TNT takes over NASCAR broadcasts
The network will rev up its pre-race coverage beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET with NASCAR on TNT Live! with Marc Fein (host), Petty and McReynolds. Current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion and winner of last week’s Autism Speaks 400 in Dover No. 48 Jimmie Johnson will also join TNT’s infield rig for an interview prior to the race.
TNT’s acclaimed Pride of NASCAR series will return this season, with the premiere episode profiling NASCAR legend Dave Marcis, Cup Series driver from 1968 – 2002. Marcis had 883 starts on the circuit, second only to Richard Petty and stands as the last successful non-factory supported independent owner/drivers, racing while wearing wingtip shoes to absorb the heat in the car.
Also, the first of six Wally’s World features will air as Dallenbach breaks down the strategy of each race in virtual reality. Dallenbach will be superimposed into live race footage from last season from the Pocono 500 as he walks along the track to discuss the nuances necessary to contend at Pocono Raceway. Dallenbach’s new setting allows him the ability to stop the race footage and interact with the cars virtually.
In addition, Lindsay on Location returns as TNT pit reporter Lindsay Czarniak explores various hot spots at each track. This week, she’ll accompany No. 38 Ryan Newman and his father on a fishing trip to a local fishing hole around Pocono.
The show will be followed by Countdown to Green at 1:30 p.m. ET with Bill Weber (host), Dallenbach (analyst) and Petty (analyst) with reports from pit reporters Marty Snider, Matt Yocum, Ralph Sheheen and Czarniak.
Countdown to Green leads into coverage of the Pocono 500 at 2 p.m. ET with Weber, Dallenbach and Petty calling the action with frequent interaction with McReynolds (analyst) who will man the TNT Off-Track Robotic Car.
Throughout this year’s NASCAR on TNT Summer Series, the network will join forces with NASCAR.COM, the official site of NASCAR, to provide TNT RaceBuddy a multiplatform experience for race fans which features live feeds from the racetrack including pit road and in-car cameras, as well as live chats and polls. Joining the Turner Sports family will be Jim Noble, who will serve as a pit reporter exclusively on NASCAR.COM throughout TNT’s six races.
2009 NASCAR ON TNT SUMMER SERIES SCHEDULE:
(All times ET)
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. NASCAR on TNT Live!
1:30 – 2 p.m. Countdown to Green
2:00 – 6:30 p.m. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Racing from Pocono (from Pocono Raceway)
SUNDAY, JUNE 14
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. NASCAR on TNT Live!
1:30 – 2 p.m. Countdown to Green
2:00 – 5:30 p.m. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Racing from Michigan (from Michigan Intl. Speedway)
SUNDAY, JUNE 21
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. NASCAR on TNT Live! and
4:30 – 5:00 p.m. Countdown to Green
5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Toyota/Save Mart 350 (from Infineon Raceway)
SUNDAY, JUNE 28
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. NASCAR on TNT Live!
1:30 – 2 p.m. Countdown to Green
2 – 5:30 p.m. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Racing from Loudon (from New Hampshire Intl. Speedway)
SATURDAY, JULY 4
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. NASCAR on TNT Live!
6:30 – 8 p.m. Countdown to Green
8:00 – 11:15 p.m. Coke Zero 400 at Daytona powered by Coca-Cola (from Daytona Intl. Speedway)
SATURDAY, JULY 11
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. NASCAR on TNT Live!
7:30 – 8 p.m. Countdown to Green
8:00 – 11:30 p.m. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Racing from Chicago (from Chicago Speedway)