Well the details are out for the new TV deal by NASCAR for the next 8, yes 8, seasons starting in 2007. Sharing the broadcasting duties will be FOX, SPEED, TNT, and ABC/ESPN. FOX will become the home for the Nextel Cup starting with becoming the official home of the Daytona 500 in 2007. This will also include the Speedweeks events that happen before the 500 except for the Gatorade Duels. FOX will then be broadcasting the next 12 races, much like we saw this year. TNT will take over for races 14-19, with ABC/ESPN taking the final 17 races of the Nextel Cup season. The Race for the Chase will be broadcast on ABC.
The Busch Series will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 exclusively with no less than 4 events on ABC.
And the Craftsman Truck Series will be exclusively broadcast on SPEED with the exception of 2 events carried by FOX. SPEED will also keep broadcasting Nextel Cup qualifying and happy hours along with the Gatorade Duels during Speedweeks and the Nextel Cup All-Star Challenge and Pit Crew Challenge.
As a motorsports enthusiasts and spectator it appears to me that NASCAR is pulling more of the same confusing tactics they have done in the past. Why not keep everything in one place where you know where to find it. Not only that but what about those that don't have access to cable or satellite channels. Their season ends after race 13 until the Race for the Chase. How to you build a fan base like that? I'm sure there is a method to their madness as they keep doing this but it sure is confusing to those of us who aren't in the know.
For more details: http://www.nascar.com/2005/news/headlines/official/12/07/tv_deal/index.html
