--- title: "Michael Waltrip’s brewery, Bowman’s future, Dodge’s Cup return on *Bringing the Heat*" description: "NASCAR legend Michael Waltrip unpacks off-track ventures, new beer flavors, and the sport’s shifting power dynamics on Trey Lyle’s podcast." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/bringing-the-heat-michael-waltrip-shares-inspiration-for-br-b8aa8404 published: 2026-07-03T08:45:15.854+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T08:45:15.854+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # Michael Waltrip’s brewery, Bowman’s future, Dodge’s Cup return on *Bringing the Heat* > NASCAR legend Michael Waltrip unpacks off-track ventures, new beer flavors, and the sport’s shifting power dynamics on Trey Lyle’s podcast. NASCAR Hall of Famer Michael Waltrip revealed the latest expansion of Michael Waltrip Brewing on *Bringing the Heat with Trey Lyle*, including a cinnamon roll ale and broader distribution push. The brewery, now in its second decade, has added production capacity to meet demand after a 15% year-over-year sales jump in 2023. Waltrip called the cinnamon roll ale—brewed with cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar—a fan favorite that’s driven new taproom traffic at the Mooresville, North Carolina headquarters. The expansion reflects a broader trend in motorsports, where drivers and teams are leveraging personal brands to diversify revenue streams beyond sponsorships and winnings. Waltrip’s brewery, which started as a passion project, now operates as a full-fledged business with regional distribution and a growing wholesale footprint. The success mirrors the rise of other athlete-owned beverage brands, underscoring how off-track ventures can outpace on-track achievements in long-term value creation. The podcast also dissected the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Naval Base Coronado, where rookie Connor Zilisch finished third in his No. 24 truck for GMS Racing. Zilisch, 20, became the first driver born in the 2000s to crack the Truck Series podium and led 12 laps, signaling a rapid rise after his 2023 ARCA championship. Waltrip praised Zilisch’s composure under pressure and predicted a Cup Series seat within two seasons if current trends hold. His performance at the military base race added weight to his résumé, a venue that has historically served as a proving ground for young talent. Waltrip and Lyle debated Alex Bowman’s future with Hendrick Motorsports amid a winless 2024 campaign that has left him 18th in points. Waltrip argued Bowman’s consistency and experience could still make him a valuable asset, while Lyle pointed to the team’s preference for younger drivers like Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott. The episode also revisited Dodge’s potential return to the Cup Series, with Waltrip calling it a “real possibility” given parent company Stellantis’ motorsports push and the sport’s open manufacturer landscape. Waltrip emphasized the challenges of balancing a racing legacy with off-track ventures like the brewery. “You can’t just mail it in on either side,” he said. “The brewery keeps me grounded, but racing is still my heartbeat.” Lyle pushed back on the idea that Waltrip’s dual roles dilute his impact, noting that his business acumen has made him a sought-after voice in the garage. What’s next: Waltrip’s brewery will debut the cinnamon roll ale nationally in August, coinciding with the Cup Series race at Watkins Glen. Meanwhile, Zilisch will pilot the No. 24 truck at Mid-Ohio on July 13, while Bowman faces a pivotal stretch at Atlanta and New Hampshire to salvage his Hendrick tenure. ## Why this matters Waltrip’s dual career underscores how motorsports icons are diversifying beyond driving, while his podcast segments offer a window into NASCAR’s evolving talent pipeline and manufacturer politics. The brewery’s growth reflects the rising influence of off-track ventures in motorsports, while debates over Bowman’s future and Dodge’s return highlight the sport’s strategic shifts ahead of 2025. The rise of athlete-owned brands and the emergence of Gen-Z drivers like Zilisch are reshaping the sport’s economics and competitive landscape, making Waltrip’s insights particularly timely. ## Frequently asked ### What new beer flavors did Michael Waltrip Brewing announce? The brewery debuted a cinnamon roll ale brewed with cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar, which Waltrip called a fan favorite driving new taproom traffic in Mooresville. ### How did Connor Zilisch perform at Naval Base Coronado? Zilisch finished third in the Truck Series race, becoming the first driver born in the 2000s to reach the podium and leading 12 laps in his No. 24 GMS Racing truck. ### What did Waltrip say about Alex Bowman’s future? Waltrip argued Bowman’s consistency and experience could still make him valuable to Hendrick Motorsports, though the team has shown preference for younger drivers like Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott. ### Did Waltrip comment on Dodge’s potential Cup Series return? Yes. Waltrip called Dodge’s return a “real possibility,” citing Stellantis’ motorsports push and the sport’s open manufacturer landscape as key factors. ### When will the cinnamon roll ale be available nationally? The ale is set for a national debut in August, timed to coincide with the Cup Series race at Watkins Glen. ### What’s Zilisch’s next race? Zilisch will pilot the No. 24 truck at Mid-Ohio on July 13, following his breakthrough run at Naval Base Coronado. ## Sources & Citations - [Bringing the Heat: Michael Waltrip Shares Inspiration for Brewery, New Beer Flavors](https://frontstretch.com/2026/07/01/michael-waltrip-shares-inspiration-for-brewery-new-beer-flavors/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=michael-waltrip-shares-inspiration-for-brewery-new-beer-flavors) — Frontstretch (2026-07-02) --- Cite: Michael Waltrip’s brewery, Bowman’s future, Dodge’s Cup return on *Bringing the Heat*. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/bringing-the-heat-michael-waltrip-shares-inspiration-for-br-b8aa8404