The Nationwide Series gets some additional exposure on Saturday afternoon at 2PM on ABC Sports. Bristol racing is a great product to put on the larger broadcast network.
Allen Bestwick will kick-off the coverage with NASCAR Countdown for thirty minutes. He will be joined in the Infield Pit Center by Rusty Wallace and Brad Daugherty.
Once the on-track action gets underway, Dr. Jerry Punch will call the action with Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree alongside. Jamie Little has the weekend off, so it will be Dave Burns, Shannon Spake, Vince Welch and Mike Massaro patrolling pit road.
Tim Brewer will be along in the Tech Center and coverage of the race will re-air on ESPN Classic at 8AM Sunday morning.
On this particular Saturday, the NASCAR on ESPN gang will shift over to ESPN2 at 6PM for coverage of the first charity race from Bristol. This should be a fun event with heats, celebrities and also some NASCAR legends.
This post will serve to host your comments about the Nationwide Series event and the charity race. TDP is a family-friendly website, please keep that in mind when posting.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by.
Seattle and Portland fans, stay tuned as your stations are again covering the pre-race show with kids programming.
ReplyDeleteRace coverage starts at 11:30AM your time.
JD
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see Harry Gant on the air. Another missing link to the past. What a great shame that ABC does not have any Harry Gant historic video to show while they talked to him.
ReplyDeleteJD
I guess Rusty is really competitive about this charity race. He picked Evernham as his "celebrity" and Ray was racing all last year in some small regional dirt track series with his nephew Willie and his girlfriend Crocker.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the weather forecast? Saw blue sky and then clouds in the shots I've seen.
ReplyDeleteHow many folks are flipping back and forth between NASCAR and the 12 Hours of Sebring on SPEED?
ReplyDeleteNevermind.
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame JD :( it would have been great for the "new" fans to see him in action especially since either he or Mark Martin seem to be the answer for 99.99% of the trivia questions :).
ReplyDeletePlenty of fans dressed up as gray alumninum bleachers
ReplyDeleteI would but my TV is dead :(...watching the race on one of the internet channels.
ReplyDeleteGymmie,
ReplyDeleteTime for that Vizio from WalMart!
JD
Plenty of fans dressed up as gray alumninum bleachers
ReplyDelete..just like at every Nationwide/Busch race for years.
Some of the stand-alone races have been sellouts at the tracks that do not see the Cup series.
ReplyDeleteTough to almost always be the stepchild.
2 cars off the track before lap 8? Wow, let's see what they say about that situation.
ReplyDeleteSlow camera work for these guys too.
ReplyDelete@ JD, I thought I saw someone going to pit road before the caution.
Seems that the crowd online for this race is as small as the crowd in the stands.
ReplyDeleteJ.D. thanks for the remind of Sebring.
ReplyDeleteKaren, did Portland and Seattle both join the race for the start?
ReplyDeleteSebring is the only place to see many former NASCAR drivers...hehe.
@JD--LOL! Yes that is definitely on my list! I had been eyeing it for quite a while and was putting off buying until I moved, but my TV had other ideas!
ReplyDeleteThose Vizios are killers and the price is right.
ReplyDeleteKyle's trying to ruin the script.
ReplyDeleteJD -
ReplyDeleteI'm not Karen ...
But, Yes ... Fisher Communications DID join the broadcast at 11:30am ...
Maybe its me but it seems like something is missing from the broadcast. Excitement maybe? Too many cooks in the kitchen? It just seems off...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info. KarenB is usually our West Coast reporter.
ReplyDeleteDo we know how many are on the lead lap? Seconds/minutes behind?
ReplyDeleteJess,
ReplyDeleteThey are trying but this is like playing third fiddle to the charity race at 6PM and the Sunday Cup race.
I wish we had some Nationwide regulars up pushing the big boys.
Finally, some #s.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like at a place the size of Bristol that it would be hard to just show one or two cars but ESPN seems to be trying. Is there really no benefit to a wide shot at Bristol?!?
ReplyDeletePoor Brennie.
ReplyDeleteJD -
ReplyDeleteI'm the one who emailed you about Fisher Communications ... the last 3 years ...
vizio=cheaper version of sony.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see Gant on the broadcast...you can tell he is happy doing what he is doing now and is at peace with retirement which is neat. dont see that much anymore. you also get the impression he still knows he can beat up on these kids if he really wanted to also lol.
So far its been a decent race by the ESPN folks...good stories midpack with new teams that have just started.
that sucks for brendan =(
I'm trying to catch up on posts and the race, I still am trying to figure out what took me so long to get that DVR, sounds like I need to watch the prerace show, I'm guessing this interview with Harry Gant was better than the one on NN.
ReplyDeleteGood one, Jessica.
ReplyDeleteGant was actually in studio at the track with Alan and Brad...it was cool hearing him talk about how the bump stops are a new experience for him and how this is really the first time he's actually been to a race since retiring
ReplyDeleteAnybody else getting a slight jerking on the video? You can tell it easily by watching the ticker. Only ABC HD doing this on my TV. Strange and annoying.
ReplyDelete-Ben in NC
Karen, did Portland and Seattle both join the race for the start?
ReplyDeleteSebring is the only place to see many former NASCAR drivers...hehe.
Yep, KOMO in Seattle switched to race coverage at 11:30. I posted about the delay earlier, but you had already beat me to it, JD. :-)
And I'm one of the viewers switching back and forth between the N'Wide and ALMS races. I'm watching Bristol green-flag laps, then switch to Sebring during cautions and commercials.
--KarenB
does anyone really think Brad Dougherty watches Desperate Housewives? Keselowski is "stirring it up just like on Wisteria Lane"? J.D. wouldn't make sense to have these guys plug ABC shows that at least kind of match the demographics? Look I'll draft some "S. Wallace seems LOST",,,,I guess that's it, ABC is full of chick shows;)
ReplyDeleteHe's married right? Perhaps Brad's wife controls the remote
ReplyDelete@ Ben in NC, my low tech TV is fine.
ReplyDeletePRN is lagging behind ABC ...
ReplyDeleteIt seems longer than normal ...
PRN's announcer thinks "Kenny Hamlin" is in the 81 car ...
ReplyDeleteWho is "Kenny Hamlin" ?? It's Kevin Hamlin ...
And one of the guys has his voice going out ...
Wow, tough to stir up any excitement on this telecast.
ReplyDeleteOh barf,
ReplyDeleteWhat was that KB promo?
Yep, PRN folks do get a little confused now and then. Overall I think PRN has done a better than normal job today.
ReplyDeleteI noticed the lag also, but I think they have caught back up to the normal 23 sec. behind.
I still don't quite get the full throttle concept, just what I need 43 (or so) voices in my head at one time, I have enough trouble with one. Not a lot of passing being seen today and it's the usual NW wreckfest. No one seems to be too excited today.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to see "Handsome Harry" -- I think he could still kick a little butt. LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see I'm not the only one who feels there is no excitement in this race. It's just "blah" --- ZZZZzzzzz
Forgot to add ---
ReplyDeleteThe shirts may not be "disco blue" like yesterday, but that maroon shine isn't a whole lot better.
Finally a pass and we're at commercial
ReplyDeleteOk it might get exciting now, camera on Kyle watching him try to pass everyone, hope no one else does anything cause we won't see it.
ReplyDeleteKylie's not going to be happy there
ReplyDelete@ nrf, ditto.
ReplyDeleteGreat camera work catching that tire roll away from the wall.
ReplyDeleteAnd there they go
ReplyDeletePoor Mr. Jesus, Bristol has not been good to him today :(
ReplyDeleteWell I can't comment on ESPN's narration of this race, I'm listening to PRN. (tv is on)
ReplyDeleteAs for that this has been a very good race on radio. They have followed racing all over the track. They have called a lot of passing, two and three wide. Plenty of battles for position, plenty of updates of position. I don't recall any of the crap smalltalk/ interviews that usually occur on radio. Pit road updates without interfearing with the race. I'll say again, this, to me, has been one of PRN's best races.
Congratulations Happy :)!
ReplyDeleteTypical Weed. I'm glad Kevin won.
ReplyDeleteThey interviewed the top 5 finishers. Excellent
ReplyDeleteThe crowd was still larger than Atlanta's cup race...tomorrow will be the story if we see a lot of empty seats
ReplyDeleteLOVE this intro to the saturday night special
ReplyDeleteanyone know if the ticket to the n'wide race today included this legends race tonight?
ReplyDeletepicks are open: i'm sticking with cale!
yes ticket prices included this race as well as the race before this
ReplyDeleteWhat is with the echo during the Legends race?
ReplyDeleteMy TV has an echo on the audio (NOT stereo, not surround sound, old-fashioned tv)
ReplyDeleteBut this is so cool to see the LEGENDS!! :)
the echo is the result of the ESPN telecast also being aired over the track PA system
ReplyDeleteI think the echo is because the sound is also coming out the speakers at the track
ReplyDeleteDo we only get to see the Legends and not the media guys who were running before to determine starting spot?
ReplyDeleteFox won't let DW race but Speed has no problem letting Spencer race and he needs to get there earlier than DW on Sunday. Things that make you go hmmmm.
ReplyDeleteit is so wonderful to see and listen to gentleman ned. i can forgive espn one forthcoming bad race broadcast just in gratitude for bringing us this moment.
ReplyDeleteI just hope we don't get the echo when the race starts it's getting somewhat annoying. Hopefully NN will have highlights from the media race, I'm betting it was pretty funny.
ReplyDeleteLet's just hope everyone stays safe.
ReplyDeleteI'm bummed about not seeing the celebrity race.
ReplyDeletewonder if we'll get a ticker and intervals?
ReplyDeleteby the way: many thanks to the folks who have worked tonight in the production truck, on the cameras, handling the audio and walking pit road so we can enjoy the race. your work is appreciated.
alright! david akers wins his heat! way to go -- fly, eagle, fly!
ReplyDeleteI guess the media guys had different cars, good thing Rusty would have been pretty PO'd when Ray wrecked his car. Looks like it would have been fun to watch
ReplyDeleteI was the under the impression that we were going to see both races. Maybe we could have if they didn't have 25 mins of pre race.
ReplyDeleteRed it's that big foot kicking and gas pedals who knew.
ReplyDeleteok, now THAT'S racing -- just take the damn hood off all together! gotta love it!
ReplyDeleteBe nice if they posted the celebrity races online.
ReplyDelete@newrace fan.
ReplyDeleteHow do you know Ray wrecked Rusty's car? I'm not near a tv, did they show it?
nrf: copy that! i admit i was "startled" when i read that akers was going to partner with gant: didn't know akers was a race fan. he has once again "done philly proud"!
ReplyDeleteOK where's the Craftsman garage, no hood- better racecar?
ReplyDeleteI love Ned in the booth. I wish he didn't tire easily and could be up there all the time.
ReplyDelete@ JD, it'd be nice if we had a ticker for this race.
Lol, yellow flag to save harry a lap down.
ReplyDeleteDiane, they showed some highlights from the media race and Ray was racing Andy really hard and crashed into the inside wall.
ReplyDeleteanyone have a lineup anywhere online?
ReplyDeleteRed fox doesn't even do the NW races anymore so I doubt they have this
ReplyDeletethis competition yellow would be a great time to remind us of who is running what number and where they run, doncha think?
ReplyDeleteman, this is fun!
Red I just realized there is no top ticker so I'm guessing there is no ticker anywhere. I think Jayski had the list of who is in but I don't remember if car numbers were included
ReplyDeleteIs it such a sin to mention that a driver is a champion from the Busch Series? Or Busch Grand Natl? That's what they were called back then.
ReplyDeleteYour right Red.
ReplyDeleteThanks to the network for the broadcast. Thanks to all who are working to make this possible for us viewers.
It is hard for this newbe to keep up with who is who.
So much for resetting the field
ReplyDeleteSure is nice to hear Ned on tv again.
ReplyDeleteGo Harry passing guy's 1/2 your age (or something like that) and no hood to boot.
ReplyDeleteThis has to be driving Rusty insane!!
ReplyDeleteagreed, lou. and can i just say how great it is to hear the "old" dr punch once again?!?
ReplyDeleteRusty must be fuming, too funny. Would have liked to see every car cross the line, did I miss it or was it really not there.
ReplyDeleteOh my Andy's team beat Ray and Rusty. Oh to be a fly on the wall
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for stopping by, we will be live for the Sprint Cup race on Sunday afternoon.
ReplyDeleteHope they get a good crowd!
JD
The old race went by WAY too quickly. Hope we get to see the legends from back in the day do this AGAIN!!
ReplyDeleteMy sister was there for the race, can't wait to hear what she has to say.
ReplyDeleteCale is such a class act and it sounds that they want to do it again
if theydon't interview JD Ottinger..I am going to be so mad
ReplyDeleteSam they heard you
ReplyDeleteisn't tracy at bristol this weekend? maybe when she gets home and can catch up on the comments, she can add some inside info on the media heat races for us!
ReplyDeleteRed That's right I forgot I won't see my sister for some time but Tracy said she would let us know, hopefully she stayed for this race too.
ReplyDeletegood, I don't have to be mad..Daly Planet gets instant results..lol..
ReplyDeleteseriously though, that was awesome, and i hope they do it again sometime.
(though with the people who stayed around in the stands i am not too sure)
Sam
ReplyDeleteglad you got your wish! :)
I really enjoyed the last hour. I thought it was fun to watch. I think AB really enjoyed it also, as did the drivers.
ReplyDeleteI was at the race. I think it was between the Nationwide and the Special, but they announced that tomorrow was a sell out. I think anyway. All I heard was the tail end of something about the 54 consecutive sell out.
ReplyDeletewatched the NW race on DVR - did ESPN EVER use that official cam they previewed up front?
ReplyDeleteThought JP did a good job even though he is from the EEEE SSSS PPP NNNN school and still stumbles on words. Instead of after this commercial it was after commercial (or something like that) but a solid job otherwise.
Stinky that ESPN did not interview Spencer or Parsons after the race. More Fox vs ESPN rivalry? When will this childish behavior stop? And Fox/D Hill are to blame also.
DW should have been there and raced Rusty and Sterling up front. Very sad.
Yup, I hate ABC's coverage of races because being here in the Seattle area I never get to see the prerace coverage due to kids' programming. You would think that with the few races they do air they could make an exception for the prerace coverage superceding kids' programming but of course not.
ReplyDeleteI thought the legends race was OK, but really think the celebs racing would have made it much more interesting. I especially wanted to see Brad D getting in his car. Good to see the old guys, but I was not impressed with the race at all. Sterling Marlin is a current Cup driver. Terry Labonte is, too. Too bad Spencer wrecked Junior Johnson. I bet he would have been competitive otherwise. Harry Gant looked unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteWe had to go out last night so I missed the race live and watched it at 6.30am this morning. I really really enjoyed the whole thing - loved to see Ned and DJ in the booth. Lets hope they do this again.
ReplyDelete