success and more. Plus, Chase Briscoe's emotional and inspiring victory over Kyle Busch in the Xfinity Series and a preview of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte.

Sam Hunt is breaking the mold as a NASCAR team owner at 26-years-old, and his story is anything but ordinary. After catching the racing bug growing up in the Netherlands, the "Americanized" racing scene took over once back stateside, where he stumbled upon a family friend: J.D. Gibbs. Hunt details their relationship and the help Gibbs gave him before and after college, starting his own team, moving to North Carolina and living in a van outside a shop for six months. Plus, how he and Colin Garrett became partners, the nerve-wracking qualifying run at Homestead in 2019 and why the Daytona heartbreak to kick off 2020 didn't phase him. Davey also recaps the finale iRacing event from North Wilkesboro and previews the return to real (!) racing this weekend at Darlington.

Davey welcomes on Colin Garrett (6:25) for a conversation full of laughs and reminiscing. The Elmo, Virginia native details his late start in getting behind the wheel and the rapid progression in the six years that followed, moving from class to class at his home track of South Boston Speedway, making the jump to race against "(his) heroes" in the K&N Pro Series, including his memorable debut at Langley Speedway. Garrett details moving from shop to shop in order to keep the racing dream alive and some stories of when he and team owner Sam Hunt took over the former Obaika Racing shop filled with junk. Plus, details on how the Hunt and Garrett partnership came together, their brotherly relationship, his love, appreciation and fascination with Formula 1, heartbreak after missing the show in Daytona, his family history in the armed forces translating to veteran backed sponsorships and more. Also, William Byron continues his iRacing dominance, winning at Dover.

Davey welcomes on NASCAR YouTube star Eric Estepp (17:00) to discuss his beginnings on the platform and becoming interested in racing, origins of becoming a Matt Kenseth fan, how his following ballooned to over 100,000 subscribers, getting recognized in public (at Disneyland, of all places!), making his show, "Out Of The Groove" a profitable and legitimate venture now that he's graduating college, his future plans for the channel/his career and more, including his crazy hair back in the day and living life as VERY tall person. Plus, with NASCAR slated to return in mid May at Darlington and Charlotte, Davey details what went into the decision to resume the 2020 season and gives his thoughts on the risk vs reward aspect.

Davey welcomes on the best teenage reporter in NASCAR, wink wink, Andrew Kurland, as the two discuss a myriad of topics on and off the track. The two break down the shocking news of Matt Kenseth replacing Kyle Larson at Chip Ganassi Racing for the remainder of 2020 and whether or not he'll be able to contend for race wins, how Andrew got started as a media member at the ripe age of 14 and why NASCAR was hesitant at first to grant him access. Plus, some legendary stories about the early days, including following Jeff Gordon into the driver's meeting, running on adrenaline while standing in Victory Lane with Jimmie Johnson, bombarding Mike Helton to ask him a stupid question and more. The two also touch on workout routines in quarantine, his freshman year at Arizona State University and long term goals for the 18-year-old, who has already accomplished so much in the industry. Davey also touches on the Pro Invitational Series race at Talladega won by Alex Bowman--or did his dog drive to the victory?

Davey welcomes on Aaron Bearden, founder and CEO of Motorsports Beat, for a wide-ranging conversation. Topics include how his job deeming him essential leads him to living an extremely normal life while others are quarantined, growing up in Indiana, his love for racing starting early on, being a NASCAR fan first and finding IndyCar/the Indianapolis 500 later and attending Ball State University (including how an allergy changed the trajectory of his life). Plus, why he began writing for fun, how it spiraled into something more, overcoming internal struggles with depression and why that makes him a doer, starting Motorsports Beat, the early wake-up calls to write "The Morning Warmup" newsletter, spending hours and hours on the road driving from race to race, tips to stay awake and, of course, how he comes up with his majestic puns...time after time.

Davey welcomes on Chase Wilhelm of NASCAR.com (6:10) for an extended conversation, including some jabs at each other, per usual. How he got into NASCAR at a young age in Ohio, how he almost majored in law instead of journalism in school, moving down to Charlotte to chase a dream (with no job waiting for him), getting his big break, only to get laid off, but eventually getting back on his feet and more. Plus, balancing the friend/professional relationship with drivers, why the hell he’s a Michigan fan when never attending the heinous institution, and of course, some Tinder talk. Also, a recap of William Byron’s second consecutive win in the Pro Invitational Series at Richmond and Lug Nuts of the Week.