NASCAR on NBC podcast

Pre-Daytona: Handicapping the regular-season finale: NASCAR Cup driver fears about COVID-19 protocols; Ryan Blaney's 2021 emergence

Episode Summary

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton discusses the fierce battle for the final Cup Series playoff spot at Daytona; drivers worried about being sidelined by COVID-19 protocols; the rise of Ryan Blaney in 2021.

Episode Notes

NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton on sizing up the Daytona regular-season finale (1:00); putting maybe an unprecedented premium on points mattering in this race (3:30); another wrinkle: A new rules package for Daytona since February (4:30); the importance of the already heightened impact of manufacturer and teammate alliances (6:30); unpacking the COVID-19 news from Michigan (10:00); the debate over a negative test providing clearance (12:30); “this is a tough situation for all of us” (14:30); drivers wrestling with a bigger picture (16:30); the vaccination part of the equation (18:30); the inherent self-determination of the driver and racer (21:00); are we witnessing the championship contender emergence of Ryan Blaney? (24:00); if the 750 horsepower tracks will be a Penske strength in the playoffs (26:30).