NBC

NOTES AND QUOTES – KEVIN HARVICK WINS AGAIN AT THE FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO 301 AT NEW HAMPSHIRE ON NBCSN

July 21, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

“They make contact out of four. Harvick with the advantage. He’ll hold him off. Harvick wins again in New Hampshire!” – Rick Allen on the duel between Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin

“That was aggressive! Wow.” – Jeff Burton on the duel

“Denny Hamlin gave him a shove in (turns) one and two, and they beat and banged to the line.” – Steve Letarte on the duel

“A win is a win and you’ll do anything for it.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Loudon, NH. – July 21, 2019 – Kevin Harvick outdueled Denny Hamlin in a thrilling finish to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway from Loudon, N.H., to register his first win of the 2019 season and to repeat at “The Miracle Mile” on NBCSN.

NBC Sports’ Rick Allen called the action alongside Daytona 500-winning crew chief Steve Letarte. Twenty-one-time Cup Series race winner Jeff Burton and racing legend and two-time Daytona 500 Champion Dale Earnhardt Jr. called the race from a second booth. Marty Snider, Kelli Stavast, Dave Burns and Rutledge Wood reported from pit road.

Live coverage began at 1:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN with NASCAR America, hosted by Krista Voda from NBC Sports’ “Peacock Pit Box” alongside analysts Kyle Petty and Dale Jarrett.

Pre-race coverage on NBCSN included:

A profile on NBC Sports’ and NASCAR’s #MyTrackMyRoots Grassroots Racing Tour. The #37 Chris Buescher’s hometown track, Lil’ Texas Motor Speedway, was featured.
A report on Quin Houff’s #77, which was wrapped in #MyTrackMyRoots promoting the NASCAR and NBC Sports program.
The latest installment of “Behind the Driver” featuring New England native Ryan Preece, who discussed how his family made him the driver he is today and how racing his wife, Heather, has made him a better racer.
And the Toyota Joyride with Jeff Burton around New Hampshire Motor Speedway with U.S. Paralympic gold medalist Dave Brown.

RACE RESULTS

Position	Driver	Car#
1	Kevin Harvick	4
2	Denny Hamlin	11
3	Erik Jones	20
4	Ryan Blaney	12
5	Matt DiBenedetto	95

The following are highlights from this afternoon’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race coverage on NBC and NBCSN:

Allen on final lap with Hamlin and Harvick battling for the lead: “They make contact out of four. Harvick with the advantage. He’ll hold him off. Harvick wins again in New Hampshire!”

Burton on Harvick: “That was aggressive! Wow…. He just drove to the bottom and said I’m not going let you drive into the back of me. He went to the bottom — that’s the slower lane — he knew Denny Hamlin was going move him out of the way.”

Earnhardt Jr. on the battle for first: “A win is a win and you’ll do anything for it.”

Burton on the end of the race: “Just two drivers going at it. We’re the winners for it.”

Letarte on the last lap: “Denny Hamlin gave him a shove in (turns) one and two, and they beat and banged to the line. Kevin Harvick on older tires, he had to be perfect, lap after lap.”

Burton on Denny Hamlin in the final laps: “Denny is faster almost every lap, but just a little faster.”

Letarte on Kevin Harvick with 14 to go: “Kevin Harvick knows what it’s like to must-win in the playoffs. He is Mr. Must-win.”

Earnhardt Jr. on Kevin Harvick with 15 to go: “I can’t believe we’re standing here in July talking about Kevin Harvick being winless. This isn’t the team that questions if they should make the playoffs, this is a team that has not missed the final four at Miami. They race for championships.”

Letarte on Erik Jones, who finished third in Stage 1: “We talked about the gamble, the risk… the #20 took a gamble, took two tires, to stay in this second position, and they’re going to get a big chunk of points to help that run and try and make the playoffs”

Earnhardt Jr. on aggressive driving: “Everybody’s trying to fight for that bottom on exit what are willing do to how aggressive are you willing to get on a guy if you’re on the inside? Do you drive in his door?”

Letarte on Alex Bowman and the #88 team: “This is one of those weekends that if they can somehow recover and have a good week, it’s a team building type weekend.”

Letarte on fuel strategy: “You don’t think fuel matters at a short track, but it matters at this one-mile track. Strategy could be everything.”

Snider on the heat at the track: “That’s tough on these crew guys to get two back-up cars ready. They had 20 people, including JRM guys, working on the car to get it ready for today.”

–NBC SPORTS–

GOLF FILMS’ TIGER WOODS: CHASING HISTORY PREMIERES MONDAY AT 8 P.M. ET ON GOLF CHANNEL

July 18, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

Two-Hour Film to Document Woods’ 81 Wins Chronologically, Detail Meteoric
Ascension to Becoming One of the Greatest Athletes of the Past Century

Film to be Narrated by Carson Daly, Emmy Award-Winning Producer &
Television Host, Who Competed Alongside Woods as a Junior Golfer

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 18, 2019) – In advance of Tiger Woods’ opening round at The 148TH Open today (10:10 a.m. ET), GOLF Channel announced details for its next GOLF Films project, Tiger Woods: Chasing History, which will premiere on Monday, July 22 at 8 p.m. ET. The film will present viewers with an up-tempo, chronological glimpse at the sights and sounds from each of Woods’ 81 professional victories, from his first at the Las Vegas Invitational in 1996, through the most recent win at the Masters earlier this year.

Beginning with the subdued “Hello world” declaration at a press conference on the eve of his first tournament as a professional in 1996, the film will chronicle Woods’ meteoric ascension to becoming one of the greatest athletes over the past century. Tiger Woods: Chasing History also will detail how Woods was able to popularize golf beyond the game’s diehards in a way never previously seen, which is demonstrated through excerpts from several of his appearances over the past two decades on entertainment and late night talk shows (within the chronological timeline of his 81 wins). Also included throughout the film are countless reactions and memorable broadcast calls – often in bewilderment and awe – from some of Woods’ most iconic and defining moments over the past nearly quarter century.

“You will see a sustained level of excellence that you’ve never seen before.”
– Earl Woods speaking on his son’s potential during a 1997 GOLF Channel interview

Currently a single victory shy of matching Sam Snead’s record of 82 wins for the most all-time on the PGA TOUR, the film also documents the advent of Woods wearing his signature red shirt on Sunday while he left scores of his professional golf peers staring up at his name at week’s end. Tiger Woods: Chasing History also reflects on the special bond between Woods and his father Earl, and the emotional response from Woods following Earl’s passing in 2006.

“My game is far from being at its peak, and you never really get there. But it’s a
wonderful journey.” – Tiger Woods after winning the 1999 PGA Championship

Tiger Woods: Chasing History is narrated by Emmy Award-winning producer and television host Carson Daly, who also competed against Woods during their junior golf careers in Southern California.

Following Tiger Woods: Chasing History, other GOLF Films scheduled to debut in 2019 include:
• On the eve of the PGA TOUR’s 20th annual Payne Stewart Award recognition (Sunday, August 18, 1 p.m. ET on NBC), GOLF Films will present an updated version of the Emmy-nominated Payne (2014), focusing on how the late Stewart’s charismatic spirit is being passed down to future generations of professionals.
• The Legend of East Lake (Monday, August 19, 10 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel): Reflecting on Bobby Jones and Tom Cousins’ impact on the East Lake (Atlanta) golf landscape and community, and recounting Tiger Woods’ unforgettable TOUR Championship victory last September.

ABOUT GOLF FILMS
GOLF Films is a division of GOLF Channel and NBC Sports, led by Emmy-nominated films including Payne (2014), on the late Payne Stewart, and 27 Years: The Exoneration of Valentino Dixon (2018), on how Dixon’s sketch of a famous golf hole would lead to a release from prison for a murder he claims he did not commit. Additional critically-acclaimed GOLF Films projects include a series of “shorts”, led by Emmy Award-winning features, “Don’t Cry for Me – the Ryan Korengel Story” and “Feeling and Reality: the Billy Hurley Story”. GOLF Films is led by 13-time Emmy Award-winning coordinating producer Israel DeHerrera, who has served as the lead producer for several award-winning projects. Other critically-acclaimed GOLF Films include the four-part Arnie (2014), three-part Jack (2017), and two-part Hogan films on Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan; Tom at Turnberry, documenting Tom Watson’s inconceivable run (at age 59) at winning The 2009 Open; Famous 5, chronicling how five European golfers – born within 11 months of one another – collectively helped revitalize the Ryder Cup; Go Down Swinging (2018), reliving the unforgettable conclusion to the 1999 Open; Summer of ’76 (2017), recounting the 1976 Open at Royal Birkdale; ’86 (2016), a chronicle of Nicklaus’ final major championship win at the 1986 Masters that aired to coincide with the 30th anniversary of his iconic win; and Ben Crenshaw: A Walk Through Augusta (2015), on the two-time Masters champion’s special relationship with the tournament. Films previously produced by GOLF Channel that have since been added to the network’s GOLF Films library include American Triumvirate (2012), celebrating the 100-year anniversary or the birth of three of golf’s greatest legends: Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and Sam Snead; Go Annika (2013), commemorating Annika Sorenstam becoming the first woman in the modern professional golf era to test her mettle on the PGA TOUR; Lee Trevino: An American Champion (2013), recounting Trevino’s dramatic victory over Jack Nicklaus at the 1971 U.S. Open; and Uneven Fairways (2009), sharing the stories of the little-known, but rich history of the African-Americans who had the courage to stand up for their rights and pave the way for future stars of golf. Golf-Films.com, GOLF Films dedicated digital destination, includes excerpts from the division’s full library of films, along with archived content and testimonials on respective film projects. The website also serves as a source for dedicated information on current and future film projects in the works.

-NBC Sports Group-

IN-DEPTH STORYTELLING ELEVATES NBC SPORTS’ COVERAGE OF THE 148TH OPEN IN NORTHERN IRELAND

July 18, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

Vantage Point with Mike Tirico, David Feherty Vignettes, Men In Blazers,
GOLF Films Shorts & “Tee-to-Greens” Complement Live On-Site Coverage

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland, (July 16, 2019) – As Northern Ireland plays host to golf’s original championship this week for the first time since 1951, NBC Sports will present nearly 50 live hours of its Emmy-nominated tournament coverage from Royal Portrush Golf Club, along with nearly 70 hours of news programming, led by Golf Central Live From The Open. Throughout the week, coverage will be fueled by unique storytelling highlighting the tradition of The Open, as well as the significance of its return to Northern Ireland for the first time in 68 years.

“THE TROUBLES” AIRING TUESDAY ON VANTAGE POINT WITH MIKE TIRICO: A GOLF Films Short, “The Troubles,” details the significance of The Open’s return to Northern Ireland for the first time since 1951, and will air within Tuesday night’s new episode of Vantage Point with Mike Tirico at 9 p.m. ET. Documented by NBC Sports’ David Feherty (a Northern Ireland native), the piece reflects on the country’s long-lasting violence and dissension, and – following a peace agreement in 1998 – the subsequent excitement for The Open this week.

Vantage Point also will share the story of Nick Edmund, a man walking (and playing golf) across Ireland to raise funds and awareness for those battling cancer.

Golf Central Live From The Open additionally will detail how a veteran’s alternative therapy program at Waterville Golf Links in Ireland is providing relief for U.S. service members with PTSD, through a profile on retired U.S. Army Ranger Mike Morales.

DAVID FEHERTY VIGNETTES HIGHLIGHT UNIQUE ASPECTS OF THE OPEN: In addition to “The Troubles” piece, Feherty will deliver a collection of his signature vignettes to highlight underappreciated and perhaps overlooked aspects of The Open and his native Northern Ireland. Excursions for Feherty will include an education on the ancient game of Hurling, a sport of Gaelic and Irish origins; a journey to locate a proper source for traditional Irish music; and a morning spent at sea attempting to catch his breakfast. Other content elements will include a story on the 2007 Walker Cup team, and a recollection of Rory McIlroy’s course record-setting 61 at Royal Portrush as a 16-year-old.

THE MEN IN BLAZERS SHOW AT THE OPEN RETURNS ON NBCSN: NBC Sports’ critically-acclaimed The Men in Blazers – Roger Bennett and Michael Davies –return to The Open for the second consecutive year, abandoning their Panic Room studio in the “crap part of SoHo” in Manhattan for a distant corner of Royal Portrush for a nightly show, Wednesday-Sunday on NBCSN. The show will include featured guests, daily highlights, non-traditional stories and cultural elements from The Open presented in the duo’s signature, unconventional style. Dedicated features for the nightly show include a tribute to Game of Thrones Northern Irish ties; an examination of the origins of nearby “Giants Causeway”; a profile on Max Faulkner, who won the 1951 Open at Royal Portrush; a piece on a traditional ulster fry breakfast; and a glimpse of Rory McIlroy’s upbringing in Northern Ireland.

In addition to the nightly show on NBCSN from Royal Portrush, Rog and Davo will offer their unique takes on The Open through a series of features for NBC Sports’ overarching coverage.

AN HOMAGE TO NORTHERN IRELAND AND ITS ROLE IN GAME OF THRONES: In a tribute to The Open’s return to Northern Ireland and its proximity to the numerous and iconic set locations for the popular HBO series, NBC Sports will incorporate a handful of content elements that highlight the intersection of golf’s original championship with visuals synonymous with Game of Thrones. Voiced by the series’ Stephen Dillane (Stannis Baratheon), those elements will include the GOLF Films Short “The North,” which focuses on the defining landscape traits surrounding Royal Portrush, and what’s at stake for those in the field at The 148TH Open. Other planned elements refencing the series include a pair of vignettes: “The Dark Hedges” and “Game of Thrones”.

FRANK NOBILO’S “TEE-TO-GREENS” PREVIEWS ROYAL PORTRUSH: GOLF Channel analyst Frank Nobilo will help prepare viewers for Royal Portrush through his popular “Tee-to-Green” segments. Detailing the nuances of the course layout, Nobilo will detail which holes will likely prove pivotal for those in the field in their effort to win the Claret Jug.

NBC SPORTS’ COVERAGE HIGHLIGHTED BY DEEPEST BENCH IN GOLF: Having covered The Open for 40 years collectively, Paul Azinger (2005-’15), Nick Faldo (2004-’07 & 2016-’18) and Mike Tirico (1997-2018) will contribute their extensive familiarity in calling golf’s original championship and be joined by the deepest and most-experienced roster of analysts, hosts, reporters and personalities in golf.

NBC Sports Live Tournament Broadcast Team Tom Abbott, Paul Azinger, Notah Begay, Billy Ray Brown, Curt Byrum, Nick Faldo, David Feherty, Terry Gannon, Dan Hicks, Peter Jacobsen, Gary Koch, Justin Leonard, Todd Lewis, Jim “Bones” Mackay, Roger Maltbie, Frank Nobilo, Jimmy Roberts, Mark Rolfing, Steve Sands, Mike Tirico
Golf Central Live From The Open Broadcast Team Notah Begay, Ryan Burr, Brandel Chamblee, Jaime Diaz, Nick Dougherty, Trevor Immelman, Justin Leonard, Rich Lerner, Todd Lewis, Frank Nobilo, Mark Rolfing, Ken Schofield
Morning Drive Damon Hack (Monday-Wednesday), John Cook (Wednesday)
GOLF Channel Digital Mercer Baggs, Jay Coffin, Will Gray, Rex Hoggard, Ryan Lavner, Bailey Mosier-Chamblee, Nick Menta

AIRTMES FOR THE 148TH OPEN WEEK (All Times EST)

Tuesday, July 16
6-10 a.m. / Noon-2 p.m. Golf Central Live From The Open
10 a.m.-Noon Morning Drive
9-10 p.m. Vantage Point with Mike Tirico

Wednesday, July 17
6-10 a.m. / Noon-2 p.m. Golf Central Live From The Open
10 a.m.-Noon Morning Drive
11-11:30 p.m. The Men in Blazers (NBCSN)

Thursday, July 18
Midnight-1:30 a.m. Midnight Drive
1:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The Open – First Round
4-5 p.m. Golf Central Live From The Open
11-11:30 p.m. The Men in Blazers (NBCSN)

Friday, July 19
1:30-4 p.m. The Open – Second Round
4-5 p.m. Golf Central Live From The Open
11-11:30 p.m. The Men in Blazers (NBCSN)

Saturday, July 20
5-7 a.m. The Open – Third Round
7-11 a.m. Golf Central Live From The Open
7 a.m.-3 p.m. The Open – Third Round (NBC)
3-4 p.m. Golf Central Live From The Open
1-1:30 a.m. The Men in Blazers (NBCSN, Saturday Overnight)

Sunday, July 21
4-7 a.m. The Open – Final Round
7-10 a.m. Golf Central Live From The Open
7 a.m.-2 p.m. The Open – Final Round (NBC)
2-4 p.m. Golf Central Live From The Open
10-10:30 p.m. The Men in Blazers (NBCSN)

ABOUT NBC SPORTS GROUP’S GOLF DIVISION
NBC Sports Group’s GOLF division delivers multimedia golf content, technology and services. Anchored by GOLF Channel – co-founded by Arnold Palmer in 1995 – GOLF content is available to nearly 500 million viewers in nine languages across more than 70 countries around the world. GOLF features more live coverage of the sport than all other U.S. networks combined, including global tournament action from the PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, European Tour, NCAA, THE PLAYERS, The Open, Olympics, Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup, as well as high-quality news, instruction and original programming. Delivering unmatched coverage from the world of golf via GOLF Digital, fans can access 24/7 live streaming through the NBC Sports App, as well as complementary coverage via PGA TOUR LIVE on NBC Sports Gold. In addition to these all-encompassing media platforms, NBC Sports connects the world to golf through a wide array of technology and lifestyle services, including: GOLFNOW, the world’s largest online tee time booking platform; GOLF Business Solutions, solving business needs through leading technology, marketing and services; GOLFPASS, an all-in-one digital membership delivering comprehensive benefits tailored to the modern golfer’s lifestyle; Revolution GOLF, the world’s largest direct-to-consumer digital platform in golf, offering best-in-class video instruction and game improvement products; GOLF Advisor, the ultimate digital destination for the traveling golfer, featuring the largest number of user-generated golf course ratings and reviews in the industry; GOLF Academy, a North American network of instructional facilities; and GOLF Am Tour, the world’s largest amateur golf tour. GOLF’s global reach originates from its world headquarters in Orlando, Fla., and extends to its international office in Belfast, Northern Ireland; regional offices across North America, Europe and Australia; and also includes collaborations with Sky Sports and serving as the Official Media Partner of St Andrews Links.

-NBC Sports Group-

THE 148TH OPEN IS COMING…TO NORTHERN IRELAND AS NBC SPORTS ONCE AGAIN DELIVERS THE MOST ANNUAL COVERAGE OF ANY GOLF EVENT

July 18, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

Coverage Enhancements Include Most Cameras of Any Golf Event, Toptracer & Bunker Cam Technology, Popular “Playing Through” Commercial Break Format

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland, (July 15, 2019) – As golf’s original major championship descends upon Northern Ireland for the first time in 68 years, NBC Sports today kicked off its weeklong on-site coverage surrounding The 148TH Open from Royal Portrush Golf Club. With 410 total hours of coverage in the lead-up to and throughout The Open this week, coverage is led by 200 hours of linear programming, coupled with 210 complementary hours of streaming coverage, including featured holes and marquee groups. Spanning from Thursday’s opening tee shot through Sunday’s final putt, NBC Sports’ Emmy-nominated tournament coverage will feature nearly 50 live hours, annually the most live coverage hours from any golf event, which this week will be complemented by nearly 70 hours of news programming, led by Golf Central Live From The Open, which will offer expanded weekend coverage this year.

“The tradition that surrounds golf’s original championship takes on added significance this week with The Open returning to Northern Ireland,” said Mike McCarley, president, Golf, NBC Sports Group. “Our extensive approach will feature an unprecedented amount of coverage, with live coverage from the first tee shot early Thursday morning through the final putt on Sunday evening. One of the things that makes The Open so unique is its visual appeal, especially when the element of weather comes into play as it so often does.”

AN HOMAGE TO NORTHERN IRELAND AND ITS ROLE IN GAME OF THRONES: In a tribute to The Open’s return to Northern Ireland and its proximity to the numerous and iconic set locations for the popular HBO series, NBC Sports will incorporate a handful of content elements that highlight the intersection of golf’s original championship with visuals synonymous with Game of Thrones. Voiced by the series’ Stephen Dillane (Stannis Baratheon), those elements will include the GOLF Films Short “The North,” which focuses on the defining landscape traits surrounding Royal Portrush, and what’s at stake for those in the field at The 148TH Open.

COVERAGE ENHANCEMENTS AT THE 148TH OPEN: NBC Sports’ coverage of The Open will utilize 150 cameras, the most for any golf event, and will employ additional production enhancements such as:
• “PLAYING THROUGH” COMMERCIAL BREAK FORMAT: Enhancing both the viewership and commercial experience, NBC Sports’ popular “Playing Through” split-screen commercial format returns for The Open, ensuring viewers don’t miss key stretches of the action during commercial breaks. During NBC Sports’ coverage of The Open at Carnoustie in 2018, an additional 181 shots of live golf were shown because of “Playing Through”.
• GOLF CENTRAL LIVE FROM THE OPEN EXPANDED WEEKEND COVERAGE: Golf Central Live From The Open will feature expanded hours on Saturday-Sunday, complementing NBC’s early coverage from Royal Portrush. Coverage will include live look-ins at the practice ground as the leaders prepare for their round.
• TOPTRACER TECHNOLOGY: Coverage will have the capability of utilizing Toptracer on all 18 holes at Royal Portrush. Topracer will be utilized on tee shots either via live video or via NBC Virtual Follow, a live trace over a graphic representation of the hole. Toptracer also will be featured on approach shots via cameras that can travel anywhere on the course.
• BUNKER CAMS: NBC Sports’ coverage of The Open will once again make use of the popular “bunker cam” technology, embedding a camera into the lip of seven bunkers at Royal Portrush to offer a unique perspective as players attempt to make their escape.
• INFLUENCE OF WIND: Wind indicators will be utilized around the course to measure changes in wind conditions in real-time, providing immediate ultra-precise data so viewers can easily distinguish what a player is facing over a given shot.

AIRTMES FOR THE 148TH OPEN WEEK (All Times EST):

Monday, July 15
7-9 a.m. Morning Drive
9-11 a.m. Golf Central Live From The Open
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sky Sports – On The Range
7-9 p.m. Golf Central Live From The Open

Tuesday, July 16
6-10 a.m. / Noon-2 p.m. Golf Central Live From The Open
10 a.m.-Noon Morning Drive
9-10 p.m. Vantage Point with Mike Tirico

Wednesday, July 17
6-10 a.m. / Noon-2 p.m. Golf Central Live From The Open
10 a.m.-Noon Morning Drive
11-11:30 p.m. The Men in Blazers (NBCSN)

Thursday, July 18
Midnight-1:30 a.m. Midnight Drive
1:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The Open – First Round
4-5 p.m. Golf Central Live From The Open
11-11:30 p.m. The Men in Blazers (NBCSN)

Friday, July 19
1:30-4 p.m. The Open – Second Round
4-5 p.m. Golf Central Live From The Open
11-11:30 p.m. The Men in Blazers (NBCSN)

NBC SPORTS’ LIVE COVERAGE OF THE 106TH TOUR DE FRANCE CONTINUES THIS WEEKEND ON NBCSN WITH STAGES 13-15

July 18, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

Live Coverage of Stage 13 Begins Tomorrow, Friday, July 19 at 8 a.m. ET on NBCSN, Stage 14 Live This Saturday at 7:30 a.m. ET on NBCSN & Stage 15 Live This Sunday at 6:30 a.m. ET on NBCSN

NBC and NBCSN Present Live Coverage of All 21 Stages of Tour de France

Live, Commercial-Free Coverage Of Every Stage from Start to Finish and Exclusive Features Available with NBC Sports Gold ‘s “Cycling Pass”

STAMFORD, Conn. – July 18, 2019 – NBC Sports continues its presentation of more than 350 hours of live, primetime, and encore coverage of the 106th Tour de France, across NBC, NBCSN, and the NBC Sports Gold app this weekend. Coverage continues tonight at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN with Tour Primetime.

Tonight’s Tour Primetime will dive deeper into Australian Rohan Dennis’ (Bahrain-Merida) mysterious abandonment of the race, including an interview with Bahrain-Merida’s head sports director Gorazd Stangelj, who shares his insight on Dennis’ decision. In addition, tonight’s show features defending Tour champion Geraint Thomas (Team Ineos) ahead of tomorrow’s individual time trial, as he chases Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck – Quick Step) for the overall leader.

Live coverage of the Tour de France continues tomorrow, Friday, July 19, at 8 a.m. ET on NBCSN with Stage 13 in Pau on the exact 100-year anniversary of the yellow jersey. Live streaming coverage of Stage 13 will begin tomorrow at 7:50 a.m. ET on NBC Sports Gold.

On Saturday, July 20, NBCSN presents live coverage of Stage 14 from Tarbes to Tourmalet Barèges at 7:30 a.m. ET, with livestreaming of Stage 14 beginning at 7:20 a.m. ET on NBC Sports Gold. NBCSN’s live coverage on Sunday begins at 6:30 a.m. ET on with Stage 15 from Limoux to Foix Prat d’Albis.

Phil Liggett, universally known as the “voice of cycling,” will call play-by-play race action for NBC Sports’ coverage alongside analyst Bob Roll. Liggett and Roll will be joined in France by former professional cyclist and analyst Jens Voigt. Voigt won the Critérium International a record five times and had two Tour de France stage wins. Paul Burmeister will host daily pre-race, post-race and primetime studio coverage, along with former professional cyclist and analyst Christian Vande Velde and American Grand Tour champion Chris Horner, who will be making his Tour de France debut with NBC Sports. Steve Schlanger and Steve Porino (‘Inside-the-Race’) will serve as reporters.

DIGITAL COVERAGE

In addition to live TV coverage of the Tour de France, NBC Sports Digital will once again provide extensive digital coverage of all 21 stages of the race.

NBC SPORTS GOLD: NBC Sports Gold – NBC Sports Digital’s direct-to-consumer live streaming product – features live, commercial-free, start-to-finish coverage of every stage of the Tour de France, and includes two ways to watch — an ad-free World Feed with nearly 20 bonus hours of coverage, or the NBC Sports telecast feed featuring commentators Phil Liggett and Bob Roll.

NBC Sports Gold’s live stream of the 2019 Tour de France also includes access to a live GPS tracking map to follow the riders’ progress, an enhanced interactive map for each stage, the ability to pause the video, full stage video replay, highlights, short‐form video clips, and more.

NBC Sports Group’s 2019 Tour de France Schedule: (subject to change, all times ET)***All live coverage on NBC and NBCSN is also available on NBC Sports Gold and the NBC Sports app.

Date	Time	Stage	Platform
Thurs., July 18	8 p.m.	Tour Primetime – Stage 12: Toulouse / Bagnères-de-Bigorre	NBCSN
Thurs., July 18	Midnight	Stage 12: Toulouse / Bagnères-de-Bigorre	NBCSN
Fri., July 19	7:30 a.m.	Tour de France Pre-Show (LIVE)	NBCSN
Fri., July 19	7:50 a.m.	Stage 13: Pau / Pau	NBC Sports Gold
Fri., July 19	8 a.m.	Stage 13: Pau / Pau (LIVE)	NBCSN
Fri., July 19	8 p.m.	Stage 13: Pau / Pau	NBCSN
Fri., July 19	Midnight	Stage 13: Pau / Pau	NBCSN
Sat., July 20	7 a.m.	Tour de France Pre-Show (LIVE)	NBCSN
Sat., July 20	7:20 a.m.	Stage 14: Tarbes / Tourmalet Barèges	NBC Sports Gold
Sat., July 20	7:30 a.m.	Stage 14: Tarbes / Tourmalet Barèges	NBCSN
Sat., July 20	3 p.m.	Stage 14: Tarbes / Tourmalet Barèges	NBC
Sun., July 21	5:55 a.m.	Stage 15: Limoux / Foix Prat d’Albis (LIVE)	NBC Sports Gold
Sun., July 21	6 a.m.	Tour de France Pre-Show (LIVE)	NBCSN
Sun., July 21	6:30 a.m.	Stage 15: Limoux / Foix Prat d’Albis (LIVE)	NBCSN
Sun., July 21	12:30 a.m	Stage 15: Limoux / Foix Prat d’Albis	NBCSN
Mon., July 22	8:30 a.m.	Stage 15: Limoux / Foix Prat d’Albis	NBCSN
Mon., July 22	12 p.m.	Stage 15: Limoux / Foix Prat d’Albis	NBCSN
Mon., July 22	8 p.m.	Stage 15: Limoux / Foix Prat d’Albis	NBCSN
Tues., July 23	7 a.m.	Tour de France Pre-Show (LIVE)	NBCSN
Tues., July 23	7:05 a.m.	Stage 16: Nîmes / Nîmes (LIVE)	NBC Sports Gold
Tues., July 23	7:30 a.m.	Stage 16: Nîmes / Nîmes (LIVE)	NBCSN
Tues., July 23	2 p.m.	Stage 16: Nîmes / Nîmes	NBCSN
Tues., July 23	8 p.m.	Tour Primetime – Stage 16: Nîmes / Nîmes	NBCSN
Wed., July 24	6 a.m.	Tour de France Pre-Show (LIVE)	NBCSN
Wed., July 24	6:15 a.m.	Stage 17: Pont du Gard / Gap (LIVE)	NBC Sports Gold
Wed., July 24	6:30 a.m.	Stage 17: Pont du Gard / Gap (LIVE)	NBCSN
Wed., July 24	2 p.m.	Stage 17: Pont du Gard / Gap	NBCSN
Wed., July 24	8 p.m.	Tour Primetime – Stage 17: Pont du Gard / Gap	NBCSN
Thurs., July 25	5 a.m.	Stage 18: Embrun / Valloire (LIVE)	NBC Sports Gold
Thurs., July 25	6:30 a.m.	Tour de France Pre-Show (LIVE)	NBCSN
Thurs., July 25	7 a.m.	Stage 18: Embrun / Valloire (LIVE)	NBCSN
Thurs., July 25	2 p.m.	Stage 18: Embrun / Valloire	NBCSN
Thurs., July 25	8 p.m.	Tour Primetime – Stage 18: Embrun / Valloire	NBCSN
Fri., July 26	7:30 a.m.	Tour de France Pre-Show (LIVE)	NBCSN
Fri., July 26	7:35 a.m.	Stage 19: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne / Tignes (LIVE)	NBC Sports Gold
Fri., July 26	8 a.m.	Stage 19: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne / Tignes (LIVE)	NBCSN
Fri., July 26	2 p.m.	Stage 19: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne / Tignes	NBCSN
Fri., July 26	9 p.m.	Tour Primetime – Stage 19: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne / Tignes	NBCSN
Sat., July 27	7:25 a.m.	Stage 20: Albertville / Val Thorens (LIVE)	NBC Sports Gold
Sat., July 27	8 a.m.	Stage 20: Albertville / Val Thorens (LIVE)	NBC
Sun., July 28	10 a.m.	Stage 20: Albertville / Val Thorens	NBCSN
Sun., July 28	11:55 a.m.	Stage 21: Rambouillet / Paris Champs-Élysées (LIVE)	NBC Sports Gold
Sun., July 28	12 p.m.	Tour de France Pre-Show (LIVE)	NBCSN
Sun., July 28	12:30	Stage 21: Rambouillet / Paris Champs-Élysées (LIVE)	NBCSN
Sun., July 28	2 p.m.	Stage 21: Rambouillet / Paris Champs-Élysées (LIVE)	NBC
Sun., July 28	11:30 p.m.	Tour Primetime – Stage 21: Rambouillet / Paris Champs-Élysées	NBCSN

Click here for more information and the full Tour de France schedule.

–NBC SPORTS-

NOTABLE QUOTES – GOLF CENTRAL LIVE FROM THE OPEN (OPENING ROUND)

July 18, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

GOLF Channel Notable Quotes
Golf Central Live From The Open (Opening Round)
Royal Portrush Golf Club, Portrush, Northern Ireland
Thursday, July 18, 2019

**Live second round coverage of The 148TH Open begins at 1:30 a.m. ET Friday on GOLF Channel, and continues until 4 p.m. ET.**

148TH Open Leaderboard – Opening Round
J.B. Holmes -5
Shane Lowry -4
Brooks Koepka -3
Jon Rahm -3
Tony Finau -3

On Brooks Koepka (3-under, T-3rd)
Brandel Chamblee – “At some point we have to stop calling it a streak and start calling it a trend. At some point it’s not a streak, it’s a trend. How many times really did you have to see Tom Brady perform in the clutch before you thought, ‘It wasn’t a great game. It wasn’t a great streak. He’s a great player.’ Same is true of Mariano Rivera. How many times did he have to just absolutely shut them down at the end of a game before you went, ‘It wasn’t a great game. He’s a great player. This is who he is.’ [Koepka is] the opposite of Rory.”
Frank Nobilo – “He has a chance to really thin the herd tomorrow.”

On Tiger Woods (7-over, T-144th)
Chamblee – “There is a physical toll to hitting numerous shots out of the rough. Even for a younger man. But for an older man who was obviously is some form of pain, he was wincing out there. There’s a human toll for sure.”
Nobilo – “We can’t keep changing the narrative for the situation. If he comes out and shows part of a game once or twice a year, I think that’s great. The desire of his fans, the demand that they have, that is all unrealistic. He needs conditions that are conducive. He needs courses like Augusta and he needs warm conditions. And he needs to get out of bed every now and again and feel great. This is a hard game.”
Chamblee – “By any definition for a player sneaking up to their mid-40s, this was a great year. It’s not a great year for 40-somethings to play major championships with this new schedule. When he came in here this week he was noticeably slower. These majors are flying by. At some point he’ll play one where it’s warm. He’ll play where he’ll have a chance to have some semblance of a game. The stuff between the ears is never going to go away, it’s just that he cannot summon he physical strengths to do the things that he needs to do.”

On Rory McIlroy (8-over, T-150th)
Nobilo – “It had taken 68 years for this championship to get back here. And at the end of today the story should be that the course won. The people won. The town of Portrush won. The country of Northern Ireland won. But the papers tomorrow, it’s already been written. Northern Ireland’s favorite son lost today. Lost a bit of his psyche.”
Chamblee – “Has a sporting event ever had the wind knocked out of it quicker than this one today? This is nothing new what we saw today out of Rory McIlroy. He has had – historically – a bad run of first rounds. When someone plays poor golf in the beginning of a tournament and then great golf the rest of the way then it’s not something physical. It’s not something technical. That they’re not putting themselves in the right frame of mind to either begin a golf tournament or end a golf tournament. On paper coming in here, demonstrably, Rory McIlroy was the best player. I know what the world rankings say. But when someone consistently performs under expectations, the word is choking. We shy away from it. But now it’s five years [removed from winning a major]. And there was a reason why people shied away from picking him this week. And it was because everybody felt like the moment was going to be too big for him. You don’t like to be correct in these presumptions, but it played out exactly that way.”

-NBC Sports Group-

BEST LACROSSE PLAYERS IN THE WORLD COMPETE THIS SUNDAY AT PLL ALL-STAR GAME AT 8 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

July 18, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

Premier Lacrosse League All-Star Game Followed by Skills Competition at 10:30 p.m. ET, Exclusively on NBC Sports Gold

Paul Rabil and Justin Guterding of Team Baptiste, and Opposing Team Captain Matt Rambo to be Mic’d Up for Under-the-Helmet Interviews for Sunday’s Game

Host and Creator of Six-Time Emmy Award-Winning “Sport Science” John Brenkus to Serve as Skills Competition Emcee

Viewership, Production & Close Competition Highlight Inaugural Season Heading Into All-Star Weekend

STAMFORD, Conn. – July 18, 2019 – After a two-week break, the Premier Lacrosse League resumes play this weekend as the best players in the world take the field at LA’s Banc of California Stadium to face off in the All-Star Game this Sunday, July 21, at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) on NBCSN. NBC Sports Gold will air the PLL Skills Competition at 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. PT) following the All-Star Game, exclusively for subscribers.

ALL-STAR GAME – SUNDAY AT 8 P.M. ET (5 P.M. PT) ON NBCSN

NBCSN presents coverage of the PLL All-Star game at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). The league’s inaugural All-Star Game will feature the league’s top 50 players selected by fans. Once the players were selected earlier this season, the PLL held an All-Star Draft on July 9 for team captains Trevor Baptiste of Atlas LC and Matt Rambo of Whipsnakes LC – who received the most fan votes – to select their 21 teammates.

Brendan Burke (play-by-play) and Ryan Boyle (analyst) will have the call from Banc of California Stadium on Sunday. Reporter Chantel McCabe will conduct in-game interviews.

Players from each team will be mic’d up for under-the-helmet interviews with analyst Ryan Boyle up in the booth. For Sunday’s All-Star Game broadcast on NBCSN, Paul Rabil and Justin Guterding of Team Baptiste, and opposing team captain Matt Rambo will be mic’d up for in-game under-the-helmet interviews. In addition, Jarrod Neumann (Team Baptiste) will be mic’d up for Sunday’s game.

Following are the rosters for this weekend’s All-Star Game:

TEAM BAPTISTE
Head Coach: Nat St. Laurent; Assistant Coach: Andy Towers
Number	First Name	Last Name	Position	Name Plate
0	Tim	Troutner	G	@timothytroutner
1	Marcus	Holman	A	@marcusholman1
1	Mike	Chanenchuk	M	@mike_chanenchuk
2	Scott	Ratliff	LSM	@scottratliff2
4	Will	Manny	A	@willmanny1
5	Matt	Kavanagh	A	@mattkavanagh_
9	Trevor	Baptiste	FO	@trevorbaptiste9
12	Jack	Concannon	G	@_jconcannon_
13	Tyler	Warner	M	@_tywarner5
14	Justin	Guterding	A	@guterball14
15	Myles	Jones	M	@mylesjones15
18	Kyle	Harrison	M	@kyleharrison18
22	Josh	Byrne	A	@joshbyrne22
22	Ned	Crotty	M	@crottykid22
22	Ryan	Drenner	A	@ryandrenner
26	Tom	Schreiber	M	@tom_schreiber26
43	Matthew	Landis	D	@mattlandis43
51	Tucker	Durkin	D	@tdurkin51
52	Garrett	Epple	D	@garrett_epple
81	Kyle	Hartzell	LSM	@khartzell81
88	Jarrod	Neumann	D	@jneu_xv
99	Paul	Rabil	M	@paulrabil

TEAM RAMBO
Head Coach: Jim Stagnitta; Assistant Coach: Chris Bates
Number	First Name	Last Name	Position	Name Plate
0	Blaze	Riorden	G	@blazeriorden10
1	Joe	Walters	M	@jwalters1
2	Miles	Thompson	A	@miles74thompson
4	Ryan	Brown	A	@rbrownie4
5	Connor	Fields	A	@connorfields5
6	Bryce	Young	D	@b_young41
7	Jules	Heningburg	A	@julesheningburg
8	Brent	Adams	M	@brentadamsco
9	Matt	Rambo	A	@rattmambo
11	Matt	McMahon	D	@mattmcman
16	Mark	Glicini	M	@mark_glic
23	Drew	Snider	M	@dsnides23
28	Michael	Ehrhardt	D	@airheart12
32	Jordan	Wolf	A	@jwolf31
32	Greg	Gurenlian	FO	@gregbeast32
33	Connor	Buczek	M	@cbuczek33
33	Matthew	Dunn	D	@matt_dunn33
35	Kyle	Bernlohr	G	@kbernlohr35
48	Sergio	Salcido	M	@sergiosalcido48
54	Jake	Froccaro	M	@simple__jake
77	Cade	van Raaphorst	D	@cvanraap77
83	Jake	Bernhardt	M	@jak3bernhardt

SKILLS CHALLENGE – SUNDAY 10:30 P.M. ET (7:30 P.M. PT) ON NBC SPORTS GOLD

The Skills Challenge will take place at L.A.’s Banc of California Stadium at 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. PT) following the All-Star Game on NBC Sports Gold’s Premier Lacrosse League Pass, available exclusively for subscribers.

Following is the order of events for Sunday’s Skills Challenge:

Event 1: Fastest Player –

Athletes run from the end line to the top of the opposite 2-point arc. The first 3 athletes to cross the line move on to Round 2.

Featuring:

Brent Adams – Redwoods
Sergio Salcido – Redwoods
Dan Eipp – Archers
Mark Glicini – Chaos
Jarrod Neumann – Chaos

Event 2: Adidas Freestyle Challenge –

Athletes have 30 seconds each to score 1 goal with the most creative way possible.

Featuring:

Connor Fields – Chaos
Josh Byrne – Chaos
Ryder Garnsey – Redwoods
Scott Ratliff – Archers
Ryan Drenner – Whipsnakes
Justin Guterding – Chrome

Event 3: Goalie Competition –

The goalie who makes the most stops (save or a missed shot) wins the competition.

Featuring:

Kyle Bernlohr – Whipsnakes
Tim Troutner – Redwoods
Blaze Riorden – Chaos

Event 4: Vineyard Vines Accuracy Challenge –

Athletes have 30 seconds to hit as many targets as they can from distance of 10 yards.

Featuring:

Deemer Class – Chaos
Ryan Brown – Atlas
Will Manny – Archers
Tom Schreiber – Archers
Marcus Holman – Archers
Justin Guterding – Chrome

Event 5: Fastest Shot –

Athletes will have two shots each from 10 yards out. The athlete with the fastest shot wins the competition.

Featuring:

Jarrod Neumann – Chaos
Connor Buczek – Atlas
Blaze Riorden – Chaos
Jake Froccaro – Chaos
Myles Jones – Chaos
Michael Ehrhardt – Whipsnakes

Brendan Burke (play-by-play) and Ryan Boyle (analyst) will call the competition from the booth. Chantel McCabe will conduct on-field interviews throughout the competition. Current Atlas LC midfielder Paul Rabil will join the NBC Sports commentary team throughout the competition.

Pro Football Hall-of-Famer and National Lacrosse Hall of Fame member Jim Brown is expected to serve as a guest judge for Sunday’s Skills Challenge. Additionally, host and creator of the six-time Emmy Award-winning “Sport Science” John Brenkus will serve as the event emcee, introducing each challenge and its competing players.

***

ABOUT THE PREMIER LACROSSE LEAGUE

The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) brings the sport of lacrosse to a national stage for the first time through a tour-based model, complete with the best players the game has to offer. Co-founded by lacrosse superstar, philanthropist, and investor Paul Rabil and his brother, serial entrepreneur and investor, Mike Rabil, the Premier Lacrosse League is backed by an investment group comprised of The Raine Group, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), The Chernin Group, and Blum Capital. The PLL season will begin in June 2019, with six teams, embarking on a 14-week season that concludes with a playoff and PLL championship game. The PLL season will be distributed through an exclusive media-rights agreement with NBC Sports Group. For more information, visit PremierLacrosseLeague.com, and follow on social media:

Instagram: @PLL
Twitter: @PremierLacrosse
Facebook: @PremierLacrosseLeague
YouTube: YouTube.com/PLL

–NBC SPORTS–

DQ’D KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER MAXIMUM SECURITY HEADLINES BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE SERIES FROM MONMOUTH PARK THIS SATURDAY LIVE AT 5 PM ET ON NBC

July 18, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

NEW YORK (July 18, 2019) – Maximum Security, who finished first in the 2019 Kentucky Derby before being disqualified, headlines a talented field of seven 3-year-olds in the $1 million TVG.com Haskell Invitational, which will be broadcast live from Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J this Saturday, July 20 at 5 p.m. ET on NBC as a part of the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In – Presented by America’s Best Racing.” Saturday’s show marks the fourth of 11 telecasts in the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge: Win and You’re In Series – Presented by America’s Best Racing” on NBC and NBCSN from some of America’s most iconic racetracks. The series leads to the 36th Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., on Nov. 1-2 on NBC and NBCSN. Complete series TV schedule can be accessed here: http://www.breederscup.com/challenge-series The TVG.com Haskell winner will earn an automatic berth into the 1 ¼-mile, $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic.

NBC Sports’ coverage of the Haskell will be hosted by Nick Luck, who will be joined by analysts Randy Moss and Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey, reporter Laffit Pincay III and reporter/handicapper Eddie Olczyk.

Maximum Security, owned by Gary and Mary West and trained by Jason Servis, crossed the wire first in the Kentucky Derby on May 4, but became the first horse in the history of the “Run for the Roses” to be disqualified for interference at the top of the stretch. The controversial finish was the first career defeat for the son of 2013 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner New Year’s Day. Maximum Security won the Florida Derby in March prior to the Kentucky Derby.

“This race is really important in the campaign for the 3-year-old champion. The Haskell could be critical,” said Servis at Wednesday’s post-position draw, when Maximum Security drew the No. 7 post and was installed as the 8-5 morning line favorite.

In his first start since the Derby, Maximum Security finished second by a length to Red Oak Stable’s King for a Day in the 1 1/16-mile Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth on June 16. Trained by Todd Pletcher, King for a Day has won three of five starts, including a 2 ½-length score in the Sir Barton Stakes at Pimlico on Preakness Day.

“This is a big step up from the Pegasus, but he’s an enthusiastically training colt. He’s had three solid works and I couldn’t be more delighted with the way he’s coming into the race,” said Pletcher, who has assigned Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez to ride King for a Day from post 1 the 5-2 third choice.

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert holds the Haskell training record with eight wins, which includes the 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, who went on to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic and become racing’s first Grand Slam winner.

For Saturday, Baffert ships in from his Southern California base Michael Peterson’s Mucho Gusto, a winner of 5 of 7 lifetime starts, and the 2-1 second choice. A chestnut son of 2013 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Mucho Macho Man, Mucho Gusto comes into the Haskell off consecutive wins at Santa Anita in the seven-furlong La Brea Stakes on May 18 and in the1 1/16-mile Affirmed Stakes on June 16.

“He shipped really well and he couldn’t be doing any better,” said Baffert. “After he won last out (in the Affirmed) I thought he was ready for this. He deserves his chance to take on Grade 1 company.”

Among the other challengers in the Haskell are Jeff and Michael Fazio’s Joevia, who finished third in the Belmont Stakes, and Calumet Farm’s Everfast, who finished second in the Preakness Stakes.

The Haskell field in post-position order with jockeys and morning line odds is as follows: King for a Day, John Velazquez, 5-2; Joevia, Jose Lezcano, 10-1; Spun to Run, Paco Lopez, 15-1; Bethlehem Road, Luis A. Rodriguez Castro, 20-1; Mucho Gusto, Joe Talamo, 2-1; Everfast, Julien Leparoux, 10-1; Maximum Security, Luis Saez, 8-5.

About Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships. The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The 2019 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 championship races (13 Grade 1 events and one Grade 2 race) with purses and awards totaling more than $30 million, will be held on November 1-2 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., and will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, www.breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

NBC SPORTS GROUP AND HORSE RACING: NBC Sports Group is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Triple Crown, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001, and the Belmont Stakes since 2011, when NBC Sports Group reassembled the Triple Crown. The 2019 Kentucky Derby posted a Total Audience Delivery (TAD) of 16.5 million viewers across NBC and NBC Sports Digital platforms – up 10% from last year’s race (15.0 million) featuring eventual Triple Crown winner Justify and marking television’s largest Saturday audience since the NFL Divisional Playoffs (Jan. 12, 2019).

-30-

NASCAR, INDYCAR, IMSA AND PRO MOTOCROSS HIGHLIGHT THIS WEEK’S MOTORSPORTS COVERAGE ACROSS NBC SPORTS

July 18, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

More Than 46 Hours of Motorsports Coverage This Week, Including Stock Car, Open Wheel, GT, and Motos

Saturday’s Line-Up: NASCAR Xfinity Series From New Hampshire; IndyCar Series Iowa 300; IMSA Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock; and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Spring Creek National

Saturday’s IndyCar Series Pre-Race Coverage from Iowa Begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN

INDYCAR Continues Viewership Gains

STAMFORD, Conn. – July 18, 2019 – NBC Sports – the home of motorsports — will present more than 46 hours of coverage this week, from stock car racing to open wheel to GTs to motos. NBCSN will present more than 15 hours of motorsports coverage on Saturday alone, including NASCAR Xfinity Series racing from New Hampshire at 4 p.m. ET; IndyCar Series Iowa 300 at 7 p.m. ET; IMSA Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock at 9:30 p.m. ET; and the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Spring Creek National at 1 a.m. ET (10 p.m. PT).

This weekend’s coverage also features Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing from New Hampshire on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN. For more details on NBC Sports’ coverage of NASCAR this weekend, click here.

INDYCAR SERIES IOWA 300 – LIVE RACE COVERAGE SATURDAY AT 7 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

IndyCar’s annual trip to Iowa Speedway moves back to Saturday night under the lights, adding a visual kick to one of the most frenetic races of the season. Drivers will rip off sub-18 second laps at speeds exceeding 180 miles per hour on a bumpy, weathered 3/4-mile “bullring.” NBC Sports presents exclusive live race coverage at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN, with pre-race coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

Indianapolis 500 winner Simon Pagenaud is now firmly in the title conversation after a dominant victory from pole position last Sunday in Toronto. Josef Newgarden remains championship leader by just four points over Alexander Rossi, but Pagenaud has cut his own deficit to 39 points following his third win of the season. James Hinchcliffe is the defending champion at Iowa.

2019 NTT IndyCar Series Points Standings – Top 5 Overall:

Rank	Driver	Team	Wins	Points
1	Josef Newgarden	Team Penske	3	434
2	Alexander Rossi	Andretti Autosport	2	430
3	Simon Pagenaud	Team Penske	3	395
4	Scott Dixon	Chip Ganassi Racing	1	348
5	Will Power	Team Penske	0	306

Live coverage begins exclusively on NBC Sports Gold’s INDYCAR Pass with two Friday practice sessions (Practice 1 at 11 a.m. ET; Practice 2 at 7 p.m. ET). Between those sessions, NBCSN will present live Iowa 300 qualifying at 2 p.m. ET. NBC Sports Gold’s INDYCAR Pass provides live streaming coverage of all practices, qualifying, Indy Lights races and on-demand replays for the 2019 NTT IndyCar Series season. Click here to purchase.

Calling this week’s race is Leigh Diffey (play-by-play), Paul Tracy (analyst), and AJ Allmendinger (analyst). Following this weekend’s race, Allmendinger will have served as an NBC Sports commentator across four different motorsports (NASCAR, IMSA, INDYCAR, and Supercross). Iowa will mark the first time that Tracy and Allmendinger have called a race together. Townsend Bell will not be at Iowa, due to his racing commitments this weekend in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship at Lime Rock Park. Kevin Lee, Dillon Welch and Robin Miller will report from the pits.

“I can’t wait to work with my long-time friend PT [Paul Tracy],” says Allmendinger. “Early in my career, he did so much for me — from driving for him in karts on his PTK team to getting my name out there in the junior formula categories to helping me make my way into Champ Car. We were at one time teammates at Forsythe [Racing], so to now be teammates at NBC Sports and covering the IndyCar race together. It will be a fun and special weekend for myself.”

Following is this weekend’s IndyCar Series programming across NBC Sports:

DATE	COVERAGE	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
Fri., July 19	IndyCar Series Iowa 300 – Practice 1	11 a.m.	NBC Sports Gold
	IndyCar Series Iowa 300 – Qualifying	2 p.m.	NBCSN
	IndyCar Series Iowa 300 – Practice 2	7 p.m.	NBC Sports Gold
Sat., July 20	IndyCar Series Iowa 300 – Pre-Race	6:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	IndyCar Series Iowa 300 – Race	7 p.m.	NBCSN
	IndyCar Series Iowa 300 – Post-Race	9 p.m.	NBCSN

INDYCAR CONTINUES VIEWERSHIP GAINS WITH HONDA INDY TORONTO

NBC Sports’ presentation of Honda Indy Toronto from the streets of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Sunday, July 14, averaged a Total Audience Delivery of 508,000 viewers on NBCSN, up 10% vs. last year (464,000). The race delivered a 0.33 household rating, 502,000 TV-only viewers, and streamed an Average Minute Audience of 6,000 viewers.

The season’s 11 races on NBC (5), NBCSN (6) and digital are averaging a TAD of 1.337 million viewers, up 7% vs. the comparable ABC/NBCSN races in 2018 (1.242 million). The TAD for NBCSN’s races is up 10% vs. last year (409,000 vs. 371,000).

IMSA NORTHEAST GRAND PRIX AT LIME ROCK – LIVE COVERAGE BEGINS SATURDAY AT 3 P.M. ET ON NBC SPORTS DIGITAL; NBCSN PRESENTS COVERAGE AT 9:30 P.M. ET

The Northeast Grand Prix at Connecticut’s Lime Rock Park is one of two IMSA WeatherTech Championship events that are exclusively for its two GT classes. Porsche aims to push its record win streak in GT Le Mans to six races, while in GT Daytona, Turner Motorsport BMW driver Bill Auberlen gets his first chance to tie Scott Pruett’s all-time IMSA record of 60 career class victories.

NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App will livestream coverage of the Northeast Grand Prix at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday. NBCSN will present coverage of the event at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Rick Allen (play-by-play), Calvin Fish (analyst), and Jon Beekhuis (analyst) will be in the booth for Saturday’s race, with Parker Kligerman and Brian Till on pit road. Kligerman returns to his home track at Lime Rock this weekend where his career began. NBC Sports’ own Townsend Bell will also compete in Saturday’s race, co-driving the #12 AIM Vasser Sullivan Lexus with Frank Montecalvo in the GT Daytona class.

LUCAS OIL PRO MOTOCROSS SPRING CREEK NATIONAL – NBCSN PRESENTS COVERAGE SATURDAY NIGHT AT 1 A.M. ET, FOLLOWING IMSA NORTHEAST GRAND PRIX

Following an off-weekend, the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship returns to action in Minnesota for Round 8. Eli Tomac will look to extend his 450MX title lead at a venue where he swept both motos and took the overall win last year. In 250MX, Dylan Ferrandis is heating up after three consecutive moto wins, and becoming a growing threat for class points leader Adam Cianciarulo.

Veteran play-by-play voice Jason Weigandt, analyst and two-time AMA Pro Motocross Champion Grant Langston, and pit reporter Will Christien will call this weekend’s action.

NBC SPORTS GROUP PRESENTS MORE THAN 18 HOURS OF LIVE TRACKSIDE COVERAGE FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE’S “MAGIC MILE” THIS WEEKEND

Coming off last week’s thrilling finish between Kurt Busch and Kyle Busch at Kentucky Speedway, NBC Sports heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H., this weekend to present live coverage of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 from New Hampshire Motor Speedway this Sunday, July 21, at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN. NBC Sports will super-serve fans with more than 18 hours of trackside coverage this week, including Xfinity Series racing from New Hampshire this Saturday, July 20, at 4 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Click here for more information on this weekend’s NASCAR coverage.

***

Following is this week’s remaining motorsports coverage across NBC Sports:

DATE	COVERAGE	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
Thurs., July 18	NASCAR America Motorsports Hour	5 p.m.	NBCSN
Fri., July 19	IndyCar Series Iowa 300 – Practice 1	11 a.m.	NBC Sports Gold
	NASCAR Cup Series First Practice – N.H.	12:15 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series First Practice – N.H.	1 p.m.	NBCSN
	IndyCar Series Iowa 300 – Qualifying	2 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Final Practice – N.H.	3:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – N.H.	4:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR America	5:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR The Decades – The 1990s	6 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR The Decades – The 1980s	7 p.m.	NBCSN
	IndyCar Series Iowa 300 – Practice 2	7 p.m.	NBC Sports Gold
Sat., July 20	Mecum Top 10 Drag Cars	6 a.m.	NBCSN
	Mecum Presents: Todd Werner’s Drag Racing	6:30 a.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Final Practice – N.H.	10 a.m.	CNBC
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying – N.H.	11:15 a.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR America	12 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Final Practice – N.H.	12:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	IMSA Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock	3 p.m.	Streaming
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Countdown to Green	3:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Race – N.H.	4 p.m.	NBCSN
	IndyCar Series Iowa 300 – Pre-Race	6:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	IndyCar Series Iowa 300 – Race	7 p.m.	NBCSN
	IndyCar Series Iowa 300 – Post-Race	9 p.m.	NBCSN
	IMSA Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock*	9:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	Lucas Oil Motocross Spring Creek Nat’l*	1 a.m.	NBCSN
Sun., July 21	Mecum Presents: Richard Petty’s	12 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR America	1:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Countdown to Green	2:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Foxwoods Resort Casino 301	3 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Post-Race Show	6:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Victory Lap	7 p.m.	NBCSN

*delayed coverage

MOTORSPORTS ON NBCSPORTS.COM AND THE NBC SPORTS APP

NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app — NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, tablets, and connected TVs — will provide live streaming coverage of all NASCAR, IMSA and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross championship coverage airing on NBC and NBCSN via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value to their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app are powered by Playmaker Media and available on the iTunes App Store, Google Play, Windows Store, Roku Channel Store, Apple TV and Amazon Fire.

-NBC SPORTS-

NBC SPORTS WASHINGTON NAMES JUSTIN KUTCHER PLAY-BY-PLAY ANNOUNCER, DREW GOODEN ANALYST FOR LIVE WIZARDS COVERAGE

July 18, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

KUTCHER JOINS NBCSW AFTER 13 YEARS CALLING GAMES FOR NATIONAL NETWORKS, INCLUDING FOX SPORTS AND ESPN

GOODEN, A FORMER WIZARD AND 14-YEAR NBA VETERAN, EXPANDS ROLE AFTER 2 SEASONS AS NBCSW ANALYST

BETHESDA, Md. – July 17, 2019 – NBC Sports Washington (NBCSW) has named Justin Kutcher its Washington Wizards play-by-play announcer, and former Wizard Drew Gooden game analyst. Kutcher, who has 13 years of play-by-play experience for national networks, including FOX Sports and ESPN, and 14-year NBA veteran Gooden, will serve alongside longtime courtside reporter Chris Miller to lead NBCSW’s live-game coverage of the Wizards, beginning with the 2019-20 NBA season.

“We are tremendously excited and proud to unveil a dynamic new team to provide NBC Sports Washington’s live coverage of Wizards basketball,” said NBCSW Sr. VP and GM Damon Phillips. “Justin’s skill, dedication and tremendous body of work have established him as one of the preeminent sports announcers nationwide. His impressive background and passion for basketball, combined with the considerable NBA and Wizards knowledge Drew and Chris have accumulated, will result in a high-quality, entertaining product for fans.”

Overall, Kutcher has 17 years of experience as a play-by-play announcer covering top sports and premier events across professional and college leagues and conferences. Most recently, he spent seven years with FOX Sports calling national coverage of NCAA basketball and football, the NFL and MLB. He also contributed to coverage of the past four USGA U.S. Open Championships, several international soccer events, including the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2016 Copa America Centenario, as well as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Prior to FOX Sports, Kutcher served as a play-by-play announcer for ESPN for four years. During that time, he led live coverage for a variety of sports, including basketball, football, baseball, softball, volleyball and hockey, across professional, college and high school leagues, and conferences. In addition to FOX Sports and ESPN, he called collegiate events for CSTV, now CBS Sports Network, for two years, as well as BTN, and contributed to MLB.com digital programming.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to join NBC Sports Washington as the play-by-play announcer for their Wizards coverage, and can’t wait to partner with Drew and Chris and the rest of the production team to provide fans the best broadcast possible,” said Kutcher. “Basketball has been a part of my life since I can remember, and to now be the television voice of an NBA team is almost surreal. I’m so excited to become part of Washington’s passionate basketball community, and to build a relationship with the fans.”

Kutcher began his professional play-by-play career in 2002 with the Cape Cod Baseball League’s Hyannis Mets and spent the 2003 to 2005 seasons as the radio voice of minor league baseball teams. A native of Fairfield, Conn., he graduated from Boston University, where he was the voice of the women’s basketball team and sports director of the student radio station. As a student and minor league baseball announcer, he worked as a statistician and special assistant to FOX Sports’ Joe Buck and Tim McCarver during the MLB postseason.

Gooden will now serve as NBCSW’s game analyst, working alongside Kutcher and Miller. For the last two seasons, he’s been NBCSW’s lead analyst for Wizards pregame and postgame coverage, and has also been a secondary game analyst. Prior to joining NBCSW in 2017, he was an NBA ambassador, and appeared regularly on ESPN, FS1, NBATV and SiriusXM Radio. As a player, he spent the final three seasons of his NBA career with the Wizards, helping the team advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2014 and 2015.

“First off, I’d like to thank NBC Sports Washington for giving me another opportunity to grow and flourish as an analyst for the Wizards, I’m extremely excited to be a part of this family,” said Gooden. “Over the past several seasons, so many people have not only supported me, but allowed me to grow into this new role. Now let’s get started.”

NBC Sports Washington, part of NBC Sports Group, is the official sports network of the NBA’s Washington Wizards, NHL’s Washington Capitals, NFL’s Washington Redskins and ACC. NBC Sports Washington – the leading multiplatform sports media organization serving the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia – delivers more than 400 live events per year, along with Emmy Award-winning news, analysis and entertainment programming. NBC Sports Washington’s digital portfolio is the region’s top source for written, video and interactive sports content. Follow the network on Twitter via @NBCSWashington, and on NBCSportsWashington.com and the MyTeams app.

NBC Sports Regional Networks is NBC Sports Group’s portfolio of nine regional networks that delivers more than 2,200 live sporting events and original content to more than 35 million homes. Aligned within Eastern and Western Divisions, the NBC Sports Regional Networks are: NBC Sports Boston, NBC Sports Philadelphia, NBC Sports Philadelphia +, NBC Sports Washington, NBC Sports Washington + and SNY; and NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports California, NBC Sports Chicago and NBC Sports Northwest. For more information on NBC Sports Group properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios, headshots and logos, please visit www.NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.