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Keeping Up With All The Industry Press Releases

SPEEDT Honors 10th Anniversary of Earnhardt’s Death with One-Hour Special Premiering Feb. 11 at 7:30 P.M. ET

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SPEED™ HONORS 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF EARNHARDT’S DEATH WITH ONE-HOUR SPECIAL PREMIERING FEB. 11 AT 7:30 P.M. ET

THE DAY: REMEMBERING DALE EARNHARDT FEATURES MICHAEL WALTRIP’S FIRST TV INTERVIEW ON EARNHARDT’S DEATH

Michael Waltrip: “I don’t think human beings are designed to experience quite the range of emotion that I did that day.”

February 18, 2001 … a day in NASCAR history that still evokes pain, tragedy and disbelief unlike any other even a decade later …

In honor of the 10th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt, Sr.’s death in the 2001 Daytona 500, SPEED examines NASCAR’s darkest day in an exclusive, one-hour special titled The Day: Remembering Dale Earnhardt, premiering tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET. SPEED reflects on the tragic Sunday from sunrise to sunset, focusing on the day’s events and emotions for everyone involved, as well as how that catastrophic moment forever changed the sport.

The program marks the first time Michael Waltrip has granted a TV interview regarding the death of his former car owner, friend and mentor. Waltrip won the 2001 Daytona 500, his career-first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory in 463 starts, for Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) with then-teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. pushing him to finish second, and Earnhardt seemingly headed for a third-place finish while blocking for his two cars.

Waltrip relished the long-awaited win in a celebratory and emotional Victory Lane before learning of Earnhardt’s passing. It would be 10 years before Waltrip could speak about that bittersweet day.

“I don’t think human beings are designed to experience quite the range of emotion that I did that day …” Waltrip said on The Day: Remembering Dale Earnhardt. “I just remember sitting in that chair (in the motorhome) trying to deal with what had happened and understand how I was supposed to feel … I started wondering how I was supposed to feel at that moment and I haven’t stopped wondering since.”

The Day: Remembering Dale Earnhardt takes viewers back to Earnhardt’s last day, from the pre-race ceremonies during which he gave wife Teresa and son Earnhardt, Jr. what would be a final hug on the starting grid before climbing into his black No. 3 Chevrolet, to the race, the fatal accident in turn four and the aftermath.

The Day: Remembering Dale Earnhardt will replay multiple times throughout Daytona Speedweeks, including Feb. 18 at 10 p.m. ET.

SPEED Broadcast Team Uniquely Positioned to Cover NASCAR Hall of Fame Announcement

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NASCAR GREAT DARRELL WALTRIP HAS DUAL ROLES

ON NASCAR HALL OF FAME VOTING DAY

SPEED™ BROADCAST TEAM UNIQUELY POSITIONED

TO COVER NASCAR HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCEMENT

NASCAR RACE HUB OFFERS WEEKLONG LINEUP

OF NHOF GUESTS, FEATURE CONTENT

Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Darrell Waltrip isn’t hiding the fact that he really wants to be a part of this year’s class of inductees to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. And whether he gets the nod next week, or has to wait another year, fans get to see his reaction live, as the two-time nominee is part of the SPEED broadcast team for the network’s exclusive coverage of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Day on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 4 p.m. ET.

“I’m going to be crying either way,” said Waltrip, a member of the SPEED and NASCAR on FOX television broadcast teams. “If I am lucky enough to get in this group, it will be very emotional, and if I don’t, I will be really disappointed and sad.  I’m one of those guys who can’t cover up his emotions. I’ll either be jumping for joy or crying like onions.”

Waltrip is joined on-air by NASCAR on FOX booth partner Mike Joy, as well as Ken Squier and Kyle Petty – three voting members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame selection committee.

Confident in a career that includes 84 Cup wins, highlighted by the 1989 Daytona 500, Waltrip knows a position in the Hall alongside his heroes and rivals will come … the question is, ‘Will it come this year?’

“I’ve been doing TV for 10 years now at this level,” Waltrip said. “A lot of new fans only know me as a broadcaster and the guy who says, ‘Boogity, Boogity, Boogity, let’s go racing, boys.’ So, it’s always flattering to me to hear people start to read off the accomplishments I had as a driver because I’ve forgotten so much of that.

“I think my record as a driver is as good as anybody’s,” Waltrip continued. “In the modern era, since 1972, I’ve won more races than anybody.  There are many things I could sit back and point out that I did, but so has David Pearson.  You would have lost everything you had if you had said David Pearson would have been in the first class of five last year.  That’s why you don’t take anything for granted.”

SPEED’s coverage of NASCAR Hall of Fame Vote Day begins at 3 p.m. ET with a special preview show, followed at 4 p.m. ET with live coverage of the announcement of the five new members of the Hall, scheduled to be enshrined in May 2011.
The nominees, which include many of the sport’s legendary names, were announced in July. They include: Waltrip, Bobby Allison, Buck Baker, Red Byron, Richard Childress, Jerry Cook, Richie Evans, Tim Flock, Rick Hendrick, Jack Ingram, Dale Inman, Ned Jarrett, Fred Lorenzen, Bud Moore, Raymond Parks, Benny Parsons, David Pearson, Lee Petty, Fireball Roberts, T. Wayne Robertson, Herb Thomas, Curtis Turner, Joe Weatherly, Glen Wood and Cale Yarborough.

About SPEED™

SPEED, anchored by its popular and wide-ranging coverage of NASCAR, is the nation’s first and only cable television network dedicated to automotive and motorcycle racing, performance and lifestyle. Now available in more than 80 million homes in North America, SPEED, a member of the FOX Sports Media Group, is among the industry leaders in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services. For more information, please visit SPEED.com, the online motor sports authority.

About FOX Sports Media Group

FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) is the umbrella entity representing News Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets under Chairman & CEO David Hill.  Built with brands that are capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FSMG includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships.  FSMG now includes FOX Sports, the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; Fox’s 19 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; SPEED and SPEED2; Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer Plus; FUEL TV; and Fox College Sports.  In addition, FSMG also includes FOX Sports Interactive Media, which comprises FOXSports.com on MSN, whatifsports.com and scout.com, reaching over 20 million unique visitors monthly.  Also included are Fox’s interests in joint-venture businesses FOX Deportes, Big Ten Network and STATS, LLC, as well as licensing agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network, FOX Sports Skybox restaurants and FOX Sports Grills.

–www.SPEED.com–

FOX, SPEED Team on F1 in 2010

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SPEED™, FOX SPORTS CONTINUE TEAM APPROACH

TO FORMULA ONE COVERAGE IN 2010

BUXTON JOINS SPEED AS GRID REPORTER

SPEEDTV.COM TO DEBUT FANTASY GAME, ENHANCED VIDEO OFFERINGS

The familiar faces of Bob Varsha, David Hobbs and Steve Matchett once again will lead the SPEED/FOX Sports Formula One broadcast team as SPEED rolls into its 15th year as the exclusive U.S. cable broadcaster of the FIA Formula One World Championship, beginning with live coverage of the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on March 14 at 7:30 a.m. ET. One face, however, will be new to the U.S. viewing audience.

Will Buxton, the 29-year-old founding editor of GPWeek magazine, will report from the grid, replacing Peter Windsor, whose efforts remain focused on his start-up US F1 project.

“First up, I’ve got to admit that I’m just massively excited about the whole thing,” said Buxton, who will join the team shortly after he and wife Emma welcome their first child. “It’s a huge honor to be joining the SPEED team, and in particular to be doing so at the start of what could be an incredible era in the history of Formula 1.

“F1 is a bit of a soap opera at times,” Buxton added. “As a journalist it’s what makes the sport such a joy to report on. There’s always something going on in the background, and I won’t shy away from doing my best to get to the heart of every issue. That said, I don’t think that my job at SPEED is simply to report the news. Far from it. As one of the lucky few who can actually get into the F1 paddock, I think that probably my biggest responsibility is to open it all up to the American fans: to invite them in, sit them down, introduce them to a few people and show them what’s going on. It’s the fans that make this sport, so my job is to give them the access they deserve.”

According to Varsha, the SPEED team is welcoming its newest member with open arms.

“It’s always a good sign when a job interview turns into a ‘bench racing’ session that goes beyond the appointed time,” Varsha said. “That’s what we shared with Will when he visited our SPEED studios. Despite being the youngest member of our lineup, he’s a veteran of television and print with experience of both Formula One and GP2. I look forward to working with him on what should be another thrilling and unpredictable grand prix season.”

Buxton, from Great Britain, served as the GP2 press officer from 2004 to the end of the 2007 season, and was sole communications/media representative for 2006 and 2007 He has been covering single-seater racing (F1, GP2, F2 and F3) since 2002.

Westbury Gillett will fill in for Buxton for the first few races of the season.

In 2010, SPEEDtv.com will increase its Formula One offerings, highlighted by a new fantasy game — SPEED Fantasy Racing: GP Edition — and a selection of video clips from practice, qualifying and race coverage. In addition SPEEDtv.com will introduce an enhanced stats package and continue with RaceCast timing and scoring from all sessions, as well as providing Matchett’s popular post-event “Chalk Talk” wrap-ups.

SPEED will air 15 races live, complete with practice and qualifying coverage, and for the fourth year, FOX will air four consecutive events, beginning with the Canadian Grand Prix, using the same on-air team. Practice and qualifying for those four events will be live on SPEED. Formula One broadcast schedule (subject to change; late night/early morning airings are listed as part of ‘broadcast day’):

Bahrain Grand Prix

  • Practice – March 12, 6 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – March 13, 6 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – March 14, 7:30 a.m. ET, Live

Australian Grand Prix

  • Practice – March 25, 1:30 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – March 26, 2 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – March 27, 1:30 a.m. ET, Live

Malaysian Grand Prix

  • Practice – April 1, 2 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – April 2, 4 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – April 3, 3:30 a.m. ET, Live

Chinese Grand Prix

  • Practice – April 15, 2 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – April 16, 2 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – April 17, 2:30 a.m. ET, Live

Spanish Grand Prix

  • Practice – May 7, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – May 8, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – May 9, 7:30 a.m. ET, Live

Grand Prix of Monaco

  • Practice – May 13, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – May 15, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – May 16, 7:30 a.m. ET, Live

Turkish Grand Prix

  • Practice – May 28, 7 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – May 29, 7 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – May 30, 7:30 a.m. ET, Live

Canadian Grand Prix

  • Practice – June 11, 2 p.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – June 12, 4:30 p.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – June 13, Noon to 2 p.m. ET/ 9 to 11 a.m. PT, Live on FOX

European Grand Prix

  • Practice – June 25, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – June 26, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – June 27, Noon to 2 p.m. ET/9 to 11 a.m. PT, SDD on FOX

British Grand Prix

  • Practice – July 9, 9 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – July 10, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – July 11, Noon to 2 p.m. ET/9 to 11 a.m. PT, SDD on FOX

German Grand Prix

  • Practice – July 23, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – July 24, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – July 25, Noon to 2 p.m. ET/9 to 11 a.m. PT, SDD on FOX

Hungarian Grand Prix

  • Practice – July 30, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – July 31, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – August 1, 7:30 a.m. ET, Live

Belgian Grand Prix

  • Practice – August 27, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – August 28, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – August 29, 7:30 a.m. ET, Live

Italian Grand Prix

  • Practice – September 10, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – September 11, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – September 12, 7:30 a.m. ET, Live

Singapore Grand Prix

  • Practice – September 24, 9:30 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – September 25, 10 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – September 26, 7:30 a.m. ET, Live

Japanese Grand Prix

  • Practice – October 7, 1 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – October 8, 1 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – October 9, 1:30 a.m. ET, Live

Korean Grand Prix

  • Practice – October 21, 1 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – October 22, 1 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – October 23, 1:30 a.m. ET, Live

Brazilian Grand Prix

  • Practice – November 5, Noon, Live
  • Qualifying – November 6, Noon, Live
  • Race Coverage – November 7, 11 a.m. ET, Live

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

  • Practice – November 12, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Qualifying – November 13, 8 a.m. ET, Live
  • Race Coverage – November 14, 7:30 a.m. ET, Live

SPEED™, anchored by its popular and wide-ranging coverage of NASCAR, is the nation’s first and only cable television network dedicated to automotive and motorcycle racing, performance and lifestyle. Now available in more than 79 million homes in North America, SPEED is among the industry leaders in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services. For more information, please visit SPEEDtv.com, the online motor sports authority.

–www.SPEEDtv.com–

DW & Hammond: RCR is Back on Track

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FOX SPORTS NOTES, QUOTES & ANECDOTES

FOX Sports Hits the Jackpot with

NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing from Las Vegas Presented by Pennzoil

DW & Hammond:  RCR is Back on Track

FOXSports.com’s Marvez Looks at Who’s Under the Microscope at the NFL Combine

IS THE NO. 48 POISED TO CONTINUE DOMINATION? – On Sunday, Feb. 28 (2:00 PM ET), FOX Sports rides into the desert for NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing from Las Vegas Presented by Pennzoil. Following an up-and-down SpeedWeeks in Daytona, four-time defending Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson was back in the winner’s circle last week at Fontana. Championship contenders Kevin Harvick, Jeff Gordon, Jeff Burton and Mark Martin headline a stacked field looking to move up the points standings in Sin City. Coverage starts with FOX NASCAR SUNDAY host Chris Myers, along with analysts Darrell Waltrip and Jeff Hammond from the Hollywood Hotel, FOX Sports’ traveling prerace set providing up-to-the-minute reports and live interviews with drivers, crewmen and officials shaping the day’s action. Once the green flag drops, race announcer Mike Joy will be alongside analysts Waltrip and Larry McReynolds to call all the twists and turns on the track while Dick Berggren, Steve Byrnes, Krista Voda and Matt Yocum patrol the pits for up-to-the-second news and notes.

Date                                         Event                                                                                 Coverage Begins

SUNDAY, FEB. 28                     NASCAR SPRINT CUP RACING PRESENTED PENNZOIL              2:00 PM ET

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING IS LEAPS AND BOUNDS FROM A YEAR AGO – FOX Sports prerace analysts Darrell Waltrip & Jeff Hammond are pleased to see that Richard Childress Racing teams are running up front where both analysts believe they belong.  It’s an astonishing turnaround when you consider that no RCR driver made it to the Chase last year.  “In Fontana, Richard Childress Racing continued their amazing turnaround from last year and they’ll be looking to keep that momentum going this weekend in Vegas.  Childress had all three cars finishing in the top 10 and all three cars could have won that race!  As a car owner, that’s about as good as it gets,” said Waltrip.  Hammond added, “The changes with their crew chiefs from last year, is starting to produce results.”

For more from Darrell Waltrip click here: http://tinyurl.com/yk4t7fy

For Hammond’s take: http://tinyurl.com/ykvgbwu

SPEED INTRODUCES FAST TRACK TO FAME – What would you get if you mixed a grassroots American talent search with a dash of the gregarious personality of Michael Waltrip and spread it liberally over NASCAR Nation?  Answer: SPEED’s super new talent show, FAST TRACK TO FAME. Set to premiere Monday, March 1 at 8:00 PM ET, FAST TRACK TO FAME is a wild, new talent show produced exclusively for SPEED and hosted by renowned NASCAR owner/driver Michael Waltrip, one of NASCAR’s most out-going and popular personalities and younger brother of NASCAR on FOX lead race analyst Darrell Waltrip. Charissa Thompson, well known for her work on FOX Sports and FSN, serves as co-host. “With a massive SPEED presence at every NASCAR race all season long, FAST TRACK TO FAME gives fans and viewers a whole new level of entertainment,” said SPEED President Hunter Nickell.

FOXSPORTS.COM’S ALEX MARVEZ BREAKS DOWN THE NFL COMBINE – FOXSports.com’s Alex Marvez looks at 10 college standouts with much to gain or lose when placed under the microscope by coaches and personnel departments at the 2010 NFL Combine.

Marvez on Texas’ Colt McCoy: “He was forced to miss almost all of the Longhorns’ National Championship Game loss to Alabama after injuring his right shoulder. But thanks to the ailments of other top prospects, McCoy will be in the Combine spotlight during quarterback workouts. Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford (shoulder) and Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen (toe) are still on the mend. Florida’s Tim Tebow and Central Michigan’s Dan LeFevour also have decided to wait until their on-campus pro days to throw. An impressive showing could help vault McCoy into the late first-round/early second-round stratosphere.”

Marvez on USC’s Taylor Mays: “We know he can hit but how well Mays runs in the 40-yard dash and other speed tests will go a long way toward determining his draft future. At 6-feet-3, 231 pounds, Mays struggled at the Senior Bowl in pass coverage and may not have the agility needed to shadow tight ends or the occasional slot receiver. Mays is a likely first-round safety pick but may slide into the second if NFL teams see him more as a linebacker conversion project. One potential fit is Seattle, where former Trojans coach Pete Carroll can have a trusted hand help run his new defense.”

To read more from Marvez on Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant, Alabama defensive tackle Terrence Cody, Syracuse wide receiver Mike Williams and more top prospects click here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Draft-prospects-face-weighty-issues-at-nfl-combine

— FOX SPORTS —

Randy Moss Takes Two NCWTS Wins into NFL Opener

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ALL-PRO RANDY MOSS KICKS OFF NFL SEASON AS HIS NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES TEAM CHARGES INTO FINAL STRETCH WITH ANOTHER WIN

AFTER ONE YEAR, RANDY MOSS MOTORSPORTS HAS

FORMER CHAMP IN TOP FIVE AND ROOKIE EYEING TOP 10

Moss: “I had no doubt when I partnered with David that we would see success on the track. I just didn’t realize it would come this quick.”

Skinner: “I think this team has the potential … to raise the bar higher than what KHI has been able to do.”

While NFL All-Pro wide receiver Randy Moss hits the gridiron for the New England Patriots’ season opener against the Buffalo Bills next Monday, his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team scored a touchdown of their own last weekend and are making a case for the Most Improved award this year.

Just a couple of months removed from its one year-mark in NASCAR, Randy Moss Motorsports has made huge strides, scoring two NCWTS wins with driver Mike Skinner, including last weekend at Iowa, where standout rookie teammate Tayler Malsam also faired well.  Heading into Saturday’s race at Gateway (2:30 p.m. ET on SPEED™; NCWTS Setup with Krista Voda at 2 p.m ET), Skinner sits third in points and Malsam 11th.

“You always want to be successful in anything that you do,” Moss said.  “Both our wins were just awesome. Considering we didn’t get everything pulled together until a couple of weeks before Daytona and with the limited resources we have in sponsors, it just shows the determination and dedication of everyone at Randy Moss Motorsports. Those guys put in so much hard work at the shop and I’m so proud of them. With football season now in full swing, I most likely won’t be able to make another race this year but I’ll be cheering them on from wherever I am at.”

The team’s rapid accomplishments have surprised even a seasoned veteran such as Skinner, 1995 NCWTS champion.

“I didn’t have any idea that we’d win a race, first of all, and sitting in the top five in points has been spectacular,” said Skinner, driver of the No. 5 PC*Miler Navigator Toyota.  “The fact we don’t have more top-five finishes might be a product of the situation we’re in.  I’m more careful about not tearing stuff up and I settle for second instead of always going for the win and possibly wrecking just because we don’t have an abundance of trucks yet.”

That “situation” was RMM’s manufacturer switchover during the off season, and with the added work came time and ground lost to the rest of the field.

“We don’t have the inventory that a lot of our competition has,” Skinner stated.  “We had to change everything over to Toyotas over the winter and we’re still building stuff and doing it with a fourth of the money that other teams have.  It’s a struggle but give these guys an A-plus for what they’ve done with what they’ve got to work with.”

When Moss takes the field at Gillette Stadium, he knows what plays to expect and how to execute them.  But he came to NASCAR with an empty playbook.

“To me it’s (biggest surprise) been everything that it takes to get a truck ready to go race,” Moss said.  “There are so many little pieces to the big puzzle that it just amazes me.  When I first came to the shop I was truly surprised by all it takes to put one of these trucks together.  It’s more of a team sport than I thought before I got involved.”

Skinner’s team had an extra and unwelcome 12th man on the field earlier this year – misfortune.  The California native was involved in a violent accident while leading at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in the same car with which he won at Kansas Speedway.

“Bad luck has played a huge role because we had a dominant truck at Charlotte,” Skinner recalled.  “No one was going to beat us.  We were leading and a truck we were about to lap knocked us out of the race.  That was a devastating wreck that knocked the wind out of our sails but these guys just keep digging and working hard.”

Also working hard this season is Skinner’s rookie teammate.  Malsam, who ran only two Truck races in 2008, is only 11 points out of 10th position with eight top-10 finishes, and says pairing up with the former champ has accelerated his learning curve.

“He (Skinner) has helped me on and off the track,” said Malsam, driver of the No. 81 One Eighty Toyota.  “I can get out of the truck and go talk to him about what my truck is doing or his truck is doing and he’ll help me out.  He has been a big help this year.”

Moss also is pleased with Skinner’s coaching role.

“Tayler has not been to a lot of these tracks and Mike has tons of experience on each of them,” Moss explained.  “Mike is able to give Tayler the basic knowledge as far as race lines and what to expect out of the truck. Tayler is a very talented driver and has proven that throughout the year. He’s able to hold his own but with the little bit of input from a veteran and champion like Mike, I think the sky is the limit for Tayler.”

As for Skinner, he says he’d settle for another win and a top-five points finish.

“Would that satisfy us?” Skinner questioned.  “No. You’re never pleased with anything but first but it would definitely be an acceptable year given the cards we’ve been dealt.  I think this team has the potential if we can get some potential backing and give us another year or so, got potential to raise the bar higher than what KHI has been able to do.”

SPEED, now in more than 79 million homes in North America, is the exclusive home of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, Gatorade Duel at Daytona, NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The only network delivering  live, at-track programming all season long, SPEED offers the definitive pre- and post-race NASCAR Sprint Cup Series programs – NASCAR RaceDay and NASCAR Victory Lane, as well as other popular NASCAR programs including Trackside Live, NASCAR Performance, NASCAR Live!, This Week in NASCAR, NCWTS Setup and NASCAR in a Hurry.

—www.SPEEDtv.com—

Johnson Earns Third Consecutive SPEED Performer of the Year

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JOHNSON NAMED SPEED PERFORMER OF THE YEAR

Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson earned his third consecutive SPEED Performer of the Year award, edging out NHRA Top Fuel champ Tony Schumacher and Formula One phenom Lewis Hamilton to earn the prestigious Mario Andretti Trophy, a unique bronze sculpture by artist Elie Hazak depicting Andretti’s career and heritage.

The award, part of the annual SPEED Performance Awards (air date Feb. 5 at 10 p.m. ET), was voted on by a 15-member SPEED panel, headlined by Andretti, “Wind Tunnel” host Dave Despain, veteran broadcasters Bob Varsha and Ralph Sheheen, SPEEDtv.com writers Robin Miller and Tom Jensen and versatile racers Tommy Kendall and Dorsey Schroeder.

Andretti, named the “Driver of the Century” by the Associated Press, and SPEED President Hunter Nickell surprised Johnson with the award during today’s Lowe’s Motor Speedway NASCAR Media Tour stop at Hendrick Motorsports.

Johnson finished the voting with an average ballot position of 3.2, followed by Schumacher (3.7), Hamilton (3.7), IRL champ Scott Dixon (4.4), MotoGP racer Valentino Rossi (5.1) and F1’s Felipe Massa (6.9).

SPEED is the nation’s first and foremost cable television network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in more than 78 million homes in North America, SPEED is among the fastest-growing sports cable networks in the country and, the home to NASCAR on SPEED and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services. For more information, please visit SPEEDtv.com, the online motor sports authority.