ESPN going ga-ga over Danica

ESPN has expanded its schedule from Daytona International Speedway this week and will now televise live the two-hour opening practice for the NASCAR Nationwide Series on Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 3-5 p.m. ET on ESPN2 so it can cover Danica Patrick’s every move. The practice session will mark the NASCAR debut of open-wheel racing star Danica Patrick and don't be surprised if they even cover her rest room breaks.

ESPN2 will televise live the NASCAR Nationwide Series 2010 season opener at Daytona on Saturday, Feb. 13. ESPN2 also airs NASCAR Nationwide Series qualifying Friday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m., as well as NASCAR Nationwide Series final practice Thursday, Feb. 11, at 11:30 a.m.

NASCAR Countdown starts ESPN2’s race day at noon ET, with the green flag at 1:34 p.m. Marty Reid will be the lap-by-lap announcer with analysts Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree. NASCAR Countdown will be hosted by Allen Bestwick from the ESPN Pit Studio with analysts Rusty Wallace, Ray Evernham and Brad Daugherty.