NBC and NASCAR

UPDATE NBC might be interested in selling the final year of its NASCAR Nextel Cup contract (2006) to TV partner Turner (TNT), according to television sources. That could be seen as a blow to the sport. NBC's new National Football League contract kicks off next season, and NBC wants its Sunday night coverage to start at 7 p.m., which conflicts with some of NASCAR's weekend time-window desires. However, according to other reports, Brian France could be prepared to announce a new TV contract for 2007 through 2112 for as much as $4 billion. France said in late September he would probably make a TV announcement within four to six weeks. Turner officials say they want "as many (Cup) races as we can get." Turner currently splits the second half of the NASCAR season with NBC, though NBC carries the year's final eight events. Winston Salem Journal 11/06/05 We hear that NASCAR has gone back to NBC to try and strike a deal to renew their NASCAR contract. Seems ABC/ESPN isn't willing to pay the outrageous over inflated dollars that NBC was losing their shirt on so NASCAR wants to see if NBC is willing to bend over again.