Mash The Gas

North Wilkesboro | Mash The Gas Podcast

• Kevin Batstone, Jeff Davis, NASCARSky • Season 6 • Episode 23

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0:00 | 33:39

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.

🎧 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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Jeff Davis

Co-host
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Kevin Batstone

Co-host
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NASCARSky

Co-host

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