NASCAR GOAT Discussion, New Chase Format & More With Rick Houston (‪@TheSceneVault‬)

Continuing the season preview interview series, in this episode, Eric Estepp welcomes one of the most respected voices in NASCAR history. Veteran journalist and Scene Vault podcast host Rick Houston, who joins the show to talk racing’s past, its turning points, and where the sport may be headed next, including his unfiltered thoughts on NASCAR’s return to a Chase-style format. Before the conversation begins, there’s also a reminder that the NASCAR Pole Position 2026 season launch magazine is available now, a full-season preview packed with drivers, teams, and 75 storylines to watch, a perfect collectible for fans who want to dive deep before Daytona.

• Why does Rick Houston believe preserving NASCAR history is essential to the sport’s future?
• How does he reflect on the lasting impact of Dale Earnhardt’s death 25 years later?
• Where does Earnhardt truly rank among NASCAR’s greatest drivers across eras?
• And why is Rick still firmly opposed to the Chase format, even in its new form?

The discussion blends unforgettable stories from NASCAR’s past with a sharp perspective on today’s biggest debates. From untold garage area moments to a blunt critique of how championships are decided, this interview connects generations of fans through the sport’s evolving identity. If you care about where NASCAR has been and how those lessons shape where it’s going, this conversation delivers insight you won’t want to miss.

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