TNT revs up NASCAR coverage

TNT’s groundbreaking Wide Open television format will return for the fourth consecutive year during the network’s exclusive coverage of the primetime Coke Zero 400 at Daytona powered by Coca-Cola on Saturday, July 3rd. The format provides continuous race coverage free of national commercial breaks and features more unobstructed race action than that of a standard telecast by using a letterbox widescreen format. In place of the national ads, the telecast features a variety of animated sponsor messages, unique branded content and distinct on-screen graphic elements. Wide Open Coverage debuted on TNT during the 2007 Daytona 400 race and has resulted in only nine missed laps of green flag racing in three years, and zero for last year’s race.

The eight national sponsors featured in this year’s innovative telecast include Coke Zero, Burger King, Coors Light, Goodyear, Dimension Films’ Piranha 3-D, Sprint, Subway and Toyota.

TNT, in partnership with NASCAR Media Group, will also present NASCAR’s first foray into 3D programming with a special presentation of the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona powered by Coca-Cola being made available through TNT RaceBuddy on NASCAR.COM (NASCAR.COM/RaceBuddy3D). In addition to the mosaic of HD-quality complementary unique camera angles available on TNT RaceBuddy on NASCAR.COM each week, two custom racing feeds, sponsored by Coca-Cola, will be produced specifically for 3D. The first will provide a unique look at the racing action from strategically placed cameras around the track designed to maximize the effect of 3D. The second stream will bring the mayhem of pit row into the third dimension creating a one-of-a-kind visual experience. In addition to NASCAR.COM, DIRECTV, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks will also air the 3D production.

The network will rev up its pre-race coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET with Countdown to Green with Lindsay Czarniak (host), Petty and McReynolds. TNT will air a special feature on legendary driver No. 3 Dale Earnhardt to honor the approaching anniversary of his fatal race at the 2001 Daytona 500. Offering their memories and thoughts on the Hall of Fame driver are former owner Richard Childress, crew chief Larry McReynolds and pit crew teammates Chocolate Myers and Danny Lawrence. Joining the studio show prior to the race will be No. 14 Tony Stewart, defending champion of the Coke Zero 400 and winner of the July race three times in the past five years.

TNT will air the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona powered by Coca-Cola beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET with play-by-play announcer Adam Alexander calling the race alongside analysts Kyle Petty and Wally Dallenbach in the booth. In addition, analyst Larry McReynolds will make frequent contributions from the in-field as he breaks down crew strategy and analyzes car adjustments using the TNT Offtrack Robotic Car (TORC). Pit reporters Phil Parsons, Ralph Sheheen, Marty Snider and Matt Yocum will provide reports throughout the race.

In addition to his TNT duties, Petty will appear on Showtime’s Inside NASCAR tonight (June 30) at 10 ET and PT to promote this weekend’s race.

REMAINING 2010 NASCAR ON TNT SCHEDULE:

(All times ET)

SATURDAY, JULY 3
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Countdown to Green
7:30 – 11 p.m.
Coke Zero 400 at Daytona powered by Coca-Cola (Daytona International Speedway)

SATURDAY, JULY 10

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Countdown to Green

7:30 – 11 p.m.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing from Chicago (Chicagoland Speedway)