237 – Phoenix II with Daniel Hemric & Ben Rhodes: Champions

On the 2021 season finale, T.J. Majors, Freddie Kraft and Brett Griffin are back from NASCAR Championship Weekend at Phoenix Raceway with plenty to say. Along with co-host Hannah Newhouse, they discuss how each title race played out and chat with two new champions – Xfinity Series winner Daniel Hemric and the Truck Series’ Ben Rhodes.

Freddie’s season with Bubba Wallace faced an early end after a wreck on Lap 8 during Sunday’s race. Hear from Freddie about how the No. 23 ended up being collateral damage. Then, the gang starts with the Truck Series championship race and John Hunter Nemechek’s defeat. Hear about the No. 4 truck’s early mistake, questionable decision making later in the race and what this loss may teach Nemechek.

The Cup Series championship ultimately was decided by a late caution that brought all four title contenders down pit road. Should a caution have been called for the debris from David Starr’s car? How would have the race played out if it stayed green? What do the guys think about a pit stop ultimately determining the champion? They share their thoughts on how everything unfolded and provide insight on an industry secret concerning lug nuts. Plus, they discuss how Kyle Larson ultimately pulled off the biggest victory of his career.

Each series’ champion is decided by the season finale each season. Is that the best way to determine who the sport awards the title of champion? The guys debate the idea of a single race championship and propose alternate ideas on how to determine the top team after an entire season.

Tony Stewart called Kyle Larson the best race car driver he has ever seen after Larson’s dominant season. The guys discuss the impressive list of accomplishments Larson achieved this year to earn that kudos and what it means coming from Stewart.

Sunday marked the final race in the Gen 6 car era of the Cup Series. Find out what Denny Hamlin’s crew chief Chris Gabehart had to say about the artistry of the sport dying with this car and why it has the guys sad to see it go.

NASCAR President Steve Phelps said that fans who prefer a higher horsepower aero package are a “vocal minority” and that the data suggests “we have better racing right now than we’ve had arguably ever.” Does the crew agree with those bold statements? They dissect his comments and the direction NASCAR is headed in with its on-track product.

Ryan Newman raised safety concerns about the Next Gen car at Phoenix and it surfaces a broader concern for the group regarding driver representation in the sport. Hear why they think if the new car is any less safe than the current car, it’s unacceptable. Plus, they share why drivers need to have a seat at the table when NASCAR makes big decisions.

Next, Daniel Hemric joins the show to talk all about winning his first career NASCAR race and championship all on the same night. Hear about his celebrations from the past few days, his mindset making a Dale Earnhardt-esque move on Austin Cindric at the line, and the bet he helped Bubba Wallace win with Michael Jordan.

From one champion to the next, Truck Series’ title winner Ben Rhodes joins next. He shares about how he made the right moves to secure the title, what he remembers about his legendary alcohol-influenced post-race press conference, and how getting rid of T.J. as his spotter elevated his performance.

In Reaction Theatre, T.J. reveals his 2022 spotting plans, a Fireball challenge is proposed, Hamlin’s haters weigh in, and the highlights from one intoxicated press conference are played.

Lastly, a surprise to end the season as the inaugural DBC Year End Awards are presented by the boss, Mike Davis. Find out what critically acclaimed honors the gang earned in 2021 as they reflect back on some of the season’s best moments.

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