Positive Regression: A Motorsports Analytics Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 96: The Intersection of NASCAR and Cycling Apr 01, 2021

Show notes

In which our heroes are joined by Kristin Labonte, a three-time USA Masters cycling champion and NASCAR sponsorship marketer, to discuss the parallels between NASCAR and World Tour cycling. Then, they discuss whether elements of other sports like loans, tournaments, combines and timeouts could serve a purpose in auto racing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 95: Evaluating a Winless Trio Mar 25, 2021

Show notes

In which our heroes decipher the early-season riddles behind the prominent, albeit winless trio (07:36) of Kevin Harvick (09:17), Kyle Busch (21:16) and Chase Elliott (27:30). Afterwards, they offer their expectations of the upcoming Bristol dirt race (39:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 94: The Logic Behind Bad Pit Calls Mar 18, 2021

Show notes

In which our heroes celebrate their favorite NASCAR paint scheme (00:52) before understanding the logic behind some of the year's most polarizing pit gambles (09:25) for Kyle Larson at Homestead (18:26), Kevin Harvick at Las Vegas (21:22) and Bubba Wallace at Phoenix (24:17), among others. Then, they provide a comprehensive preview of the Atlanta race, focusing on tire wear (32:45), the relevance of having the fastest car (34:31) and what to expect from reigning winner Harvick (37:07). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 93: What's a Proven Winner Proving by Winning More? Mar 11, 2021

Show notes

In which our heroes give thought to John Hunter Nemechek's puzzling path back to the NASCAR Truck Series (6:54) and whether his bet might actually work. Then, they preview the weekend's Cup Series race in Phoenix (32:16). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonus Episode: Las Vegas NASCAR Post-Race Analysis Mar 07, 2021

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In which our heroes take to Venue for a live post-race show following the NASCAR Cup Series race in Las Vegas. They discuss the fickle restarts (04:19), Kyle Larson's evolution on 550-hp tracks (07:11) and whether he's a legitimate championship contender (10:42), Brad Keselowski's runner-up performance (14:35), the volatile fortunes of Kyle Busch (21:17) and a top-10 effort from potential free-agent market disruptor Erik Jones (26:04). Take part in the next Positive Regression live show by downloading Venue at GetVenue.app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 92: Make a Strength Stronger Mar 04, 2021

Show notes

In which our heroes make sense of Martin Truex's decision to change spotters in an effort to improve his restarts (05:23), discuss whether spotter talent can be quantified (17:12), detail Team Penske's puzzling pit strategy in Homestead (19:02), preview the NASCAR Cup Series race in Las Vegas (22:45) and tease a new interactive post-race project (39:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bonus Episode: Homestead NASCAR Race Preview Feb 25, 2021

Show notes

In which our heroes preview the NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, detailing the correlation between speed and results (01:37), the impact of long green-flag runs on car setup at 550-hp tracks (04:46), Christopher Bell's prowess on intermediate tracks (09:10), the restart dynamic (12:37), their favorites for the win (14:50) and their choices for contrarian performers (17:41). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 91: Prospectpalooza III Feb 18, 2021

Show notes

In which our heroes are joined by Chris Mitchell of MotorsportsAnalytics.com to break down his list of NASCAR's top 50 prospects (07:55), including Sam Mayer (11:25), Derek Kraus (16:13), Sheldon Creed (19:01), Hailie Deegan (23:05) and Bret Holmes (27:07). Then, they offer a preview of this weekend's race on the Daytona road course (32:56) and chime in with favorites (41:47) and contrarian performers (44:29). For Chris Mitchell's prospects list, please visit https://motorsportsanalytics.net/analysis/5c9tt For Jimmy Tomlin's feature story on Jocko Flocko, please visit https://www.ourstate.com/jocko-flocko-nascar-monkey/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 90: Very Specific Predictions Feb 11, 2021

Show notes

In which our heroes make predictions for the 2021 NASCAR season (04:55) that are on brand and off the beaten path, focused on fortunes for Kurt Busch (06:28), Joey Logano (10:45), Erik Jones (13:56), Chase Briscoe (17:44), Alex Bowman (21:21) and Matt DiBenedetto (25:54). Then, they submit a comprehensive preview of the Daytona 500 (29:24), discussing drafting-track speed (30:00), strategy (33:33), their picks to win (39:01) and contrarian performers (44:42). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 88: The Big Picture Jan 28, 2021

Show notes

In which our heroes return for Season 3, conversing on the big-picture stories for the 2021 NASCAR season, including redemption for Kyle Busch (04:27), falloff for Kevin Harvick (13:36) and underachievement by Chase Elliott (24:45). They also identify the teams and drivers best positioned to take advantage of the expanded road course schedule (32:48). This episode is sponsored by the 2021 Athlon Sports NASCAR Preview Magazine, available now on newsstands or online at AthlonSports.com. To read David Smith's 2020 feature article on Dale Jarrett, please visit https://theathletic.com/1719557/2020/04/03/leap-year-dale-jarretts-1996-season-launched-an-unexpected-hall-of-fame-career/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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