Netflix’s “Full Speed” returns for a gripping second season, offering an inside look at the intensity and rivalries of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. The show continues to bring the intensity of professional stock car racing to a larger audience. With more than just a recap of race results, the docu-series blends the intense moments of competition with behind-the-scenes stories, offering fans and newcomers a fascinating look into the drivers’ lives on and off the track.
Season two picks up towards the end of the racing season, as the NASCAR playoffs intensify and the stakes grow higher. Featuring a range of top drivers — Tyler Reddick, Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe among them — the series showcases both veterans in the sport and rising talents as they navigate the grueling — yet rewarding — final races of the season. Each episode focuses on individual journeys, highlighting the strategy, pressure and unpredictability that are all part of the sport.
One of the season’s most memorable storylines involves Stewart-Haas Racing’s unexpected closure. The announcement shocks the NASCAR world and directly impacts drivers Chase Briscoe and Harrison Burton. Briscoe, in particular, becomes a focus, with the series capturing his emotional resilience as he secures a playoff spot despite his team’s impending shutdown. Simultaneously, he prepares for a major personal event in his life: the birth of his twins. The show handles his story with sensitivity, adding a dimension that goes far beyond the racetrack.
Tyler Reddick takes center stage as well, with the show spotlighting his bold driving style and strategic risk-taking. An important moment occurs at the Charlotte Roval, where driver Alex Bowman was disqualified because his car failed post-race inspections for being underweight. This resulted in Bowman’s removal from the Round of 8.
Bowman’s disqualification allowed Joey Logano to advance in Bowman’s place. Before this, Tyler Reddick was in a close points battle with Logano for the final transfer spot. However, Bowman’s disqualification changed the playoff standings, allowing both Reddick and Logano to advance to the Round of 8. These kinds of unpredictable moments are what Full Speed thrives on.
Another powerful part of Season two is its depiction of support systems behind each driver — family members, pit crews and team managers who offer guidance, comfort and motivation. Ryan Blaney’s relationship with his team, Joey Logano’s focus on legacy and mentorship and Christopher Bell’s quiet confidence all shine through in personal stories that balance out the tension of race-day drama. This emotional layer boosts the series from a simple sports documentary to something that’s more cinematic and impactful.
While the series is good at presenting NASCAR in a digestible and captivating format, something is missing. There’s limited exploration of deeper controversies in the sport, such as behind-the-scenes team politics or allegations of race manipulation. Certain key figures and storylines that influenced the playoffs are absent or underdeveloped, which might disappoint more informed viewers. While this might be true, these omissions seem to be there to maintain a more streamlined and viewer-friendly narrative rather than diving into the sport’s controversial matters.
Overall, Full Speed Season two is an engaging, fast-paced look at a sport that could be one of America’s most misunderstood — NASCAR often only holds national attention when something goes wrong. This series opposes that, spotlighting the heart, strategy and stories that make the sport worth celebrating. It succeeds in emphasizing the physical and emotional weight of a NASCAR season while capturing the personalities that make this series so fascinating.
With the dynamic camera work, personal interviews and thrilling race footage, it makes every turn of the wheel feel important. This season brings Full Speed to new levels. Whether you’re a die-hard NASCAR fan or just looking for a new sports docu-series to binge, Full Speed season two is definitely worth your time.
