Will the Netflix docuseries elevate the sport?

I’ve carefully adopted each F1 and NASCAR for many of my life, so I used to be curious as to how inventory automotive racing’s reply to Drive to Survive would painting the game. I am positive comparisons can be made between the 2. Whereas it is not a carbon copy of DTS, is actually follows an identical format in showcasing the lives of the drivers and their weekend battles out on monitor. However will it have the identical impression?

What I hoped to see going into it

As an American, the uptick in US curiosity round Method 1 after Drive to Survive arrived on Netflix has been beautiful to me. Individuals in my life who by no means cared about motorsports now wish to speak about F1. I’m sincerely hoping that the streaming service can do the identical for NASCAR, introducing inventory automotive racing in a method that appeals to a bigger viewers, whereas additionally shattering a number of the stereotypes which might be connected to it.

NASCAR stays king in viewership amongst US-based racing followers, however the youthful demographic is one the game is desperately chasing. A compelling on-track product will not be sufficient to draw most of them. They want stars. Even non-racing followers know who Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart are. The issue is, these are the celebs of yesterday and are not behind the wheel. What concerning the stars of at this time? Going into this docuseries, my foremost hope was that it could do extra than simply showcase all of the drama that exists with the ten-race playoffs. It needed to take these drivers and present them in a method we have but to see, bringing their personalties to the foredeont and actually giving individuals a cause root for — or maybe root towards them. 

The motion, the drama, the politics and the personalities — it’s all proper there. NASCAR already has an amazing product, however they need assistance promoting it. With Netflix’s assist, will they lastly be capable to?

Episode 1

NASCAR Full Pace opens in a stunning trend, exhibiting us a little bit of pre-race scene for the penultimate race of the 12 months at Martinsville Speedway. It is then adopted by an introduction that portrays these drivers as they need to be — gladiators dealing with off in a high-speed area.

I notably favored Denny Hamlin‘s feedback about racing versus stick and ball sports activities, explaining the way you would possibly get fortunate and make a three-point shot that Michael Jordan would not make, however no athlete from that world can simply get right into a race automotive and run as quick as Hamlin does. I believed that set the tone completely.

Now for the uninitiated, Hamlin is NASCAR’s villain lately, and it is a position he embraces totally. They wasted little time making that abundantly clear. He additionally felt a bit like the principle character throughout this docuseries as he was a continuing all through it, each in his position as a driver and proprietor.

His campaign to lastly turn out to be Cup Sequence champion is the centerpiece of his story, and hangs over him within the present because it does in his real-life profession. Hamlin is the winningest driver in NASCAR historical past and not using a Cup title.

The extra commentary from Dale Earnhardt Jr., Marty Smith, Steve Letarte, and Shannon Spake was finished nicely. It did not really feel jarring they usually all added fascinating views to the tales they have been making an attempt to inform.

After Hamlin’s introduction, we meet William Byron. His sim to actuality story units him other than most Cup drivers, who’ve been racing on precise tracks from the age of 5 or 6. However whilst we adopted the soft-spoken Hendrick Motorsports driver by his every day life, Hamlin nonetheless managed to make an look.

There is a scene of Byron listening to Hamlin’s podcast, explaining how he needed to “hear the mindset of one other driver.” It could not be the final time Netflix cameras have been on as a rival driver reacted to Hamlin’s podcast.

We return to Hamlin, this time exhibiting the polarizing driver in his position as proprietor. With the hopes of pulling in a wider viewers, I believe it was necessary to showcase the involvement of his buddy and 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan. They completely didn’t miss the chance to do exactly that with the NBA legend exhibiting up a number of occasions all through the docuseries.

Picture by: John Harrelson / NKP / Motorsport Images

Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing, The Massive 615/MoneyLion Toyota Camry, Michael Jordan

Not solely did we get a glimpse into the private lives of those drivers, however it shortly turned obvious that we have been going to be handled to loads of behind-the-scenes content material each on the crew outlets and race monitor. 

This episode covers the common season finale at Daytona Worldwide Speedway, and I puzzled how they’d correctly convey what was on the road within the ultimate race earlier than the playoffs. Most drivers in a must-win state of affairs have been ignored, with Netflix selecting as an alternative to concentrate on a selected storyline.

This ended up being the suitable transfer, explaining the awkward place Hamlin discovered himself in. He drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, and Coach Gibbs’ grandson was the primary driver outdoors the playoffs. The motive force he was chasing? Bubba Wallace, who drives for Hamlin. They spend loads of time on Hamlin’s dilemma and his choice to publicly admit that he would assist his driver over his boss’ grandson.

I used to be pleasantly shocked with how they selected to indicate the opposite elements of the race groups, together with the integral position of a crew chief. Though it touched on the technical side of issues, I do want they spent extra time on that. Maybe that would not have performed nicely with an informal viewers, however it’s one thing I hoped to see extra of.

One thing the present may have actually benefited from was going deeper into the prep of the automobiles, giving viewers a have a look at your complete course of from the constructing, wrapping, transporting and so forth. It takes an incredible quantity of effort to get only one automotive from the store ground to the monitor on Sunday.

A criticism of Drive to Survive was how they left the viewer in suspense over Romain Grosjean’s horrific crash in the course of the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix. I puzzled if we would see one thing comparable with Ryan Preece’s rollover crash at Daytona, however this present selected not to attract it out. In actual fact, NASCAR Full Pace didn’t overdramatize a lot of something, which I discovered refreshing.

Episode 2

The formulation for the present turned clear, with every episode devoted to a three-race playoff spherical. We see extra of Bubba Wallace, who obtained a chuckle out of me along with his DTS point out, whereas additionally introducing us to defending champion Joey Logano.

The present continues to execute nicely in explaining who these drivers are with out overwhelming new viewers with data. Logano is a prodigy, one hailed as the very best factor since sliced bread, they usually be sure you know he doesn’t care about making pals. 

I used to be anxious to see how they’d clarify NASCAR’s quite sophisticated playoff format, however they did not spend an excessive amount of time going into the little complexities of it. They provided a primary description, they usually moved on, which was in all probability for the very best.

Seeing all of the drivers need to undergo at Media Day wasn’t stunning to me, however must be eye-opening for brand new followers.

We get to see extra concerning the pit crews this episode too, and the way vital they’re to a profitable race weekend. We get a entrance row seat to pitstop observe with the No. 11 crew, which instantly precedes them derailing Hamlin’s Southern 500 efforts with a mid-race unfastened wheel. We then have to look at Hamlin have interaction with keen followers after the race, nonetheless reeling from the missed alternative.

A standard false impression outdoors of the racing group is that NASCAR ovals are all basically the identical. Netflix dispels that notion, taking time to showcase the individuality and distinctive traits of Darlington Raceway.

Additionally, the story of Reddick having to win the 2019 Xfinity title with a purpose to get naming rights for his son was a hilarious inclusion.

Later within the spherical, we get our first look contained in the Taj Mahal of NASCAR race groups — Hendrick Motorsports, who’re on the cusp of a milestone three hundredth win. This features a bit about Byron’s exercise routine and the extreme coaching that goes into changing into a top-level Cup driver. My solely criticism is that I want we noticed extra of that.

Picture by: Rusty Jarrett / NKP / Motorsport Images

William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports, Liberty College Chevrolet Camaro wins.

We noticed Hamlin with the motive force’s hat and proprietor’s hat, and now we obtained to see him a tough hat as he inspects the continued building of 23XI Racing’s new constructing. His divided loyalties between JGR and 23XI is a continued theme all through this episode with Reddick beating the boss to the win at Kansas Speedway. 

A spotlight for me was Hamlin and his youngsters, who inform him he is finished too many races whereas additionally saying he ought to have received extra of them.

When Logano’s playoffs got here to an abrupt finish within the Spherical of 16 elimination race at Kansas, it was nice to have the ability to watch him within the hauler afterwards. His solely hope of advancing was if one other playoff driver discovered hassle, and cameras watch as he anxiously watches Martin Truex Jr. hit the wall.

And the episode’s conclusion was simply excellent. Hamlin, ever the villain, celebrating his Bristol win and taunting the booing crowd.

Episode 3

Right here we’re launched to Ross Chastain, the eighth-generation watermelon farmer who shocked the world along with his Martinsville wall-ride in the course of the 2022 playoffs. He would not conceal the truth that his fellow drivers don’t get pleasure from his driving model, and the unflattering nicknames they’ve for him.

We see extra of Wallace as nicely, who has been going by a whirlwind of feelings all through the playoffs. It looks like we’re simply using with him on this rollercoaster, and Texas Motor Speedway was a breaking level. He received the pole, was in competition to win, however misplaced out on the ultimate restart.

Byron captured that three hundredth win for HMS whereas Wallace and crew are left to marvel what may have been. And we get a really uncooked second with No. 23 crew chief Bootie Barker, who desires to get the mic off after which offers probably the greatest strains in your complete docuseries.

Producer: “You informed me you do not get too excessive and you do not get too low.” Barker calmly replies: “I assume I lied to your ass.”

Picture by: Nigel Kinrade / NKP / Motorsport Images

Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing, DoorDash Toyota Camry and Bootie Barker, 23XI Racing, Toyota Camry

Uncooked moments like Barker and Wallace after Texas is the place the present actually did shine.

Midway by the third episode, we correctly meet the person who would find yourself profitable the Invoice France Cup — Ryan Blaney.

His heritage as a third-generation racer is on full show, and we do get a humorous unscripted second as he utterly botches a pool shot.

We see Hendrick Motorsports celebrating its three hundredth win and extra of Byron. He is a driver that appears very reserved on race weekends, so it was good to see extra of his character. At Talladega, NASCAR’s unbelievable fan entry is showcased as Chastain hangs out with random followers within the infield.

And we obtained to see Reddick dressed up as Luigi from Tremendous Mario Brothers, which was simply nice content material. He even placed on the accent. At one level, he’s simply hanging out in-costume with different drivers and speaking about what animated exhibits their youngsters get pleasure from. 

A shock inclusion was going inside an NBC broadcast assembly with Dale Earnhardt Jr. The present was actually checking all of the packing containers in what they selected to showcase. A significant subject at Talladega was producer orders, with politics actually reshaping how drafting races are run. I consider they might have finished greater than that, however I do recognize that they talked about it.

Nonetheless, an actual missed alternative was when Chastain was watching Hamlin predicting the Trackhouse Racing driver’s imminent elimination from the playoffs. This was an ideal probability to showcase their multi-season feud, which culminated with Hamlin getting himself penalized after admitting to deliberately walling Chastain on his podcast.

The Spherical of 12 elimination race at Charlotte Roval did not really feel as dramatic when watching reside from my recollection, however Netflix put within the work to make the viewer really feel the stakes of that day.

Picture by: Netflix

Ross Chastain

Episode 4

I used to be ready for Christopher Bell to indicate up and at last, we meet him within the penultimate episode. Bell is a quiet driver, however one who all the time delivers. He’s the one driver to make the Championship 4 in each years of the Gen-7 period.

The present does an amazing job in conveying how underrated he’s, and virtually an afterthought regardless of his apparent abilities. He would not thoughts it although, and relishes in proving individuals mistaken. He’s additionally obsessed along with his yard, apparently.

Picture by: Nigel Kinrade / NKP / Motorsport Images

Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing, Rheem – DEWALT Toyota Camry

We get extra of Hamlin this episode, speaking to his father and the sacrifices that each of his dad and mom made to get him into racing. After seeing his huge home and rich way of life, it was a great way to floor issues once more and present simply how far he is come.

That elusive title got here up once more, and his father confirmed off a cigar that was given to him by Jordan. Ought to Hamlin ever win the Cup, that cigar can be damaged out in celebration. They return to this in a later episode in what I felt was a really impactful second.

In addition they go into Hamlin’s shoulder points, which simply provides one other component to this title battle. Even many NASCAR followers have been unaware of the medical points that Hamlin was dealing with whereas competing on the highest stage of the game.

I haven’t got a lot to say concerning the race protection themselves on this spherical, apart from they did it justice. My solely gripe is that there was no point out of Blaney’s disqualification after Vegas, which was later rescinded. I believed that was a really dramatic state of affairs, but it was not noted of his story for some cause. Blaney vs. Hamlin at Homestead was some incredible content material although.

After they selected to inform a narrative, they did it nicely. Blaney’s brief fuse contained in the race automotive was talked about a number of occasions, with expletive-filled radio to drive the purpose house. 

Picture by: Netflix

Ryan Blaney

We see Byron doing a little homework, watching the race afterwards and finding out telemetry. One other appreciated inclusion, exhibiting that these guys do not simply strap into the automobiles on Sunday and go.

We lastly attain Martinsville, and they don’t fail in making the viewer really feel the seriousness of this race. It is the final shot for the ultimate eight title hopefuls to safe a shot on the championship. 

Hamlin battled by the ache, and ran nicely at Martinsville, however it wasn’t sufficient to advance into the ultimate 4. The NASCAR Cup Sequence title eluded him as soon as once more. What follows is one among my favourite elements of the docuseries as Netflix dedicates a number of minutes simply exhibiting all of feelings after that race. It was these drivers of their most weak second. There was a lingering shot on the cigar, and Hamlin laments: “I am f****** cursed.”

Picture by: Netflix

Denny Hamlin

Episode 5

Within the finale, Netflix appeared to let the race inform the story itself. Many of the runtime was devoted to the Phoenix race weekend, whereas additionally giving us our first glimpse at Larson’s private life. He was the one former champion nonetheless within the 2024 title battle. 

We comply with them of their many media duties, and talk about Erin Blaney’s break up loyalties. She is Ryan’s sister, however can be courting Byron. Each second of the weekend feels dramatic. 

Additionally cherished the second on the grid when Hendrick executives have been gathered, excited to have two drivers within the ultimate 4 but additionally lamenting the truth that they did not get all 4 in. Netflix did not miss a factor right here, specializing in each side of the title-decider. The households, the homeowners, the pit crews, and explaining how that is the most important prize in North American motorsports.

They even foreshadowed how Bell’s title hopes would finish as he discusses the necessity for brake followers along with his crew earlier than the race. When he finally crashes out with a blown brake rotor, we then get a really private second as he returns to the RV lot. He and spouse Morgan embrace, tears in her eyes. It actually drove house how necessary that is for these drivers. The purpose they’ve labored in direction of their complete lives and it is sitting there, simply out of attain. 

In the course of the race itself, they depart no stone unturned. Chastain, though eradicated two rounds earlier, turns into a central determine as he battles Blaney for the race lead. The Team Penske driver is completely furious. Netflix exhibits him dropping it contained in the automotive, performs the radio and the pleas from his crew to consider the larger image. His rivals odor blood within the water and able to pounce because the perceived weak point from the main championship combatant.

Blaney finally ends up dropping out in the course of the ultimate set of stops, however he places his head down, carves by the sphere, and takes the place from Larson after a quick battle. He wasn’t going to catch Chastain for the win, however it did not matter. The large prize was his. Blaney was a NASCAR Cup Sequence champion.

Remaining ideas

After which ‘Welcome to the Black Parade’ begins taking part in. The outro of NASCAR Full Pace is an ideal wrap-up to a present. We get emotional scenes with each of the Hendrick drivers who misplaced out, Blaney as he’s formally topped and is embraced by his father, in addition to ultimate ideas from the opposite stars of the present.

The docuseries was exactly what I hoped it could be. My solely criticism is that I needed extra of all the pieces. I believe the present may have benefited from further episodes, as there have been so many different tales that they simply weren’t capable of inform. Amongst them: Truex, who received the common season title earlier than a completely disastrous playoffs, was not a featured driver. Neither was two-time champion Kyle Busch, who was embarking on his first season with a brand new crew after 15 years with Joe Gibbs Racing. The tip of Kevin Harvick’s Cup profession and RFK Racing’s playoff run was left at as nicely, however once more, there’s solely a lot that may be coated in 5 episodes.

It actually wasn’t a Drive to Survive rip-off both. It was a singular docuseries that stands by itself two toes, and does precisely what it got down to do. I consider it succeeded in setting itself other than DTS whereas additionally taking inspiration from it. However will that result in elevated curiosity for NASCAR? Properly, that is still to be seen, however I am positive what else they might have finished.

They took a handful of drivers, gave us an unprecedented look into their lives, and portrayed them as “peculiar males doing extraordinary issues,” as the nice Ken Squier as soon as stated. Now they want to return racing, and placed on a present.

Fortunately, the 2024 season is correct across the nook. It begins on 18 February with the 66th operating of the Daytona 500 and this weekend, there can be a pre-season exhibition race on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. FOX Sports activities could have protection.