The Backstretch

The Backstretch is a motorsports podcast that will give viewers to hear the top drivers in the sport talk about the top stories in NASCAR.It is hosted by WCYB Sports Anchor Heather Williams with NASCAR Crew Chief Chris Carrier providing analysis.

The Backstretch is a sports podcast hosted by Heather Williams, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Heather Williams hosts The Backstretch, a sports show with 100 episodes published.

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  Episode #180

  The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 29: Ross Chastain

  Aug 15, 202635 min

  Ty Gibbs is making a statement. Gibbs scores his second win of the season at Iowa and moves into second in the points standings. With the Chase approaching, is it time to consider Gibbs a legitimate Cup Series championship contender? In Season 5, Episode 29 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Gibbs' rise and the biggest NASCAR storylines heading into Richmond. What Matters / What Doesn't Ty Gibbs' post-race press conference at Iowa lasted just seven minutes and sparked plenty of debate. But does the length of a driver's media availability really matter? NASCAR's 2027 schedule continues to come together track by track, and we now know the All-Star Race is returning to North Wilkesboro. After hosting a points race this season, does North Wilkesboro losing that date matter? Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Ross Chastain Ross Chastain joins the show to talk about his season, the final push toward the Chase, and what it takes to navigate the pressure as the regular season winds down. Say What? – Radio Chatter Ryan Blaney has a close encounter with a boom camera on pit road. Drivers already have plenty to avoid in the pits—do cameras now need to be added to the list? Chase Elliott battles for the Lucky Dog while his team feeds him information over the radio. Chris explains how much communication a driver really wants while fighting for position—and when a crew chief or spotter can actually say too much. Pit Notes NASCAR heads to Richmond Raceway for another short, flat-track battle. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to winning at Richmond, including tire management, long-run speed, pit strategy, and finding grip as the track changes throughout the race. The Chase is getting closer, the pressure is building, and Ty Gibbs may be emerging as one of the drivers everyone needs to watch. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns, and pit box perspective from inside the sport. #NASCAR #TyGibbs #RossChastain #RichmondRaceway #RyanBlaney #ChaseElliott #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries

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  Episode #179

  The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 28: Josh Berry

  Aug 7, 202624 min

  The break is over, and now the pressure is on. NASCAR returns from its off week with just four races remaining before the Chase begins. In Season 5, Episode 28 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier look at the biggest storylines to watch as drivers make their final push toward the postseason. Who can afford to play it safe? Who needs to start taking chances? And which teams should be getting nervous? What Matters / What Doesn't The preseason Clash is officially heading back to Daytona, taking place the Saturday before the Super Bowl. Does returning the exhibition race to Daytona matter, and what could it mean for kicking off the NASCAR season? Hendrick Motorsports enters the final regular-season stretch in an unusual slump, going three consecutive races without putting a driver in the Top 10. Is this just a rough patch—or something worth worrying about with the Chase approaching? Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Josh Berry Josh Berry joins the show to talk about his season, finishing his time with the Wood Brothers, and what it takes to capitalize when opportunities come late in the regular season. Pit Notes NASCAR heads to Iowa Speedway, a short, flat track that presents its own set of challenges. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to winning at Iowa, including tire management, track position, braking, and finding a way to pass when space is at a premium. The off week is over. Four races remain. And the race to the Chase is officially on. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter, and pit box perspective from inside the sport. #NASCAR #JoshBerry #HendrickMotorsports #IowaSpeedway #NASCARPlayoffs #Daytona #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries

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  Episode #178

  The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 27: Ty Gibbs

  Aug 2, 202637 min

  Corey Heim is proving he belongs. The part-time driver earned his second Cup Series victory of the season, this time at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Just how impressive is what Heim is doing with limited opportunities? In Season 5, Episode 27 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Heim's latest statement win, the future of NASCAR's schedule, and one of the biggest Silly Season stories yet. What Matters / What Doesn't Reports suggest NASCAR is planning major playoff schedule changes for 2027, with Bristol, Darlington, and World Wide Technology Raceway potentially moving out of the postseason while Richmond, Watkins Glen, and New Hampshire move in. How significant would those changes be? Alex Bowman announces he will retire following next season. It's early, but speculation about who replaces him has already begun. Does it matter this far in advance? Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Ty Gibbs Ty Gibbs joins the show to discuss his improved season, building momentum, and the confidence that comes with becoming a consistent contender in the Cup Series. Say What? (Radio Chatter) Ryan Blaney and John Hunter Nemechek react after the incident that cost Blaney the In-Season Challenge. Nemechek apologized—but if you're constantly in the middle of incidents, is saying "sorry" enough? Frustration boils over on the radios of the No. 4 and No. 88 teams. Are these simply emotional moments, or signs of bigger issues for two teams that expected much more this season? Pit Notes With NASCAR taking the weekend off, Chris Carrier looks at the most improved teams of 2026. Spire Motorsports tops the list, with the No. 77 climbing 18 spots in the standings from a year ago. Daniel Suárez has also made an 18-position jump from the 7 car's position last season, while Ty Gibbs and Chris Buescher continue trending in the right direction. Which team has made the biggest leap, and who's positioned for a strong playoff run? Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns, and pit box perspective you won't hear anywhere else.

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  Episode #177

  The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 26: Denny Hamlin

  Jul 25, 202634 min

  Joey Logano is back in Victory Lane. Logano snapped a year-long winless streak at North Wilkesboro, becoming the first Ford driver not named Ryan Blaney to win this season. After back-to-back victories for Ford, has the manufacturer finally found something? In Season 5, Episode 26 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down Logano's breakthrough win, Ford's recent momentum, and the biggest storylines heading into one of NASCAR's crown jewel events. What Matters / What Doesn't NASCAR is bringing back 50-minute practice sessions at every track except the superspeedways. Will more practice make the racing better, and does it really matter? Todd Gilliland advances to face Ryan Blaney in the In-Season Challenge championship, giving fans a second straight Cinderella story in the finals. Does the tournament matter to drivers and fans? Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Denny Hamlin Denny joins the show to discuss his remarkable season, the championship battle, and what it takes to stay at the top of the sport after more than two decades in the Cup Series. Say What? (Radio Chatter) Shane van Gisbergen's radio after an impressive fifth-place finish on the oval at North Wilkesboro. Has SVG proven he's more than just NASCAR's best road course racer, and is he now a legitimate playoff contender? A crucial spotter call from Frankie Kimmel on the No. 7 team during green-flag pit stops helps keep the team on the lead lap after contact between the No. 48 and No. 45. Chris explains why spotters can make the difference between a top-10 finish and a disappointing day. Pit Notes NASCAR heads to the legendary Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chris Carrier breaks down the keys to conquering one of racing's most historic venues, from passing opportunities and pit strategy to avoiding costly mistakes at the Racing Capital of the World. Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns, and pit box perspective you won't hear anywhere else. #NASCAR #DennyHamlin #JoeyLogano #Brickyard400 #IndianapolisMotorSpeedway #FordPerformance #ShaneVanGisbergen #BackstretchPodcast #CupSeries

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  Episode #176

  The Backstretch Season 5, Episode 25: Christopher Bell and Noah Gragson

  Jul 19, 202644 min

  Ryan Blaney survives a wild night at Atlanta to score a huge victory—and suddenly he's right in the middle of the regular season championship conversation. In Season 5, Episode 25 of The Backstretch Podcast, Heather Williams and crew chief Chris Carrier break down one of the most chaotic races of the season and look ahead to another historic weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway. What Matters / What Doesn't NASCAR has announced rules changes ahead of Daytona. Will they actually make a difference when the field heads to the high banks? Once again, the race came down to the closing laps and no one was willing to work with Carson Hocevar. Has his reputation officially changed the way other drivers race him—and does it matter? Turn 5 – Five Minutes with Christopher Bell Christopher Bell joins the show to discuss his season, the pressure of racing for wins, and what it takes to stay in the championship hunt as the playoffs draw closer. Say What? (Radio Chatter) A rare moment of frustration on the No. 24 team radio. William Byron entered the season as a championship favorite, but now finds himself dangerously close to the playoff cut line. What's behind the struggles? Tempers flare between Toyota teammates after an on-track incident. Is this simply hard racing, or could it become a bigger issue as the championship battle heats up? Backstretch Conversation Noah Gragson joins the show to talk about the highs and lows of the season, maintaining confidence through adversity, and why his connection with NASCAR fans continues to grow. Pit Notes For the first time in three decades, North Wilkesboro Speedway hosts a NASCAR Cup Series points race. Chris Carrier explains what makes the historic short track so unique, how teams will approach the weekend, and why patience and track position could decide the winner. Fast takes. Real insight. Inside the garage. Subscribe for weekly NASCAR analysis, exclusive driver interviews, radio chatter breakdowns, and pit box perspective you won't hear anywhere else.

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