The second season of NASCAR’s Netflix docuseries, titled NASCAR Full Speed, has been released, with all five episodes now available for streaming. The series once again spotlights the playoffs and the 16 drivers vying for the championship, making it accessible for casual viewers and newcomers who may not be familiar with the intricacies of the sport. The show effectively demystifies the complex system used to determine the annual champion.
This season primarily features notable drivers such as Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell, Daniel Suarez, Chase Briscoe, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick, and Harrison Burton. One of the show’s strengths lies in its focus on the personal lives of these drivers, allowing viewers to connect with them on a deeper level. A particularly successful approach is the inclusion of the drivers’ wives, girlfriends, and family members, which adds emotional depth to their stories. This method mirrors the successful formula established in the show’s inaugural season.
The Behind-the-Scenes Look at Drivers
One of the most engaging aspects of NASCAR Full Speed is its exploration of the off-track lives of the drivers. For instance, William Byron opens up about his experiences with a sports therapist, while Julia Piquet shares her frustrations regarding the performance of Daniel Suarez’s car. Chase Briscoe faces the immense pressure of competing for a championship amid personal challenges, as his wife Marissa is expecting twins. These compelling storylines unfold against the backdrop of the playoffs.
The show also provides insight into the personal sacrifices and support systems behind the drivers. We learn about Daniel Suarez’s father and his pivotal role in guiding his son, NASCAR’s only Mexican driver, toward the Cup Series. Additionally, Jeff Burton expresses tough love towards his son, Harrison, after he loses his ride with Wood Brothers Racing. These narratives enrich the viewing experience, allowing both seasoned fans and newcomers to gain a more profound understanding of the sport and its personalities.
Training and Preparation
The series dedicates time to showcasing the pit crews of Suarez and Blaney during their mid-week training sessions. Viewers witness several memorable moments, particularly with Blaney and his crew. However, some fans might wish for even more coverage of the preparation that goes into each race weekend. For example, the show includes scenes of Suarez on a simulator and Bell analyzing data prior to the race at Homestead, but a deeper exploration of these preparation methods would enhance viewers’ appreciation for the intricacies involved in NASCAR racing.
The show does an excellent job of highlighting the individuality of each driver, allowing their distinct personalities to shine through before critical playoff moments. While in a racing environment, drivers often appear similar due to rehearsed statements and sponsorship endorsements. In contrast, NASCAR Full Speed presents them as real people, sharing personal anecdotes and interacting with their families in ways that foster a genuine connection with the audience.
However, the series does revisit some familiar themes from its first season, such as Christopher Bell’s narrative of being overlooked and William Byron’s rise through iRacing. While these repeated elements are not overly intrusive, they do remind viewers of previous storylines.
Race Coverage and Dramatic Moments
When it comes to race coverage, the series provides a straightforward yet effective portrayal of the events. While the primary focus is on the playoffs, it could have benefited from weaving in additional dramatic moments occurring simultaneously. For example, the thrilling last-lap showdown between Chris Buescher and Shane van Gisbergen at The Glen is notably absent, as is Kyle Busch’s heartbreaking mistake while attempting to maintain his winning streak at Kansas. Incorporating these significant moments alongside the playoff narrative would have created a richer viewing experience, as some races seemed less eventful than they actually were.
The show effectively handles the disqualification of Alex Bowman, capturing the shock of that moment. Joey Logano’s reaction to rejoining the playoffs and his unique perspective on luck are also well-presented. The series creates engaging cliffhangers that compel viewers to continue watching, even if they had not intended to binge the entire season. Insightful conversations on pit road between drivers and their teams offer intriguing glimpses into the dynamics of race day, particularly those involving the No. 11 team and their interactions with the No. 20 team. Additionally, Marty Smith continues to provide valuable context as an industry insider throughout each episode.
Addressing Controversial Moments
While the series emphasizes the importance of teamwork during high-stakes races, it notably omits a significant aspect of teamwork that could have enhanced the storytelling. The show could have addressed the contentious events surrounding the Martinsville cut-off race. Despite the desire to move past the situation, it was crucial to include the radio communications, the Chevrolet blockade behind Byron, and the aftermath of the penalties incurred. Instead, the narrative primarily centered on Bell and his debated incident with the wall. This omission was somewhat disappointing, as the incident represented a pivotal moment in the playoffs.
The emotional rollercoaster experienced by Morgan Bell during the race control deliberations added depth to the storyline, highlighting the tension and stakes involved in such moments.
Climactic Finale
As the season culminates, viewers may wonder how the series would approach the finale, especially given that it was not the most thrilling race of the season. However, the show succeeds in creating a palpable sense of tension from start to finish. Even though some races may have felt drawn out, the finale at Phoenix was engaging, emphasizing the stakes and what was on the line for the drivers.
The final montage summarizing each featured driver’s season was a nice touch, and the soundtrack throughout the docuseries enhanced the overall viewing experience. While it may not have reached the highest accolades, the show effectively introduces new audiences to the sport while also providing interesting insights for dedicated fans.
Looking Ahead
If there is a wish list for Season 3, it would include a desire for more behind-the-scenes content, a deeper look into the preparation processes for each race, introductions to crew members, and a focus on the other dramatic moments that characterize dynamic race weekends. Additionally, it’s essential to address uncomfortable yet critical moments without glossing over them to provide a comprehensive narrative.
In summary, NASCAR Full Speed Season 2 does an admirable job of balancing personal stories with the excitement of the sport, making it a valuable addition to the NASCAR media landscape.
