Mash The Gas

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The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series championship is almost here! 🔥 William Byron puts on a clinic at Martinsville Speedway, leading a career-high 362 laps in the Xfinity 500 to capture his first victory of the season!

🎙️ This week on Mash The Gas Podcast, Kevin, Jeff, and NASCARSky break down all the action, controversy, and championship implications from Martinsville!

🏆 MARTINSVILLE XFINITY 500 RECAP

• 🏁 William Byron's dominant victory, sweeping both stages and leading 362 laps!
• 💥 Carson Hocevar vs. Austin Cindric: What happened, and how did it impact Team Penske?
• ⚠️ Stage 1 pit strategy, questionable calls, and missed opportunities.
• 🔧 Team Penske's struggles and the biggest takeaways from Martinsville.

🔥 NASCAR CHAMPIONSHIP FINALE: HOMESTEAD-MIAMI!

🏆 Kyle Larson enters the final race with a 67-point lead over Christopher Bell and 70 over Denny Hamlin! Larson needs just nine points to clinch the championship, regardless of what his rivals accomplish.

Can anyone overcome the deficit, or is Larson headed for another NASCAR Cup Series championship?

🏁 HOW DO WE FIX THE RACING?

Would bringing back bonus points for leading a lap and leading the most laps improve Martinsville and the overall NASCAR racing product?

We're also discussing the NASCAR Chase format, the future of Cup Series racing, and what we'd like to see in 2027 and beyond!

💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

Can Bell or Hamlin catch Larson? What would YOU change about NASCAR's points system or the Martinsville racing product?

🎙️ JOIN US NEXT MONDAY FOR OUR 2026 SEASON FINALE!

Subscribe to Mash The Gas for weekly NASCAR race recaps, championship analysis, racing news, and unfiltered NASCAR conversation!

🏆🗳️ SUPPORT KEVIN IN THE 2026 TOP HOST COMPETITION!

Help Kevin Batstone take independent podcasting to the next level! Cast your FREE vote and show your support for Mash The Gas and Discussion Combustion Production!

👉 VOTE HERE: https://tophost.org/2026/kevin-batstone

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#NASCAR #WilliamByron #KyleLarson #Martinsville #MashTheGas

Kyle Larson pulls off an incredible last-lap charge to win the 2026 YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway! 🔥 His first NASCAR Cup Series superspeedway victory comes with controversial calls, massive crashes, and a commanding 73-point championship lead with just TWO races remaining!

🎙️ This week on Mash The Gas Podcast, Kevin, Jeff, and NASCARSky break down all the action!

🏆 TALLADEGA RACE RECAP

• 🏁 Kyle Larson's wild last-lap victory!
• ⚠️ NASCAR's double-yellow-line controversy: Did the No. 5 or No. 33 violate the rule?
• 🚀 RFK Racing's massive 40-second Stage 1 advantage!
• 💥 Joey Logano's terrifying rollover and Riley Herbst's brutal impact.
• 📊 NASCAR championship standings and Larson's 73-point lead.

🔥 MARTINSVILLE PREVIEW & NASCAR NEWS

• 🏁 Martinsville Speedway race predictions and championship scenarios!
• 🌵 Phoenix Raceway rumors: Should the dogleg become an out-of-bounds area?
• 🏎️ Cleetus McFarland announces a full-time ARCA Menards Series campaign for 2027 with Richard Childress Racing!

💬 JOIN THE DEBATE!

Did NASCAR get the yellow-line call right? Should Phoenix enforce track limits at the dogleg? Can anyone catch Kyle Larson in the championship battle?

🎧 Subscribe to Mash The Gas Podcast for weekly NASCAR Cup Series race recaps, breaking news, championship analysis, and unfiltered racing conversation!

🏆🗳️ SUPPORT KEVIN IN THE 2026 TOP HOST COMPETITION!

Help Kevin Batstone take independent podcasting to the next level! Cast your FREE vote and show your support for Mash The Gas and Discussion Combustion Production!

👉 VOTE HERE: https://tophost.org/2026/kevin-batstone

#NASCAR #KyleLarson #Talladega #Martinsville #MashTheGas

🏁 REDDICK WINS PHOENIX! LARSON DNF SHAKES UP NASCAR CHAMPIONSHIP!

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase is heating up! 🔥 Tyler Reddick returns to Victory Lane at Phoenix Raceway for his first win since Kansas, while Kyle Larson's DNF throws the championship battle into question!

🎙️ This week on Mash The Gas, Kevin, Jeff, and NASCARSky break down the chaos from the Freeway Insurance 500 and look ahead to Talladega Superspeedway!

🏁 PHOENIX RACE RECAP

• Tyler Reddick and 23XI Racing celebrate another victory.
• Kyle Larson's DNF shakes up the championship standings.
• Pit road mistakes, tire failures, wrecks, and race strategy.
• The biggest winners and losers from Phoenix.

🏆 NASCAR CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE

With just three races remaining, we're breaking down the NASCAR Cup Series points standings, championship scenarios, and who's in the best position to take home the title!

🔥 TALLADEGA PREVIEW

Should NASCAR's most unpredictable superspeedway race be this late in the season? We debate the risks, potential championship chaos, and our predictions for Talladega!

💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

Should Talladega be this late in the NASCAR Chase? Can Kyle Larson hold on to his points lead?

🎧 Subscribe to Mash The Gas Podcast for weekly NASCAR Cup Series race recaps, championship analysis, predictions, and unfiltered racing talk!

Mash The Gas Podcast — weekly NASCAR coverage all the way to the championship.

🎧 Stream Mash The Gas everywhere:

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#NASCAR #TylerReddick #KyleLarson #Talladega #MashTheGas

The NASCAR Cup Series returned to the legendary Charlotte Motor Speedway oval for the fall Bank of America 400 for the first time in eight years, and what a finish!

🎙️ This week on Mash The Gas, Kevin, Jeff, and NASCARSky break down Chase Briscoe's second consecutive victory, holding off Christopher Bell by just 0.029 seconds in a thrilling finish!

🏁 CHARLOTTE 400 RECAP

Was returning to the oval the right move for NASCAR? We discuss the racing, strategy, Joe Gibbs Racing's dominance, and the biggest moments from Charlotte.

🏆 IS THE CHAMPIONSHIP KYLE LARSON'S TO LOSE?

With just four races remaining in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase, Kyle Larson holds a 49-point advantage over Denny Hamlin. Can Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, or anyone else catch the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet?

🌵 NEXT STOP: PHOENIX RACEWAY!

We're looking ahead to Sunday's Freeway Insurance 500 at Phoenix Raceway! Who has the speed to win, and could the championship standings see another shakeup?

🔥 THIS WEEK'S TALKING POINTS:

🏆 Chase Briscoe wins back-to-back races

🏁 Charlotte's return to the oval after eight years

🔥 Joe Gibbs Racing's strong performance

📊 Kyle Larson's championship lead and the NASCAR Chase standings

🌵 Phoenix Raceway preview and race predictions

🎙️ Join Kevin, Jeff, and NASCARSky every week for NASCAR Cup Series recaps, breaking news, championship analysis, and unfiltered racing conversation!

💬 YOUR TURN: Is Kyle Larson already in control of the 2026 championship, or is there still time for someone to catch him?

Mash The Gas Podcast — weekly NASCAR coverage all the way to the championship.

🎧 Stream Mash The Gas everywhere:

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#NASCAR #ChaseBriscoe #KyleLarson #NASCARCupSeries #MashTheGas

CHASE BRISCOE WINS LAS VEGAS! 🎰🏁 Briscoe dominates the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, leading 175 of 267 laps and sweeping both stages as the 2026 NASCAR Chase reaches the halfway point.

NASCARSky, Kevin Batstone & Jeff Davis are back on Mash The Gas Podcast breaking down Briscoe's huge win, Kyle Larson's championship recovery, Denny Hamlin's costly spin, Christopher Bell losing power steering, the latest Brad Keselowski/RFK Racing news and the updated NASCAR Chase standings.

Plus, we're getting you ready for a long-awaited return:

THE CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY OVAL IS BACK!

Chase Briscoe and the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing team were FAST.

🏆 Wins the South Point 400
🔥 Leads a race-high 175 laps
🧹 Sweeps Stage 1 & Stage 2
🏁 Second Cup victory of 2026
📈 Moves to sixth in The Chase

Briscoe held off Kyle Larson for the victory and leaves Las Vegas 84 points behind Larson with five races remaining.

Is the No. 19 officially back in the championship conversation?

👑 KYLE LARSON SAVES HIS DAY

This is how championships are won.

Larson struggled with handling, endured a lengthy pit stop, lost a lap and finished Stage 1 outside the points.

Somehow, the No. 5 fought all the way back to P2.

Larson then had a wild final lap involving the outside wall and Tyler Reddick, but still walked away from Vegas with an enormous points day.

Larson didn't win — but he extended his championship lead.

📊 NASCAR CHASE STANDINGS

With FIVE RACES REMAINING:

🏆 Kyle Larson — Leader
🔥 Denny Hamlin — 40 back
🔔 Christopher Bell — 55 back
🔥 Joey Logano — 71 back
🏁 Ryan Blaney — 80 back
⚡ Chase Briscoe — 84 back

Five races down. Five to go.

We're breaking down who's gaining momentum, who's losing ground and who still has a legitimate path to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship.

🔔 CHRISTOPHER BELL LOSES POWER STEERING

Christopher Bell was positioned for a huge points day before the No. 20 developed a power-steering problem.

Bell battled through roughly the second half of the race without power steering and ultimately finished 23rd.

Instead of gaining ground, Bell leaves Vegas 55 points behind Larson.

How costly could this mechanical failure become?

🚨 DENNY HAMLIN SPINS

Denny Hamlin entered Vegas 26 points behind Larson and leaves 40 back.

Hamlin started from the pole but spun while running near the front, costing the No. 11 valuable track position and points before eventually finishing 16th.

Meanwhile, Larson recovered to second.

That's another major championship swing between NASCAR's top two Chase contenders.

📰 BRAD KESELOWSKI & RFK RACING

We're also breaking down the major news that Brad Keselowski will leave the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford after the 2026 season.

What comes next for Keselowski?

Who takes over the No. 6?

And what does this mean for RFK Racing in 2027?

🎙️ THIS WEEK ON MASH THE GAS

🏆 Chase Briscoe WINS Las Vegas
🔥 Briscoe leads 175 laps & sweeps both stages
👑 Kyle Larson recovers to P2
🚨 Denny Hamlin spins
🔔 Christopher Bell loses power steering
📊 NASCAR Chase standings & championship analysis
📰 Brad Keselowski/RFK Racing news
🏟️ Charlotte Motor Speedway oval returns
📈 NASCAR stats & analytics
💰 Fantasy NASCAR picks
🔮 Expert predictions

🏟️ NEXT: CHARLOTTE — THE OVAL IS BACK!

For the first time since 2017, NASCAR's fall Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway returns to the traditional 1.5-mile oval.

After eight seasons on the Charlotte Roval, the Bank of America 400 returns to the oval with only FIVE races remaining in The Chase.

Kevin, Jeff & Sky break down:

🏟️ Charlotte Motor Speedway
📊 Oval stats & trends
🔥 Drivers to watch
🏆 Championship implications
💰 Fantasy NASCAR picks
🔮 Expert picks & predictions

Vegas punished championship contenders. Larson survived. Briscoe dominated. Now the Charlotte oval is BACK.

👇 WHO YA GOT AT CHARLOTTE?

👍 Like
💬 Comment your Charlotte winner
🔔 Subscribe
🎧 Follow Mash The Gas Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Mash The Gas Podcast — weekly NASCAR coverage all the way to the championship.

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Apple Podcasts 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mash-the-gas/id1489736443

YouTube 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@DiscussionCombustion

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#NASCAR #NASCARCupSeries #ChaseBriscoe #KyleLarson #DennyHamlin #ChristopherBell #LasVegasMotorSpeedway #SouthPoint400 #NASCARChase #CharlotteMotorSpeedway #BankofAmerica400 #BradKeselowski #NASCAR2026 #NASCARPodcast #MashTheGas

Jeff, Sky & Kevin are back on Mash The Gas Podcast breaking down everything from the NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway as the championship battle enters its final six races.

Kyle Larson didn't just win Kansas — the No. 5 delivered one of the most dominant performances of the NASCAR season, scoring the maximum 76 points and extending his Chase lead over Denny Hamlin to 26 points.

We're breaking down all the action from Kansas, the updated NASCAR Chase standings, championship contenders, possible NASCAR offseason rule changes and everything you need to know before the Cup Series heads to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the South Point 400.

🏆 KYLE LARSON DOMINATES KANSAS

This was a statement performance from Kyle Larson and the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.

Larson led a Kansas-record 235 of 267 laps, won Stage 1 and Stage 2, earned the fastest-lap bonus and collected the maximum 76 points available.

But it wasn't completely effortless.

Chase Briscoe tracked Larson down late and briefly took control before Larson retook the lead with seven laps remaining and drove away to Victory Lane.

It's Larson's second win in the first four races of The Chase, following his Gateway victory.

After going 51 Cup Series races without a win, Larson has now won two of the last three races.

The No. 5 is getting hot at exactly the right time.

📊 NASCAR CHASE STANDINGS — LARSON EXTENDS HIS LEAD

Kyle Larson entered Kansas with only a one-point advantage over Denny Hamlin.

He leaves with a 26-point championship lead.

🏆 Kyle Larson — Leader
🔥 Denny Hamlin — 26 points back
🔔 Christopher Bell — 50 points back
🔥 Joey Logano — 67 points back
🏁 Ryan Blaney — 91 points back
⚡ Ty Gibbs — 94 points back

With only SIX RACES REMAINING in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, every stage point, pit stop and finishing position becomes increasingly important.

We're taking a deep dive into the NASCAR points standings, recent performance, momentum and analytics to determine who has the speed to start cutting into Larson's advantage.

🔥 KANSAS SPEEDWAY STORYLINES

There was plenty happening behind the dominant No. 5.

Austin Cindric finished P2, while Denny Hamlin finished P3 and continued to keep Larson within reach in the championship battle.

Chase Briscoe mounted a serious late challenge for the victory before Larson ultimately reclaimed the lead.

We're breaking down the biggest Kansas storylines, including:

🔥 The drivers who gained momentum
📉 Chase contenders who lost ground
🔧 Pit-road execution
🏁 Race strategy
📊 Stage points
⚡ Late-race speed
🏆 Championship implications

Kansas gave us plenty to discuss — even with Larson controlling most of the afternoon.

🔧 POSSIBLE NASCAR OFFSEASON RULE CHANGES

We're also looking beyond the 2026 season.

What could NASCAR change during the offseason?

We're discussing potential 2027 NASCAR rules and procedural changes, including qualifying procedures, competition decisions and other areas NASCAR could evaluate before next season.

What works?

What needs improvement?

And what changes could improve the NASCAR Cup Series racing product in 2027?

Kevin, Jeff & Sky give their thoughts on what they'd keep, what they'd change and what NASCAR should be evaluating during the offseason.

🎙️ THIS WEEK ON MASH THE GAS

🏆 Kyle Larson WINS the Hollywood Casino 400
🔥 Larson dominates Kansas Speedway
🏁 Kansas-record 235 laps led
🧹 Larson sweeps Stage 1 & Stage 2
💯 Maximum 76-point performance
🏆 Second victory of the 2026 NASCAR Chase
📈 Larson extends his championship lead to 26 points
🔥 Denny Hamlin remains P2 in The Chase
🔔 Christopher Bell sits third
🏁 Austin Cindric finishes P2 at Kansas
📊 Updated NASCAR Chase standings
📈 NASCAR stats, trends & deep-dive analytics
🔧 Possible NASCAR 2027 rule changes
🎰 Las Vegas Motor Speedway preview
💰 Fantasy NASCAR picks
🔮 NASCAR predictions & expert picks
🎙️ And MUCH more!

🎰 NEXT STOP: LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY!

The 2026 NASCAR Chase heads west to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the South Point 400.

After Larson's dominant Kansas performance, the biggest question heading into Las Vegas is obvious:

CAN ANYBODY SLOW DOWN KYLE LARSON?

Larson has won two of the last three races and now holds a 26-point advantage over Denny Hamlin.

Christopher Bell, Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, Ty Gibbs and the rest of the Chase contenders are running out of opportunities to close the gap.

We're getting you ready for Las Vegas with:

🎰 South Point 400 preview
📊 Las Vegas Motor Speedway stats & analytics
🔥 Drivers to watch
🏆 NASCAR Chase championship implications
💰 Fantasy NASCAR picks
🔮 Expert picks & predictions

Four Chase races down. Six races to go. Larson has control — but Vegas is next.

👇 WHO YA GOT AT LAS VEGAS?

👍 Like the episode
💬 Drop your Las Vegas winner in the comments
🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications
🎧 Follow Mash The Gas Podcast wherever you get your podcasts for weekly NASCAR Cup Series race recaps, NASCAR news, Chase standings, race previews, Fantasy NASCAR, analytics, expert picks and predictions.

Mash The Gas Podcast — weekly NASCAR coverage all the way to the championship.

🎧 Stream Mash The Gas everywhere:

Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/5q7HqM7zPjzZ8OjU6FEXzA

Apple Podcasts 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mash-the-gas/id1489736443

YouTube 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@DiscussionCombustion

• 📲 Follow Mash the Gas Podcast:

• 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iC4tXx9uFhN1W5hRQmDkW

• 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mash-the-gas/id1483538501

• ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MashTheGasPodcast

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#NASCAR #NASCARCupSeries #KyleLarson #KansasSpeedway #HollywoodCasino400 #NASCARChase #DennyHamlin #HendrickMotorsports #LasVegasMotorSpeedway #SouthPoint400 #NASCAR2026 #NASCARPodcast #FantasyNASCAR #NASCARRacing #MashTheGas

JOEY LOGANO WINS THE BASS PRO SHOPS NIGHT RACE AT BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY! 🏁🌙 Ryan Blaney and Carson Hocevar steal the spotlight after a controversial late-race wreck and post-race altercation, while Kyle Larson takes over the NASCAR Chase points lead with only seven races remaining.

Kevin, Jeff & Sky are back on Mash The Gas to break down everything from an absolutely wild 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

From Joey Logano's huge Bristol victory to Ryan Blaney's incredible drive, the Blaney-Hocevar controversy, Kyle Larson becoming the new championship leader, Kyle Busch tributes and a rapidly tightening NASCAR Chase — we're going deep into one of the biggest races of the season.

Plus, we're getting you ready for the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway with NASCAR analytics, Fantasy NASCAR picks, expert predictions and much more!

🏆 JOEY LOGANO WINS BRISTOL!

Don't let everything else that happened Saturday night overshadow what Joey Logano accomplished.

Logano put the No. 22 Team Penske Ford in Victory Lane under the lights at Bristol, scoring his third NASCAR Cup Series victory of 2026 and 40th career Cup win.

And the timing couldn't have been better.

Logano leaves Bristol third in The Chase and only 16 POINTS behind new championship leader Kyle Larson.

With seven races remaining, the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion has put himself directly into the heart of another championship battle.

🔥 RYAN BLANEY vs. CARSON HOCEVAR

This might be the biggest NASCAR story coming out of Bristol.

Ryan Blaney had an incredible race.

The No. 12 Team Penske Ford led a race-high 202 laps, won Stage 2 and fought his way through the field multiple times during the night.

Blaney had to come from the back TWICE and still managed to put himself back in contention for the victory.

Then everything changed.

While battling late in the race, contact between Blaney and Carson Hocevar sent Blaney hard into the wall, ending an incredible run and leaving him with a 33rd-place finish.

Was Blaney wrecked?

Was Hocevar justified in holding his ground?

Could either driver have handled the situation differently?

We're breaking down the incident from every angle — and then discussing what happened after the checkered flag, when the frustration spilled onto pit road and the two drivers became involved in a physical confrontation.

The Blaney-Hocevar rivalry might only be getting started.

📊 KYLE LARSON TAKES THE CHASE LEAD

We officially have a NEW NASCAR Chase points leader.

After snapping his 51-race winless streak at Gateway, Kyle Larson followed it up with a P2 finish at Bristol and leaves Thunder Valley on top of the championship standings.

And this battle is getting incredibly tight:

🏆 Kyle Larson — Points Leader
🔥 Denny Hamlin — 1 point back
🔥 Joey Logano — 16 points back
🔔 Christopher Bell — 17 points back

Meanwhile, Blaney's Bristol disaster drops him 52 points behind Larson.

There are now only SEVEN RACES REMAINING in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.

We're dissecting the NASCAR standings, stage points, momentum, recent performance and the numbers behind the championship battle.

Who is getting hot at exactly the right time?

Who is starting to lose ground?

And who has the speed to stay in this championship fight all the way to the finale?

🚌 KYLE BUSCH TRIBUTES AT BRISTOL

Bristol weekend wasn't only about the championship battle.

There were also plenty of Kyle Busch tributes as NASCAR celebrated one of the defining drivers of his generation at a track where Rowdy created countless memorable moments.

We're talking about the tributes, the Bristol memories and Kyle Busch's impact on NASCAR.

📈 DEEP-DIVE NASCAR ANALYTICS

We're going beyond the finishing order.

This week's Mash The Gas dives into the stats, trends and analytics behind Bristol and the championship battle.

Track position. Laps led. Stage points. Recent performance. Momentum. Championship points.

We're looking at the numbers that matter as the NASCAR Chase enters its final seven races.

🎙️ THIS WEEK ON MASH THE GAS

🏆 Joey Logano WINS the Bristol Night Race
🔥 Logano earns career Cup victory No. 40
📈 Logano moves within 16 points of the championship lead
⚔️ Ryan Blaney vs. Carson Hocevar
🚨 Breaking down the controversial late-race contact
🥊 Blaney & Hocevar's post-race confrontation
🔥 Blaney leads a race-high 202 laps
📉 Blaney takes a massive hit in The Chase
👑 Kyle Larson becomes the new NASCAR points leader
🔥 Denny Hamlin sits just ONE point back
🔔 Christopher Bell remains firmly in contention
📊 Complete NASCAR Chase standings analysis
🚌 Kyle Busch tributes at Bristol
📈 NASCAR stats, trends & deep-dive analytics
🌻 Kansas Speedway preview
💰 Fantasy NASCAR picks
🔮 Expert NASCAR predictions
🎙️ And MUCH more!

🌻 NEXT STOP: KANSAS SPEEDWAY!

The 2026 NASCAR Chase rolls into Kansas Speedway for the Hollywood Casino 400 on Sunday, September 27.

And with the championship standings this tight, Kansas could change everything.

Larson leads Hamlin by ONE POINT.

Logano is only 16 back.

Bell is only 17 back.

And after what happened at Bristol, Blaney suddenly has serious ground to make up.

Kevin, Jeff & Sky break down the drivers to watch at Kansas, recent Kansas Speedway performance, track trends, strategy, statistical advantages and potential sleepers.

Plus:

💰 Fantasy NASCAR picks
📊 Kansas Speedway analytics
🔥 Drivers to watch
🏁 Hollywood Casino 400 preview
🔮 Expert picks & predictions

Bristol changed the championship picture. Seven races remain. Next stop: Kansas.

👇 WHO YA GOT AT KANSAS?

👍 Like the episode
💬 Drop your Hollywood Casino 400 winner in the comments
🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications
🎧 Follow Mash The Gas Podcast wherever you get your podcasts for weekly NASCAR Cup Series race recaps, NASCAR news, Chase standings, race previews, Fantasy NASCAR, analytics, expert picks and predictions.

Mash The Gas Podcast — weekly NASCAR coverage all the way to the championship.

🎧 Stream Mash The Gas everywhere:

Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/5q7HqM7zPjzZ8OjU6FEXzA

Apple Podcasts 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mash-the-gas/id1489736443

YouTube 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@DiscussionCombustion

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#NASCAR #NASCARCupSeries #JoeyLogano #RyanBlaney #CarsonHocevar #KyleLarson #Bristol #BristolMotorSpeedway #BristolNightRace #NASCARChase #KansasSpeedway #HollywoodCasino400 #NASCAR2026 #NASCARPodcast #FantasyNASCAR #MashTheGas

KYLE LARSON IS BACK IN VICTORY LANE! 🏁 After a 51-race winless streak, Larson survives one of the wildest races of the 2026 NASCAR season to win the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway — scoring career Cup Series win No. 33 and tying NASCAR legend Fireball Roberts on the all-time wins list.

This week on Mash The Gas, we're breaking down EVERYTHING from an absolutely chaotic afternoon in St. Louis: a record 18 cautions, exploding brake rotors, two red flags, double overtime, pit-road madness and major implications for the NASCAR Chase.

And after surviving Gateway, there are only EIGHT RACES LEFT to decide the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series champion.

🏆 LARSON FINALLY BREAKS THROUGH

The monkey is officially off Kyle Larson's back.

After 51 consecutive NASCAR Cup Series races without a victory, Larson put the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet back in Victory Lane when it mattered most.

Larson survived restart after restart and ultimately held off Alex Bowman and Joey Logano in double overtime to score his first victory of 2026.

The win is the 33rd of Larson's Cup Series career, tying the legendary Fireball Roberts on NASCAR's all-time wins list.

More importantly for the championship battle, Larson just made a MASSIVE move in The Chase.

🚨 18 CAUTIONS?! GATEWAY TURNS INTO CHAOS

This race had just about everything.

18 caution flags — a Gateway track record. Two red flags. Double overtime. 87 laps run under caution. Multiple Chase contenders involved in incidents.

And then there were the brakes.

Brake rotors became one of the biggest stories of the weekend, with catastrophic failures affecting multiple cars. Ryan Blaney's right-front rotor exploded through the hood while he was running sixth, and the brake carnage continued throughout the afternoon.

We break down what happened, why Gateway is so demanding on NASCAR's braking systems and how the failures completely changed the complexion of the race.

🔥 LOGANO WAS FAST — REALLY FAST

Joey Logano came to St. Louis with SPEED.

Logano laid down an incredible 32.817-second qualifying lap, becoming the only driver in the field to break the 33-second mark and beating Kyle Larson for the pole by 0.276 seconds.

That speed carried directly into Sunday.

Logano dominated Stage 1, scored major stage points and led a race-high 96 laps. The No. 22 was repeatedly in position to win before Larson ultimately took control late.

Logano still brought it home P3, extending his streak to five consecutive top-five finishes in five Cup starts at Gateway.

Is the three-time champion starting to heat up at exactly the right time?

📊 EIGHT RACES LEFT — THE CHASE IS TIGHTENING

Things just got VERY interesting.

Denny Hamlin still leads the NASCAR Chase, but Kyle Larson is now only NINE POINTS behind him.

Christopher Bell sits just 18 points back, while Ryan Blaney is 33 behind the leader. Further down the standings, several championship contenders are already staring at triple-digit deficits.

Two races into the 10-race Chase, we're dissecting the entire points situation:

Who has momentum?

Who survived Gateway?

Who lost a massive opportunity?

And which drivers are already reaching the point where they need something BIG to happen?

With eight races remaining, every stage point, pit stop, mechanical failure and finishing position matters.

🏁 THIS WEEK ON MASH THE GAS

🏆 Kyle Larson ends his 51-race winless streak
🔥 Larson scores career Cup win No. 33
🏁 Larson ties Fireball Roberts on the all-time wins list
🚨 Gateway's record-setting 18 cautions
💥 Exploding brake rotors and mechanical failures
🚩 Two red flags + double overtime
🔧 Pit-road chaos and strategy
🔥 Joey Logano's incredible qualifying lap
🥉 Logano leads 96 laps and finishes P3
📊 Complete NASCAR Chase points analysis
🏆 Larson closes to nine points behind Denny Hamlin
📈 Who's HOT with eight races remaining?
📉 Who's falling out of championship contention?
🌙 Bristol Night Race preview
💰 Fantasy NASCAR advice
🔮 Expert picks and predictions
🎙️ And MUCH more!

🌙 NEXT STOP: BRISTOL UNDER THE LIGHTS!

It doesn't get much better than this.

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Bristol Motor Speedway Saturday night for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race — 500 laps around the Last Great Colosseum and the third race of the 2026 NASCAR Chase.

Larson enters Bristol only nine points behind Hamlin, and Bristol happens to be one of Larson's strongest tracks. Christopher Bell is also the defending winner of the Bristol Night Race, while Ty Gibbs won at Bristol earlier this season.

We're breaking down the drivers to watch, track position, strategy, championship implications, Fantasy NASCAR advice, expert picks and our predictions for who conquers Bristol under the lights.

Two Chase races down. Eight to go. Larson is back. And the championship fight is officially tightening up.

👇 WHO YA GOT AT BRISTOL?

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Mash The Gas Podcast — weekly NASCAR coverage all the way to the championship.

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#NASCAR #NASCARCupSeries #MashTheGas #KyleLarson #Gateway #WWTR #EnjoyIllinois300 #JoeyLogano #DennyHamlin #NASCARChase #Bristol #BristolMotorSpeedway #BristolNightRace #NASCAR2026 #NASCARPodcast #FantasyNASCAR

CHRISTOPHER BELL FINALLY GETS IT DONE! 🏁 After seven runner-up finishes and a 33-race winless streak, Bell breaks through with his first NASCAR Cup Series victory of 2026, winning the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway to open The Chase.

This week on Mash The Gas, we're breaking down everything from a wild night at the Track Too Tough to Tame, the shakeup in the NASCAR Chase standings, Brad Keselowski and Carson Hocevar, pit-road problems throughout the field, who's heating up at exactly the right time and much more.

🔔 BELL FINALLY BREAKS THROUGH

After coming painfully close seven different times this season, Christopher Bell finally turned a runner-up-filled year into a trip to Victory Lane — and he couldn't have picked a much bigger race to do it.

Bell captured the Cook Out Southern 500, snapping a 33-race winless streak and earning his first victory of the 2026 season.

And suddenly, the championship picture looks very different.

Bell has climbed to within just 12 points of Denny Hamlin for the overall Chase points lead. With nine races remaining, is Bell becoming the driver to beat for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship?

🔥 KESELOWSKI & HOCEVAR

We're breaking down all the action involving Brad Keselowski and Carson Hocevar at Darlington.

What happened? Who deserves the blame? And could what happened at the Lady in Black carry over as The Chase continues?

🔧 PIT ROAD PROBLEMS & DARLINGTON CHAOS

Darlington once again proved that surviving the Southern 500 requires much more than just a fast race car.

Pit-road mistakes, strategy, track position and execution played major roles throughout the night. We break down the teams that capitalized, the drivers who lost valuable positions and how those mistakes could become increasingly costly during the championship fight.

📊 THE CHASE IS HEATING UP

One race down. Nine to go.

Denny Hamlin still owns the championship points lead, but Christopher Bell is suddenly just 12 points back.

We're diving into the updated Chase standings, who's gaining momentum, who's already feeling the pressure and which teams look capable of making a serious run at the championship.

Who is HOT, who is NOT, and whose championship hopes took a hit at Darlington?

🏁 THIS WEEK ON MASH THE GAS:

🏆 Christopher Bell FINALLY wins in 2026
🔔 Bell snaps a 33-race winless streak
🥈 Seven runner-up finishes before finally breaking through
🔥 Bell closes to 12 points behind Denny Hamlin
🏁 Complete Southern 500 recap
⚔️ Brad Keselowski & Carson Hocevar
🔧 Pit-road mistakes and costly stops
📊 Updated NASCAR Chase standings
🔥 Who's hot and who's losing momentum?
🏆 NASCAR championship analysis
🏎️ St. Louis/Gateway preview
💰 Fantasy NASCAR advice
🔮 Expert picks and predictions
🎙️ And much, much more!

🔥 NEXT STOP: ST. LOUIS!

The Chase rolls on as the NASCAR Cup Series heads to World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway outside St. Louis.

With Bell suddenly breathing down Hamlin's neck and only nine races remaining in the championship battle, every stage point, pit stop and finishing position becomes increasingly important.

We're breaking down Gateway, the drivers to watch, fantasy NASCAR advice, expert picks and predictions, and who we think will leave St. Louis with the victory.

Bell finally got the monkey off his back. Now the question is: Was Darlington just the breakthrough, or the beginning of a championship run?

👇 WHO YA GOT AT GATEWAY?

👍 Like the episode
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🎧 Follow Mash The Gas wherever you get your podcasts for weekly NASCAR Cup Series race recaps, NASCAR news, Chase analysis, fantasy NASCAR advice, expert picks and predictions.

Mash The Gas Podcast — weekly NASCAR coverage all the way to the championship.

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#NASCAR #NASCARCupSeries #MashTheGas #ChristopherBell #Southern500 #Darlington #DarlingtonRaceway #NASCARChase #DennyHamlin #BradKeselowski #CarsonHocevar #Gateway #WWTR #NASCAR2026 #NASCARPodcast #FantasyNASCAR

RYAN PREECE WINS DAYTONA! 🏁 The NASCAR Cup Series regular season delivered one final dose of Daytona chaos as Ryan Preece captured his first career points-paying Cup Series victory in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway — and secured the 16th and final spot in the 2026 NASCAR Chase.

This week on Mash The Gas, we break down everything from a wild Saturday night at Daytona, set the field for the return of The Chase, catch up on New Hampshire and get you ready for the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

And we have somebody who experienced Daytona firsthand — NASCARSky was at Daytona International Speedway all weekend long! If Sky sounds a little different this week, you'll quickly understand why. Her voice is absolutely cooked after a weekend of fan excitement, cheering and yelling at the World Center of Racing. She gives us her perspective from the track and what it was like being there for NASCAR's dramatic regular-season finale.

🏆 RYAN PREECE GETS IT DONE AT DAYTONA

What a night for Ryan Preece and RFK Racing.

Preece entered Daytona 31 points behind Shane van Gisbergen for the final Chase position and nearly saw his hopes disappear after being involved in an incident at the end of Stage 1. Instead, the No. 60 team repaired the car, Preece fought his way back through the field and put himself in position when it mattered most.

Then came the final lap.

Zane Smith was leading when contact from Tyler Reddick sent Smith spinning and triggered a massive multicar crash on the backstretch. Preece avoided the carnage and was ahead of Daniel Suárez when NASCAR displayed the caution, giving Preece his first career points-paying NASCAR Cup Series victory.

Preece ultimately finished the regular season 17 points ahead of SVG, completing an incredible turnaround to grab the final Chase position.

🏁 THE 2026 NASCAR CHASE FIELD IS SET

Twenty-six races are complete, and now the championship fight begins.

Denny Hamlin enters The Chase as the No. 1 seed, followed by Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick, Ty Gibbs and Chase Briscoe. Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Joey Logano, Chris Buescher, Daniel Suárez, Carson Hocevar, William Byron, Bubba Wallace, Austin Cindric and Ryan Preece complete the 16-driver field fighting for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship.

We break down the points, championship favorites, drivers with work to do and who we believe could make some serious noise over the final 10 races.

🦞 CATCHING UP ON NEW HAMPSHIRE

Kevin is back from his New England vacation, and we're also explaining why there wasn't a Mash The Gas episode last Monday.

That means we've got some catching up to do from New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where Ryan Blaney went back-to-back at Loudon, scoring his third victory of 2026 and the 20th NASCAR Cup Series win of his career.

We'll hit the biggest New Hampshire storylines before turning our attention back to Daytona and the championship battle ahead.

🔥 THE CHASE BEGINS AT DARLINGTON

There couldn't be a more appropriate place to begin the championship fight.

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Darlington Raceway for the Cook Out Southern 500 and the first race of the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship.

The Southern 500 goes green Sunday, September 6 at 5 p.m. ET, with the championship contenders facing one of the toughest races of the entire season at the legendary Track Too Tough to Tame.

🏁 THIS WEEK ON MASH THE GAS:

🏆 Ryan Preece's first NASCAR Cup Series points win
🔥 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Daytona recap
🎙️ NASCARSky's firsthand experience from Daytona
💥 The massive final-lap Daytona wreck
📈 Preece's incredible Chase-clinching comeback
❌ Shane van Gisbergen misses The Chase
🏆 The complete 16-driver NASCAR Chase field
🦞 Catching up on New Hampshire Motor Speedway
🏁 Ryan Blaney's New Hampshire victory
📊 NASCAR championship points and analysis
🔥 Cook Out Southern 500 preview
🏎️ Darlington drivers to watch
💰 Fantasy NASCAR advice
🔮 Expert picks and predictions
🏆 Our Southern 500 winner predictions

The regular season is over. The Chase is here. Ten races will decide the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Champion.

Who survives Darlington, and who gets their championship run started with a Southern 500 victory?

👇 DROP YOUR DARLINGTON WINNER IN THE COMMENTS!

#NASCAR #NASCARCupSeries #MashTheGas #RyanPreece #Daytona #DaytonaInternationalSpeedway #CokeZeroSugar400 #NASCARChase #Darlington #DarlingtonRaceway #Southern500 #DennyHamlin #RyanBlaney #TylerReddick #NASCARPodcast #NASCAR2026 #FantasyNASCAR

Joey Logano wins at Richmond Raceway as the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series race for The Chase heats up! Chase Briscoe leads 171 laps, the NASCAR Chase bubble tightens with two regular-season races remaining, and Connor Zilisch is officially headed to Hendrick Motorsports' No. 48.

This week on Mash The Gas – NASCAR Podcast, we're breaking down everything from the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway and getting you ready for the Dollar Tree 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

🔥 JOEY LOGANO WINS RICHMOND

It's summertime—and once again, Joey Logano is getting hot when it matters most.

The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion held off a charging Chase Briscoe to score his second victory of the 2026 season. Briscoe led a race-high 171 laps, but Logano and the No. 22 Team Penske Ford were there when it counted.

We break down Logano's late-season surge, Briscoe's dominant night that came up just short, and strong performances across Team Penske, Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports.

💥 WHAT HAPPENED TO CARSON HOCEVAR?

We discuss Carson Hocevar's engine failure at Richmond and the aggressive fifth-to-third downshift that ended the No. 77 team's night.

🏆 2026 NASCAR CHASE BUBBLE — TWO RACES LEFT

The regular season is almost over.

With only New Hampshire and Daytona remaining before The Chase begins, we're breaking down the NASCAR standings and championship picture:

Who is IN?

Who is OUT?

Who's sitting on the CUT LINE?

And who desperately needs a big run—or a win—before the regular-season finale at Daytona?

The pressure is officially on.

🏁 DID RICHMOND DELIVER?

We also take a bigger look at Richmond Raceway itself. What did we think of Saturday night's Cook Out 400? How was the racing? Did the short-track package deliver? And what is the overall state of Richmond on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule?

🚨 CONNOR ZILISCH TO THE HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS NO. 48

One of NASCAR Silly Season's biggest dominoes has fallen.

Connor Zilisch will take over the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 Chevrolet beginning in 2028, following Alex Bowman's final full-time NASCAR Cup Series season in 2027.

We react to the huge Hendrick Motorsports announcement, what it means for Zilisch's future, the legacy of the No. 48 and what Hendrick's driver lineup could look like moving forward.

🏎️ NEXT UP: NASCAR AT NEW HAMPSHIRE

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Dollar Tree 301, the penultimate race of the 2026 regular season—and Mash The Gas host Kevin Batstone will be on the ground in Loudon!

We're getting you ready with:

• New Hampshire race analysis
• Drivers to watch
• NASCAR fantasy advice
• Expert race picks
• Chase bubble implications
• Predictions for the Dollar Tree 301
• A look ahead to the Daytona regular-season finale

⚠️ PROGRAMMING NOTE

Following New Hampshire, Mash The Gas will take a short vacation break, so there will be no new episode for two weeks.

That means we're getting you completely prepared for the final two races of the regular season—New Hampshire and the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona—before returning to break down the field and get you ready for the 2026 NASCAR Chase for the Championship!

🎙️ Race recaps. NASCAR news. Expert picks. Fantasy NASCAR. Championship analysis. And plenty of opinions.

It's all right here on Mash The Gas – NASCAR Podcast.

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Ty Gibbs is back in Victory Lane! This week on Mash The Gas, we break down Gibbs’ second NASCAR Cup Series win of 2026 after holding off Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell in the Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway.

Bell comes home second yet again, adding another runner-up finish to his 2026 season. How many more times can the No. 20 get this close before finally breaking through?

Denny Hamlin delivered one of the drives of the day, overcoming a deep starting position and brake issues to charge into the Top 5. Meanwhile, it was heartbreak for Tyler Reddick after a Lap 4 crash ended his day early and dealt a major blow to his points advantage.

Then we tackle one of the biggest debates coming out of Iowa: Should Iowa Speedway be repaved? The aging, patched racing surface produces a unique challenge, but how long can NASCAR realistically keep racing on it?

We also break down NASCAR’s new stage-ending caution rule. If a caution comes out with 10 laps or fewer remaining in Stage 1 or Stage 2, NASCAR can now declare the stage complete and use that caution as the stage break. Is it a smart procedural change or another complication NASCAR didn’t need?

Plus, we discuss the latest surrounding the 2027 NASCAR schedule and what we want to see as NASCAR continues shaping the future of the Cup Series.

Finally, it’s time to look ahead to the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway! We give you our Richmond fantasy NASCAR advice, drivers to watch, expert picks and predictions as the NASCAR Cup Series regular season continues to wind down.

🏁 THIS WEEK ON MASH THE GAS:
• Ty Gibbs wins the Iowa Corn 350
• Christopher Bell finishes runner-up again
• Denny Hamlin charges to a Top-5 finish
• Tyler Reddick’s Lap 4 disaster
• Should NASCAR repave Iowa Speedway?
• NASCAR’s new 10-lap stage caution rule
• 2027 NASCAR Cup Series schedule discussion
• Richmond Raceway preview
• Fantasy NASCAR advice
• Cook Out 400 predictions

Who are you picking to win at Richmond?

Follow and subscribe to Mash The Gas for weekly NASCAR Cup Series race recaps, breaking NASCAR news, analysis, predictions and fantasy racing advice.

🎙️ Subscribe now and join the conversation with Mash The Gas—The Standard for NASCAR Coverage.

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The Brickyard delivered another unforgettable weekend—but was it actually a good race? 🤔 This week on Mash The Gas, we're breaking down everything from Indianapolis and asking the question that everyone in the NASCAR garage seems to be asking.

🔥 Corey Heim earns the biggest win of his young career, capturing the prestigious Brickyard 400 and proving he's ready to compete with NASCAR's elite. Meanwhile, Todd Gilliland cashes in with the $1 million NASCAR In-Season Challenge, while Ryan Blaney's hopes are crushed in a massive accident.

🏁 We also discuss why Indianapolis simply didn't produce the racing fans were hoping for. With very little green-flag passing throughout the field, the event left drivers, teams, and much of the garage frustrated. We share our thoughts on why the current package isn't working at Indy and why there seems to be widespread agreement that NASCAR needs to bring a different package for the Brickyard in 2027.

📰 We're also discussing the announcement that Alex Bowman will retire following the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season. What does it mean for Hendrick Motorsports, and who could eventually take over the iconic No. 48?

🏆 Speaking of the No. 48, Jimmie Johnson is set to return behind the wheel of the legendary No. 48 Chevrolet for the 2027 Daytona 500. We break down what that means for one of the sport's greatest champions.

🌽 Plus, it's time to head to Iowa Speedway! We're making our famous Corn Predictions, giving our fantasy picks, discussing the playoff battle, and previewing everything to watch this weekend.

🔥 This week's episode includes:

• 🏆 Corey Heim wins the Brickyard 400
• 💰 Todd Gilliland captures the $1 million In-Season Challenge
• 💥 Ryan Blaney's heartbreaking crash
• 🛞 Kyle Larson's tire failure and hard hit
• 👀 Corey Heim vs. Carson Hocevar continues
• 🏁 Why the Brickyard package needs to change after a race with very little green-flag passing
• 📰 Alex Bowman announces retirement after 2027
• ⭐ Jimmie Johnson returns to the No. 48 for the 2027 Daytona 500
• 🌽 Iowa Speedway preview and our Corn Predictions
• 📊 Updated playoff standings and championship outlook

As always, we're bringing bold opinions, race analysis, fantasy advice, playoff talk, and plenty of laughs.

🎙️ Subscribe now and join the conversation with Mash The Gas—The Standard for NASCAR Coverage.

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The MTG crew is back as we break down one of the most debated races of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season—the Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro Speedway, the first NASCAR Cup Series points race at the historic short track since Jeff Gordon won there in 1996.

Joey Logano reminded the garage why the No. 22 team is never out of the championship conversation, absolutely dominating the field by leading a career-high 323 of 450 laps to score his first victory of the 2026 season, snap a lengthy winless streak, and position himself into The Chase. Team Penske officially has all of the momentum heading into the stretch run.

But was the racing good enough?

With only six cars finishing on the lead lap, long green-flag runs, and the race ending in under three hours, NASCAR fans are split. Did North Wilkesboro deliver the old-school short-track racing we've been asking for, or should the sport rethink this event as a points race? We're debating whether this iconic venue deserves a permanent place on the championship schedule or if it's better suited as the home of the All-Star Race.

🔥 This week on Mash The Gas:

🏆 Joey Logano's dominant drive and what it means for the championship picture.

🏁 Is North Wilkesboro officially back—or did the racing miss the mark?

💥 Alex Bowman vs. Tyler Reddick entering pit road. Who was really responsible?

🚧 Connor Zilisch and Kyle Larson make contact on pit road. Racing deal or avoidable mistake?

📊 Winners, losers, playoff bubble movement, and who gained the most heading into Indianapolis.

🚨 NASCAR's brand-new superspeedway rules package is coming to Daytona and Talladega, featuring a reduced rear spoiler designed to increase handling, reward driver skill, and change the style of pack racing. Will it create better competition—or bigger wrecks? We break down everything fans need to know before the postseason.

Then it's time to preview one of NASCAR's crown jewels...

🏁 The Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Can Joey Logano keep the momentum rolling? Will Kyle Larson bounce back? Can Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick, William Byron, or Ryan Blaney add another crown jewel to their résumé? We dive into the storylines, manufacturer matchups, fantasy strategy, sleepers, dark horses, and our race-winning predictions.

As always, we're bringing you:

🏆 Race breakdowns that go beyond the box score
📊 Championship and playoff analysis
🎯 Fantasy NASCAR advice and lineup strategy
🔥 Bold predictions and expert picks
🏁 Everything you need to stay ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering the sport, Mash The Gas Podcast delivers the news, analysis, opinions, and race coverage that keeps NASCAR fans coming back every week.

🎙️ Subscribe now and join the conversation with Mash The Gas—The Standard for NASCAR Coverage.

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The crew is back to break down one of the wildest races of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season as Ryan Blaney delivered a historic performance to win the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart at EchoPark Speedway. Blaney dominated by leading 171 of 263 laps—the most laps led in a drafting-style Cup Series race since Richard Petty's legendary 1964 Daytona 500 performance—while also giving Ford its milestone 750th NASCAR Cup Series victory.

Mother Nature wasn't finished, either. A three-hour rain delay turned Sunday's race into a Monday morning marathon, with the checkered flag flying after 2:00 a.m. ET following an incredible overtime finish that had fans on the edge of their seats.

🔥 This week on Mash The Gas, we're breaking down:

• 🏆 Ryan Blaney's statement win and what it means for the championship battle.
• ⚖️ The controversial Bubba Wallace penalty that dropped him from a podium finish to 29th. Did NASCAR make the right call?
• 🚨 Should Shane van Gisbergen and Austin Hill have also been penalized? We debate NASCAR's consistency.
• 🚀 Carson Hocevar's incredible charge from the back of the field to nearly stealing the victory—and the hilarious radio moments that had everyone talking.
• 😬 Another frustrating superspeedway race for Kyle Larson, who is still searching for his first drafting-track victory.
• 📈 Winners, losers, playoff implications, and the biggest headlines leaving Atlanta.

Then we turn our attention to one of the most anticipated races of the year as the NASCAR Cup Series returns to North Wilkesboro Speedway for its first points-paying race since 1996, when Jeff Gordon took the checkered flag. After two successful All-Star Race weekends, the historic short track is finally back on the championship schedule, and we're breaking down everything you need to know before the green flag drops.

As always, we're bringing you:
🏁 Expert race analysis
📊 Championship and playoff outlook
🎯 Fantasy NASCAR advice
🔮 Bold predictions and race picks
🏆 Sleepers, dark horses, and drivers to avoid

Whether you're a lifelong NASCAR fan or a newcomer to the sport, Mash The Gas Podcast delivers the insight, passion, and analysis you won't find anywhere else.

🎙️ Subscribe now and join the conversation with Mash The Gas—The Standard for NASCAR Coverage.

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NASCAR Returns to Chicagoland Speedway | Chase Briscoe Wins | Chicago Race Recap | EchoPark Speedway Preview

The Mash The Gas Podcast crew is back to break down an unforgettable weekend as the NASCAR Cup Series returned to Chicagoland Speedway for the first time since 2019!

After seven long years away, Chicagoland delivered one of the most exciting races of the season. Chase Briscoe used smart strategy and held off teammate Christopher Bell in the closing laps to score his first victory of the 2026 season, while Joe Gibbs Racing celebrated an incredible 1-2-3 finish with Denny Hamlin bringing home third.

🌧️ We also discuss the weather challenges that impacted race weekend. Rain delays and closed parking lots created headaches for thousands of fans making their return to Chicagoland. Was NASCAR and the track prepared, or could things have been handled better?

💥 One of the hottest topics of the weekend was the latest chapter in the rivalry between Shane van Gisbergen and Austin Hill. After another incident between the two, should NASCAR hand down penalties, or should drivers settle it on the track? We give our opinions on one of the weekend's biggest controversies.

📈 The championship battle continues to tighten. Denny Hamlin extends his NASCAR Cup Series points lead to 44 markers after another difficult day for Tyler Reddick, whose race ended with another costly DNF after damage led to radiator failure. What does this mean for the regular season championship and the playoff picture?

🔥 Plus, we're looking ahead to the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway as we cover:
• Complete Chicagoland race analysis
• Winners & Losers
• Driver grades
• Championship points update
• NASCAR In-Season Challenge
• Fantasy NASCAR picks
• Who's Hot 🔥 and Who's Not ❄️
• Bold predictions for EchoPark Speedway

🎙️ Mash The Gas Podcast — Your premier destination for NASCAR news, race recaps, playoff analysis, and everything happening in the NASCAR Cup Series.

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#NASCAR #ChicagolandSpeedway #ChaseBriscoe #JoeGibbsRacing #DennyHamlin #ChristopherBell #TylerReddick #ShaneVanGisbergen #AustinHill #EchoParkSpeedway #NASCARPodcast #MashTheGas

🏁 The Mash The Gas crew is back to break down everything from an action-packed Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway! 🍷🏎️

Shane van Gisbergen once again proved he's the king of the road courses, surviving late pressure from Chase Briscoe to score his 8th NASCAR Cup Series victory and his second win of the 2026 season. SVG now sits just one road course win away from tying Jeff Gordon's all-time Cup Series record of nine!

🔥 This week's episode includes:

• 🏆 SVG's incredible road course dominance
• 📈 Denny Hamlin takes over the NASCAR Cup Series points lead by just ONE point over Tyler Reddick!
• 🥊 Beating, banging, and tempers boiling over throughout the field.
• 🎯 Ty Gibbs sweeps both stages but comes up short when it mattered most.
• 💥 Which In-Season Challenge brackets survived...and which ones were completely busted?
• 📊 Updated playoff picture and championship standings.
• 🎲 Fantasy NASCAR winners, losers, sleepers, and waiver wire advice.
• 🔮 Our expert picks and predictions for NASCAR's long-awaited return to Chicagoland Speedway for the first time since 2019! Chicagoland Speedway

Plus, we'll cover all the biggest storylines, breaking news, championship implications, and everything you need to know before the green flag drops next weekend.

🏁 From points to playoffs, fantasy to race picks—if it's happening in the NASCAR Cup Series, you'll hear it first on Mash The Gas! 🔥🎙️

🏁 Mash The Gas Podcast — The Standard of NASCAR Coverage.

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Jeff Davis and Kevin Batstone are back to break down one of the most historic weekends in NASCAR history! For the first time ever, NASCAR's national touring series competed on an active U.S. military installation as all three series took on the streets of Naval Base Coronado in San Diego during America's 250th anniversary celebration. From fighter jets and military displays to the iconic USS Carl Vinson serving as the backdrop, this was a weekend unlike anything the sport has ever seen. ⚓✈️🇺🇸

🏆 We kick things off by recognizing the inaugural winners across the weekend, with Layne Riggs capturing the Craftsman Truck Series victory, Austin Hill taking the checkered flag in the O'Reilly Series, and Corey Heim breaking through for his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series win in a career-defining performance. Heim capitalized on strategy and late-race drama to etch his name into the history books at NASCAR's newest street course.

🏎️ We also dive into all the on-track action, including Shane van Gisbergen's dominant speed, the incident involving SVG, teammate Connor Zilisch, and Austin Hill, the controversial track limits, and who figured out the challenging temporary circuit when it mattered most. Did NASCAR get the officiating right? We break it all down!

⚓ Beyond the racing, we discuss the incredible atmosphere of racing on a military base, the breathtaking views of San Diego Harbor, the USS Carl Vinson, military aircraft, and why this event instantly became one of the most visually stunning races in NASCAR history. We also tackle the fan experience, including the transportation headaches, long waits, food and water shortages, and whether NASCAR can improve the logistics if Coronado returns in the future. Reports from attendees praised the spectacle but criticized the event operations.

🍷 Then it's off to California wine country! We preview Sonoma Raceway, the final road course of the season, with our expert analysis, race predictions, fantasy picks, sleepers, and drivers to avoid. Can SVG bounce back? Who's primed to dominate? We've got you covered.

🏆 Plus, the championship battle is tightening! Denny Hamlin has trimmed Tyler Reddick's points lead to just 8 points, setting the stage for another massive weekend as the playoff race continues to heat up.

🔥 If you love NASCAR history, race strategy, bold predictions, and honest analysis, you won't want to miss this episode!

🏁 Mash The Gas Podcast — The Standard of NASCAR Coverage.

👍 Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, and follow us for weekly NASCAR news, race recaps, fantasy advice, and everything happening around the Cup Series!

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This week on Mash The Gas, the team break down all the action from Pocono Raceway as 🏆 Denny Hamlin captures his fourth points-paying win of the season (fifth if you count the All-Star Race) and earns the first three-peat of his NASCAR Cup Series career. Hamlin's 64th career victory moves him past Kyle Busch into ninth place on the all-time wins list, further cementing his Hall of Fame legacy. 🏅

💥 We dive into the finishing order, key wrecks, pit strategy, and the biggest storylines from the weekend. Christopher Bell battled through a fractured wrist 🤕 and nearly brought home a top-five finish before fuel strategy ⛽ came back to haunt him. Can he stay competitive through the upcoming road course stretch? 🛣️🏎️

📈 The playoff picture is starting to take shape, and we're breaking down who's moving up, who's falling back, and why Denny Hamlin has cut Tyler Reddick's points lead to just 19 markers. We also applaud NASCAR 👏 for making the smart decision to move the race start up two hours and avoid weather issues 🌧️ that could have impacted the event.

📺 Plus, we look ahead to NASCAR's final race on Prime Video and preview the upcoming event at the historic ⚓ Coronado Naval Base in San Diego. As the playoff chase heats up 🔥, we discuss who's in, who's out, who's on the bubble, and what it all means for the championship battle. 🏆

🚦 All that plus NASCAR Fantasy advice, expert analysis, race predictions, playoff talk, and everything you need to stay up to speed with the NASCAR Cup Series! 🏁🎧

🎙️🏁 This is Mash The Gas Podcast — THE standard for NASCAR coverage.

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Welcome back to another episode of Mash The Gas Podcast, the standard for NASCAR Cup Series coverage!

Jeff and Kevin are holding down the fort this week while Sky enjoys some vacation time back home in Maryland. The guys break down all the action from the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway, where Denny Hamlin once again proved why he's one of the hottest drivers in NASCAR. Despite starting at the rear of the field for the second consecutive week, Hamlin charged through the pack, led 40 laps, and captured yet another victory.

💥 We discuss:
🏆 Denny Hamlin's impressive win and his charge toward the Regular Season Championship
🚩 A record-breaking day for caution flags at Michigan
😡 Growing frustration throughout the garage directed at Carson Hocevar
📈 Bubba Wallace's solid day and what it means for his playoff hopes
🚑 Christopher Bell's massive impact in the Chase Elliott incident and whether he'll be ready for Pocono
📉 A historic stat: Ford fails to lead a single lap at Michigan for the first time since 1983
🏁 Updated points standings as Hamlin closes the gap on Tyler Reddick for the overall points lead

Plus, we're getting you ready for this weekend's trip to the Tricky Triangle at Pocono Raceway with our:
🔮 Race predictions
⭐ Fantasy NASCAR advice
📊 Driver analysis
🏆 Picks to win
👀 Drivers to watch

Don't miss this packed episode as the NASCAR Cup Series season continues to heat up!

👍 Like
🔔 Subscribe
💬 Comment your Pocono winner below!

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