Grip Strip Podcast Episode 198 - Crunch Time Closers

Phil and Josh return for E198 of the GSP to review the NASCAR XFinity and Craftsman Truck Series 2023 campaigns.  What does Cole Custer's championship performance at Phoenix say about his viability and future in Cup after the demotion? 

John Hunter Nemechek was dominant like in Trucks but could not close the deal in the playoffs while Austin Hill showed that he was a whiny, spoiled choker who isn't a good teammate.  JRM saw Justin Allgaier fall short yet again for an elusive title while Sam Mayer had a breakout campaign.  The guys look at Kaulig Racing falling off and early favorites for 2024.

On the Truck Series side, Ben Rhodes by virtually any measure wasn't a championship driver.  However, he was in the right place at the right time to close the deal and become a two-time series champion.  Grant Enfinger was in position to give GMS a walk-off title but Corey Heim and Carson Hocevar decided to destroy each other.  Will Heim's reaction to Hocevar's driving sully the quality of driving he showed through the majority of the season? 

Hocevar broke out in 2023 but his judgement and driving standards were questionable at best.  Will he get the same treatment like mentor Ross Chastain or will being a full-time Cup Series driver make him change?  Finally, with the death of Kyle Busch Motorsports and GMS Racing, how healthy is the Truck Series?

Phil and Josh talk about Week 13 of the NFL season for their actual teams along with fantasy getting closer to the playoffs before a short GSP Roundup covering the Snowball Derby, Extreme E's season finale in Chile, and NHRA news.  Josh's Sim Segment lets us know about all things iRacing and gaming before Show Close.