A big week of news accompanied by outspoken driver comments brings the crew to the studio after races at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Knoxville Raceway. T.J. Majors, Brett Griffin and Freddie Kraft react to what they saw on the race track and heard off the track, and explain the impact it had on NASCAR.
The weekend started off with drama on the dirt at Knoxville as the Truck Series’ inaugural event at the famed track didn’t go so smooth. Hear from Hailie Deegan’s spotter T.J. about what he saw at the event, both good and bad. He, Brett and Freddie share what changes they hope the event adopts to avoid similar conditions and results if the race returns in 2022.
Atlanta Motor Speedway announced a track repave and reconfiguration last week leading into its doubleheader weekend. The news was met with sharp criticism from drivers who said they were never asked for input. This proved to be a tipping point of frustration among the field as numerous drivers were outspoken about the track changes over the weekend. Hear what drivers including Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick had to say. Plus, the gang analyzes Speedway Motorsports Inc.’s decision-making and what the future Atlanta will look like.
Rumors regarding Next Gen car safety concerns surfaced on social media last week and were then discussed further in detail among drivers Sunday at Atlanta. Hear what Denny Hamlin is encouraging other drivers to do upon hearing initial safety feedback from crash tests and what one spotter believes will happen with the car upon its rollout next season.
Kurt Busch may have received a little assistance from his teammate Ross Chastain in making the winning pass by brother Kyle Busch in Sunday’s Cup race at Atlanta. While the elder Busch thanked his teammate post-race, the younger brother voiced frustration about the outcome. The crew reacts to what Kyle said about Chastain and the role of teammates in late race situations.
After the Knoxville Truck Series race, concerns about the lack of respect among series competitors became a topic of conversation. Find out what drivers were saying post-race about the product, what’s causing such aggressive racing and what the spotters think could aid the series.
Daniel Hemric again looked to be in a perfect position to win his first career NASCAR race on Saturday before contact with teammate Kyle Busch took him out of contention. Hear what the gang thinks happened and when Hemric’s time will come. Plus, get their reaction to Kyle Weatherman staying out and inheriting the lead on a late restart and crashing before getting to Turn 1/
As the Playoffs approach, most Ford teams in the Cup Series seem to be struggling. Brett asks T.J. what he thinks is going on and why Ford may be at a disadvantage. T.J. explains whether or not he thinks the camp can turn it around in time to compete for a title.
In Reaction Theatre, fans react to Knoxville, the Atlanta repave and blocking for a teammate late in the race. Plus, another song tells the story of an early wreck in the Cup race as well.
Stay tuned throughout the episode for more dominos that may be falling as the silly season picture heats up in the summer months.