NASCAR Announces Expanded Grand National TV Coverage
The television package features live coverage in high definition by HDNet, which began a partnership with NASCAR three years ago with its coverage of the NASCAR Grand National Division and thus provided NASCAR its first live television package for the series.
“NASCAR is proud to continue its relationship with HDNet and SPEED in providing coverage of the NASCAR Grand National Division to a national audience," said NASCAR Managing Director of Racing Operations George Silbermann. “NASCAR fans across the country will be able to follow the next generation of our sport as the NASCAR Grand National Division moves into a new era as a developmental series for up-and-coming future stars of NASCAR."
HDNet coverage will include seven consecutive races from the Grand National, West Series followed by seven consecutive races from the Grand National, Busch East Series. Bonus coverage of two combined races, featuring drivers from both series will be featured in May. By providing separate coverage of each series, fans will be able to follow the competition more closely.
"HDNet is very excited to extend our partnership with NASCAR and the Grand National Division," said Mark Cuban, president and co-founder of HDNet. "The new enhancements to the series, coupled with our high-definition coverage is going to create an amazing experience for our viewers."
In addition to its live coverage of the NASCAR Grand National Division, HDNet will re-air every NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race in high-definition each Thursday night following the race.
"NASCAR programming is an integral part of the HDNet experience and we are excited to extend our joint programming initiatives to include NASCAR NEXTEL Cup coverage," said Cuban. "Together we will make a lot of NASCAR fans excited they bought an HDTV!"
In addition, SPEED will provide expanded coverage of the NASCAR Grand National Division in 2007, as the network will air 23 races as part of its Racing Across America series, re-airing all 16 of HDNet’s live events while originally producing six others. SPEED’s coverage of the division will culminate with live post-season coverage of the prestigious NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown in October.
“SPEED is happy to be back with the NASCAR Grand National Division in 2007," said Frank Wilson, VP of Production for SPEED. “It’s always interesting to give our viewers a chance to see some of the best racers at this level, whether they are up-and-comers or simply weekend warriors. There is a true passion for the sport in the NASCAR Grand National Division."
Live coverage of the 2007 season kicks off with HDNet televising the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series season opener at Thunder Hill Raceway in Kyle, Texas, on March 31. Meanwhile, SPEED will provide coverage of the season opener for the NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch East Series at Greenville-Pickens Speedway in Greenville, S.C., on April 28.
In addition to coverage of the NASCAR Grand National Division, HDNet will air the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at Mansfield Motorsports Speedway on August 25, while SPEED will air the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at New Hampshire International Speedway on June 30 and the combination event with the NASCAR Whelen Modifed Tour and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway on Sept. 1.
About the NASCAR Grand National Division
The NASCAR Grand National Division includes two NASCAR series – the Busch East Series and the West Series – competing with identical race cars. NASCAR Grand National Division cars are similar in appearance and design to those cars used on the NASCAR Busch Series. The cars are powered by 350 to 358 cubic-inch V-8 engines. Notable NASCAR Grand National Division alumni include NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers Kevin Harvick, David Gilliland and Martin Truex Jr.; and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Brendan Gaughan.