Five to Go Podcast

Doug, Devin, and Dan are all back together after a couple of weeks to discuss Hocevar's breakthrough Talladega win, the complexion of the Cup race, some big news stories the last couple of weeks, and what the change in NASCAR leadership means. They also look ahead to the triple header weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.

With Devin missing his first show in three years, you have to settle for Doug and Dan. They break down the O'Reilly and Truck races at Rockingham and discuss how sizing up anyone but the dominant drivers is difficult. They examine what Algaier's stage points say about the O'Reilly standings and how much parity there is in the Cup Series. They also discuss Cleetus McFarland's O'Reilly debut and Doug explains why he thinks the whole thing is being seen the wrong way. They also give grades - good and bad - to Cup teams with 20% of the races in the books.

Doug, Devin, and Dan discuss the pressure Dan's No. 9 team faced for the Winston Million at Darlington and relayed that to the mental fortitude Tyler Reddick has shown in 2026. They talk about Reddick's Darlington win and other drivers that impressed, along with the crazy gaps between the top two in Cup points...and spots three to 16. They also ask hypotheticals about Reddick in Silly Season, wonder where Joey Logano's performance has been (for years), and preview Martinsville, a race that Dan Elliott says is incredibly important for one team.

Doug, Devin, and Dan heap praise on Ryan Blaney and really analyze the importance of good points days, including from one driver who should have had a worse one. They also rate NASCAR-IndyCar double-bills, wonder aloud about any panic in the points standings, and preview the first 1.5-mile test this season in Vegas.

2023 Daytona 500 winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr. joins Doug, Devin, and Dan to discuss his runner-up Daytona 500 finish, his early Atlanta wreck, his team’s approach to the season, how he trains, and his “ranch.” Then the guys preview COTA and give their takeaways from attending Atlanta.

Doug, Devin, and Dan discuss all things Daytona. Devin gives his impressions from his first media experience and his first 500 weekend and shares what the mood was like around both qualifying and the long media day. The crew also discusses Kyle Busch's future after this season and predicts Daytona winners and 2026 champions in all three series.

Doug, Dan, and Devin properly toast the ROVAL after reports indicate the Charlotte fall race is moving back to the oval. They recall some of the biggest moments on the Charlotte road course, some stats, and why the Playoff eliminations are what made those races the most exciting. They also deconstruct NASCAR's "old is new again" approach and how fan enthusiasm is a moving target. They also preview the Clash, but note that this episode was recorded before NASCAR moved all Clash events to Sunday.

Doug, Devin, and Dan share their initial thoughts on NASCAR's choice to revert back to the 10-race Chase format and where fans and media should now place their emphasis. They also discuss Tony Stewart's return to NASCAR - for one race - and another Cup driver deciding to dip into the Trucks. They also discuss the theft at Greg Biffle's house, what IHRA is up to, and a popular sponsor that is staying in NASCAR.

With Dan away, Doug and Devin reflect on a tumultuous NASCAR season and explain why only one driver qualifies as the sport's main character of the year. They also explain drivers and teams they saw both improve and under-perform and why predictions are so difficult. And they discuss yet another NASCAR tragedy, as Denny Hamlin's father, Dennis, passed away in a house fire.

Doug, Devin, and Dan share their thoughts after NASCAR and the teams settle the antitrust suit and what lies ahead for the sport. They also talk about the breaking point that they think led to the settlement and why it could bolster the other national NASCAR series. They also talk about Nick Sanchez losing his ride, Levar Scott to Alpha Prime, Stephen Nasse finally winning the Snowball Derby, and Keelan Harvick's Snowflake triumph.

Doug, Dan, and Devin look at some of the highlights (or lowlights) from the documents the antitrust lawsuit has unearthed, including the group's sober takes on salacious texts. They look closer at the money the teams make and discuss the adverse effect that competing race series would have on the sport. They also take a look at the new IHRA stock car series, Red Bull's increased Trackhouse support, and Brent Crews' full-time (mostly) NOAPS ride with JGR.

Doug, Dan, and Devin break down the 2026 NASCAR broadcast schedule and what the split between USA and NBC actually means. They also discuss NASCAR demographics and how predicting future consumption of the sport is very hard. The crew also talks about the latest antitrust lawsuit developments and why Hendrick and Penske do not want to testify. And they break down what three drivers are testing at Bristol this week and what could actually improve the Gen-7 short track package.

Doug, Dan, and Devin break down William Byron's dominant, clutch Martinsville win and detail what this means for Byron and Larson in Phoenix. The crew also gives their championship picks, previews championship weekend, and shares an interesting wrinkle in the Xfinity Series title. They also talk about young drivers hurting their futures and what info is missing to really drive the lawsuit narrative.