Grip Strip Podcast Episode 213 - Smooth Operating

Grip Strip Podcast

Phil and Josh return for E213 of the GSP to actually talk about Formula 1, since the Smooth Operator Carlos Sainz returned from an appendectomy and won the Australian Grand Prix. Sainz had overtaken Fish Lips on the track but the Red Fool leader fell out with brake failure. The guys talk about his first DNF in two years, Sainz getting a dominant win with a Ferrari 1-2, McLaren being with them, Mercedes being terrible, Daniel Ricciardo looking at the exit door and Logan Sargeant holding Alex Albon's manpurse.

A generally uncompelling weekend at the Thermal Club saw a usual result, with defending series champion Alex Palou win pole and dominate the main event to win his Chip Ganassi team $500,000. The other standout was former 10 car driver Felix Rosenqvist, who's new home at Meyer-Shank suits him well. Phil and Josh look at the race, what can be changed and who made/missed the show.

Circuit of the Americas hosted NASCAR and saw William Byron become the first repeat winner of 2024 in dominant fashion. Track limits played a part along with pit road penalties in a race that generally lacked any drama. The new "short track" package continues to suck in actually allowing cars to pass and provide more driveability. Hendrick and Toyota continue to lead while Ford struggles. Chris Bell made a list of enemies, including former teammate Kyle Busch.

On the XFinity side, Yung Money benefitted from Bobby Hill parking his car in front of SVG on the final lap of the race, costing both a chance at victory. Sam Mayer finally gets a decent result and there was a mixed bag among the contenders. For the Truck Series, Corey Heim barely had any resistance on his way to his first win of 2024. The revelation was Conor Zilisch, who made his debut and qualified on pole. After a tough start, the Trackhouse development driver moved his way back into the top five at the end of the race. On the flip side, Marco Andretti's rear end fell out of his Roper Racing truck.

The GSP Roundup covers F2/F3, Supercars, MotoGP/Moto2, WSBK, NHRA, WRC and Formula E before leading into previews and picks for the Easter weekend races at Richmond for NASCAR Cup and XFinity. Josh lets us know about everything going on in iRacing on his Sim Segment before the Show Close.