Grip Strip Podcast Episode 196 - Thanksgiving Tithings - a podcast by Philip G. Mathew

Phil, Josh and returning guest Joe Passero all come back for a pre-Thanksgiving edition of the GSP to review the 2023 Cup Series season.  Prior to the Cup discussion, Phil and Josh review an entertaining and action packed F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.  While the main result was the same as usual, the battle for the victory and racing throughout the field actually made the race watchable for the first time in months.  The guys get into who stood out and who rolled snake eyes in the inaugural race down The Strip.  

The recently completed Cup Series season provided plenty of ebbs and flows but the biggest surprise after a down year for the blue oval brigade was Penske's Ryan Blaney winning twice in the playoffs and finishing second to earn his first Cup Series title.  The guys discuss what it means for YRB as a driver and the sport itself with one of the most popular drivers taking the hardware.  On the flip side, William Byron had a career year with Hendrick having 50% representation in the Final Four.  However, neither Byron or Kyle Larson left with the title. 

Outside of Hendrick, Joe Gibbs Racing was the other dominant team with Martin Truex, Jr. winning the regular season title and promptly dropping anchor once the playoffs began.  Dennis Hamlin let everyone know that this was his season but per usual, he leaves without the elusive championship.  Christopher Bell continues to show his clutch gene with another great playoff performance and Final 4 berth while Keebler Gibbs won ROTY going away.

The crew talk about the retirement of Kevin Harvick and his meaning to the sport after a 22-year career in Cup.  The guys look at the stats, his presence in and out of the car and what his entrance into the broadcast booth can do for lay and diehard fans alike.  Other key topics were the playoff format and the issues with the Next Gen car on short tracks and road courses.  What changes need to be made to make the racing better with the car in general?  Finally, Phil, Josh and Joe give their surprises and disappointments for the 2023 season. 

Phil and Josh get into Week 11 of the NFL where both of their teams took victories and they review their fantasy squads as well.  The guys preview and make picks for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix behind Fish Lips before Josh's Sim Segment and Show Close.

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