Welcome back, race fans — the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season is officially underway, and Mash The Gas is firing on all cylinders to kick it off.

We were set to open the year with coverage of the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray, but winter weather in Winston-Salem, North Carolina had other plans. Snowfall over the weekend forced the Clash to be postponed until Wednesday, February 4th, so instead, Kevin Batstone and Jeff Davis step in to launch the season with everything you need to know heading into 2026.

NASCAR Sky couldn’t be with us on this episode but will return following the Daytona 500 and for the remainder of the season.

In this episode, we cover:

• Key offseason updates across the garage
• The return of the new Chase format — no more “win and you’re in,” with points mattering more than ever
• Breakdown of the ongoing lawsuit
• Steve Phelps stepping away as NASCAR Commissioner
• Remembering Greg Biffle and the passing of Denny Hamlin’s father
• Our bold 2026 season predictions
• NASCAR history, laughs, and the energy that makes Mash The Gas what it is

We’re setting the tone for another high-octane season of real NASCAR talk, honest opinions, and plenty of fun along the way.

Strap in — the 2026 season starts now.
It’s time to Mash The Gas.

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YouTube 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@DiscussionCombustion

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