Grip Strip Podcast Episode 223 – Carnage, Chaos, and Clusters

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-d3d22-163993e

Phil and Josh return for E223 of the GSP to discuss all the craziness at Detroit, Gateway and elsewhere in the world of motorsports.  In Detroit, Honda powered IndyCar’s seemed to dominate in Chevy’s house with the podium swept by the Ohio/California gang.  Scott Dixon put on another fuel saving doctoral dissertation but had heat from fellow Kiwi and teammate Marcus Armstrong and former teammate Marcus Ericsson at the end. 

Issues throughout the field and eight cautions in the first 73 laps marred what basically became a survival test. Augustin Canapino and the Argentinian fanbase are out of order after threatening Theo Pourchaire.  When the drivers are wishing and hoping to go back to Belle Isle, the track is bad.  

NASCAR Cup and Trucks were at Gateway while the XFinity drivers were at Portland for road course action.  Austin Cindric was the beneficiary of issues for both Christopher Bell and teammate Ryan Blaney, taking his first win since winning the 2022 Daytona 500.  This was not a great day for the points contenders in general, but there’s still plenty of races left. 

Stewart-Haas Racing will cease to exist at the end of 2024, after Tony and Gene made that announcement to the team after the 600.  Phil and Josh give their thoughts at the end of this organization along with where some of the key people will go.  With Snoreoma upcoming, that will be Faux last telecast of 2024.  Other than Harvick and Mike Joy, is there anything redeeming? 

Shane Van Gisbergen became a NASCAR XFinity winner at Portland, passing dominant presence Justin Allgaier late in the race.  All three Kaulig cars finished in the top 10, and SVG locks himself into the playoffs.  Another person who is locked into the playoffs is Corey Heim after a fourth win of the Truck Series regular season.  Outside of Heim, Ty Majeski, Christian Eckes and Nick Sanchez stand as the only drivers that might have a chance at Phoenix. 

The GSP Roundup will recap IMSA at Detroit, NHRA at Epping, MotoGP/Moto2 at Mugello along with major rider news and WRC Rally Italy before previewing Indy NXT at Road America.  Phil and Josh make their picks and discuss the F1 Canadian Grand Prix, NASCAR Cup and XFinity at Snoreoma and IndyCar at Road America.  Josh lets us know his exploits in iRacing on his Sim Segment prior to show close.