Regan Smith has made over 450 starts in NASCAR competition. Along the way, he’s nearly won a race, did win a crown jewel event, served as a substitute for some of the sport’s biggest names, and has driven for almost every team. Well, that might be an exaggeration, but Smith has undoubtedly experienced a lot since making his national series debut in 2002.

Smith joins The Racing Writer’s Podcast to discuss some of the memorable moments from his career — like what he did in the NASCAR hauler after being told he didn’t win at Talladega in 2008. He also explains a factor that led him to Fox Sports, where he currently serves as an analyst and pit reporter.

Plus:

• How it has been reporting from the track under COVID-19 restrictions
• Ways he’s improved in his role since the first year he started on pit road – and learning from his Fox teammates
• Smith’s unique relationship with Matt Yocum, who interviewed him after his first win at Darlington (and the souvenir Smith got to keep)
• If Smith ever felt racing was starting to slip away from him, and why he’s tried to appreciate the Cup races he’s run
• The experience of sharing a car with Hall of Famer Mark Martin
• What circumstances he views as “absolutely miserable” and “exhausting” for a driver
• Feeling as though he was at the top of his game in the Xfinity Series, and then not having a ride
• The transition into television and how it has changed his relationships in the garage