NBCSN Presents Xfinity Series Racing from Bristol Motor Speedway this Friday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET

 

NASCAR on NBC Motorsports Writer Dustin Long Goes Behind-The-Scenes with Richard Petty Motorsports’ No. 43 Team For Multi-Platform Series

 

IndyCar’s Scott Dixon Joins NASCAR America Live In Studio Tomorrow at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN

 

STAMFORD, Conn. – August 15, 2018 – NBC Sports Group heads to “Thunder Valley” this week for a twin bill of Monster Energy Cup and Xfinity Series races under the lights from Bristol Motor Speedway, in Bristol, Tenn. Live race coverage from “The Last Great Colosseum” begins Friday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN, with Xfinity Series racing, and culminates Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN, with Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing.

 

With just three races left in the regular season, Kevin Harvick’s dominating Cup Series win last weekend in Michigan pushed him to the top of the 2018 Playoff standings, with seven wins and 40 playoff points. Harvick is followed by Kyle Busch (6 wins, 35 playoff points), Martin Truex Jr. (4 wins, 27 playoff points), Clint Bowyer (2 wins, 10 playoff points), and Chase Elliott (1 win, 8 playoff points).

 

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES RACING FROM BRISTOL – SATURDAY AT 7:30 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

 

NBC Sports Group kicks off its Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series coverage from Bristol Motor Speedway, this Friday at 10:30 a.m. ET on NBCSN, followed by final practice at 12:30 p.m. ET. A special on-site edition of NASCAR America airs at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN and is followed by qualifying at 5:30 p.m. ET.

 

Saturday’s race day coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET on NBCSN, with NASCAR America, followed by NBC Sports Group’s pre-race show, Countdown to Green, at 7 p.m. ET. Green flag racing from “Thunder Valley” begins at 7:30 p.m. ET.

 

Saturday’s pre-race coverage includes a “Driver to Driver” interview between NASCAR on NBC analyst and auto racing icon Kyle Petty (@Kylepetty), and driver of the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford, Clint Bowyer. Coverage also includes a special “It’s Bristol Baby” fan feature.

 

 

NASCAR on NBC’s lead race announcer Rick Allen (@Rickallenracing) will call the action, alongside Daytona 500 winning crew chief Steve Letarte (@steveletarte), from NBC Sports’ traditional broadcast booth above the start/finish line. In addition, Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) will be teamed with 21-time Cup Series race winner Jeff Burton (@Jeffburton) in NBCSN’s “Drivers Booth.”

 

Krista Voda (@KristaVoda) will host pre- and post-race coverage alongside Kyle Petty, and Hall of Fame driver Dale Jarrett (@DaleJarrett). Marty Snider (@HeyMartysnider), Kelli Stavast (@Kellistavast), Dave Burns (@tvdaveburns) and Parker Kligerman (@Pkligerman) will report from pit road alongside features reporter Rutledge Wood (@Rutledgewood).

 

XFINITY SERIES COVERAGE FROM BRISTOL – FRIDAY AT 7:30 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

 

NASCAR on NBC’s Xfinity Series coverage from Bristol begins Thursday, with first practice at 10 a.m. ET, followed by final practice at 1:30 p.m. ET. Coverage of both practice sessions will be available on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

 

Xfinity Series coverage continues Friday, with qualifying at 3:30 p.m. ET. NBCSN’s Countdown to Green kicks off at 7 p.m. ET and is followed by race coverage at 7:30 p.m. ET.

 

NASCAR ON NBC’S DUSTIN LONG GOES BEHIND-THE-SCENES WITH RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS’ NO. 43 TEAM

 

NASCAR on NBC motorsports writer Dustin Long (@dustinlong) is set to go behind-the-scenes with Richard Petty Motorsports’ No. 43 team this week for a multi-platform series across NBCSN’s NASCAR America and NBCSports.com’s NASCAR Talk. Long joins the No. 43 team, and embeds himself in their preparation process as they ready for this weekend’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Long’s in-depth coverage includes and an exclusive interview with driver of the No. 43, Bubba Wallace, as well as conversations with team officials and crew members.

 

FOUR-TIME INDYCAR CHAMPION SCOTT DIXON JOINS NASCAR AMERICA TOMORROW AT 5 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

 

Scott Dixon, driver of Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 9 Honda, joins NASCAR America in studio tomorrow at 5 p.m. ET from NBC Sports Group’s headquarters in Stamford, Conn. A four-time IndyCar Champion, Dixon is the current points leader for the series and will join host Carolyn Manno (@Carolynmanno) to preview the upcoming weekend of competition at Pocono Raceway.

 

UPCOMING NBC SPORTS GROUP NASCAR PROGRAMMING

 

DATE	COVERAGE	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
Wednesday, Aug. 15	NASCAR America	5 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR K&N Series – Evergreen	6 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Whelen Modified  Series – Thompson	7 p.m.	NBCSN
Thursday, Aug. 16	NASCAR Xfinity Series First Practice – Bristol	10 a.m.	NBC Sports app, NBCSports.com
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Final Practice – Bristol	1:30 p.m.	NBC Sports app, NBCSports.com
	NASCAR America	5 p.m.	NBCSN
	Dale Jr. Download	5:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Friday, Aug. 17	NASCAR Cup Series First Practice – Bristol	10:30 a.m.	NBCSN
	Dale Jr. Download(Encore)	12 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Final Practice – Bristol	12:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Final Practice – Bristol (Encore)	2 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying – Bristol	3:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR America	5 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – Bristol	5:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Countdown to Green	7 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Race – Bristol	7:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Post-Race Show	9:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR The Decades	10 p.m.	NBCSN
Saturday, Aug. 18	NASCAR America	6 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Countdown to Green	7 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Race – Bristol	7:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Post-Race Show	11 p.m.	NBCSN

 

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.

 

— NBC SPORTS GROUP —

“It is like a heavyweight battle. Whatever one can do, the other can do better. They continue to up the ante week in and week out.” – Steve Letarte on the “Big Three”

“These three are bringing each other to a higher and higher level almost every single week.” – Jeff Burton

BROOKLYN, Mich. – August 12, 2018 – NBC Sports Group stepped on the gas for its seventh week of live 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing, with more than nine hours of trackside coverage from Michigan International Speedway, in Brooklyn, Mich. Coverage was highlighted by this afternoon’s Consumers Energy 400 on NBCSN, which saw Kevin Harvick and the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford dominate the field and take the checkered flag. The victory was Harvick’s seventh win of the season.

 

NASCAR on NBC’s lead race announcer Rick Allen called the action alongside Daytona 500 winning crew chief Steve Letarte, from NBC Sports’ broadcast booth above the start/finish line. Motorsports icon and NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Earnhardt Jr., and 21-time Cup Series race winner Jeff Burton, provided additional insight from NBCSN’s “Drivers Booth.” Marty Snider, Kelli Stavast and Dave Burns reported from pit road.

 

Coverage began on NBCSN at 1:30 p.m. ET with NASCAR America, followed by Countdown to Green at 2 p.m. ET. Krista Voda anchored pre-race coverage from NASCAR on NBC’s new state of the art “Peacock Pit Box” alongside auto racing icon Kyle Petty.

 

RACE RESULTS

 

Position	Driver	Car#
1	Kevin Harvick	4
2	Brad Keselowski	2
3	Kyle Busch	18
4	Austin Dillon	3
5	Ryan Blaney	12

 

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

 

POST-RACE COVERAGE

 

Letarte on the “Big Three”: “Harvick didn’t just win the race, he won every stage and proved why perhaps he is the favorite. It is like a heavyweight battle. Whatever one can do, the other can do better. They continue to up the ante week in and week out.”

 

Letarte on the playoff standings: “It doesn’t seem like anyone (outside of the Top 16) can get traction. A win from outside the Top 16 could really shake up the drivers.”

 

STAGE 3

 

Earnhardt on Harvick’s son Keelan riding to victory lane with him: “That is a hell of an experience for a kid. Kevin too, to be able to have his son with him. That is incredible.”

 

Burton on the “Big Three”: “It is fascinating to me that they keep one-upping each other, and as they do they leave the field further behind. It is crazy how these three are bringing each other to a higher and higher level almost every single week.”

 

Allen on Truex with 44 laps to go: “He has had an eventful day.”

 

Letarte added: “He spun out and ran out of gas, other than that the status quo. He has done a great job of recovering from all of that. Is still on the lead lap, and is up to the 17^th position.”

 

Burton on Ty Dillon hitting the on-track debris and ending his day: “Ty is racing someone. He is not looking at the race track. You are not looking at the race track. You are looking at the car to the left, to the right and the line that you want to be in. You are looking in the mirror. You are not expecting something to be sitting in the middle of the race track.”

 

Letarte on the playoff standings: “The ‘Big Three’ are starting to get such a lead in the playoff standings, it doesn’t guarantee anything, but it has got to make them feel a lot better about the first couple stages of the playoffs.”

 

STAGE 2

 

Letarte as Truex slowed down and gave up the lead to save fuel with 11 laps to go: “That to me looks like a driver that maybe wants to draft. He is going to try and stretch it. This is going to be great fuel economy out of the No. 78.”

 

STAGE 1

 

Burton on Erik Jones complaining about his loose car: “This is the worst the track is going to be. The first run of the race is always the worst. It is slick. If you tighten it up too much, then halfway through the race it will be too tight. It is hard to know how loose you can start, and deal with it through the early runs.”

 

Letarte added: “It is hard as a young driver. As a crew chief, this is where you have to go into coach mode. It is not about the adjustment, it is about trying to help that driver see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

 

PRE-RACE COVERAGE

 

Petty on Jones: “If they continue this momentum that they have, they are Championship caliber. Think about it, we keep talking about the “Big Three” and who is the fourth? There really is not a fourth. But there are guys like Erik Jones. Five out of the last six races he has finished in the Top 10. That is what you have to do to make it to Homestead. If you aren’t winning, you have to point them to death. That is what he is doing. He is gaining valuable points every week.”

 

Petty in reaction to the “driver to driver” interview with Kyle Larson: “We have seen him run places and do things here at Michigan that I don’t think we have ever seen from any of the great drivers who have run here.”

 

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Brendan Gaughan to Serve as Special In-Car Analyst During Race Coverage From Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

Aric Almirola Joins NASCAR America “Wednesdays with Dale Jr.” Tonight at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN

STAMFORD, Conn. – August 8, 2018 – NBC Sports Group steps on the gas for its seventh week of live 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series racing, with more than 16 hours of trackside coverage from Michigan International Speedway, in Brooklyn, Mich., and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, in Lexington, Ohio. NBC Sports Group’s race coverage begins Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN, with Xfinity Series racing from Mid-Ohio, and culminates Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN, with NASCAR Cup Series racing from the Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan.

 

Chase Elliott’s first career Cup Series victory last weekend at Watkins Glen broke the “Big Three’s” dominating streak and guaranteed him a spot in the 2018 Playoff field. With six wins and 35 playoff points, Kyle Busch continues to lead the field and is followed by Kevin Harvick (6 wins, 33 playoff points), Martin Truex Jr. (4 wins, 27 playoff points), Clint Bowyer (2 wins, 10 playoff points), Chase Elliott (1 win, 8 playoff points), Joey Logano (1 win, 7 playoff points), Erik Jones (1 win, 5 playoff points) and Austin Dillon (1 win, 5 playoff points).

 

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES RACING FROM MICHIGAN – SUNDAY AT 2:30 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

 

NBCSN kicks off its Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series coverage from Michigan this Friday at noon ET, with first practice, followed by qualifying at 5 p.m. ET. An on-site edition of NASCAR America wraps up the day at 6 p.m. ET on NBCSN. A special “fans edition” of NASCAR America will include surprise appearances and special guests Chase Elliott, Erik Jones and Ty Dillon.

 

Saturday’s coverage begins with second practice at 8:30 a.m. ET on CNBC, followed by final practice at 11:30 a.m. ET on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

 

Sunday’s race day coverage begins at 1:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN, with NASCAR America, and leads into NBC Sports Group’s pre-race show, Countdown to Green, at 2 p.m. ET. Pre-race coverage includes a special “Driver to Driver” interview between NASCAR on NBC analyst and Hall of Fame driver Dale Jarrett (@DaleJarrett), and driver of the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevy, Kyle Larson.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN, and is followed by a live on-site NASCAR Cup Series post-race show. NBCSN wraps up coverage at 6 p.m. ET, with Victory Lap, NBC Sports Group’s NASCAR post-race show originating from Stamford, Conn.

 

NASCAR on NBC’s lead race announcer Rick Allen (@Rickallenracing) will call the action alongside Daytona 500 winning crew chief Steve Letarte (@steveletarte) from NBC Sports’ traditional broadcast booth above the start/finish line. In NBCSN’s “Drivers Booth,” motorsports icon and NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) will be teamed with 21-time Cup Series race winner Jeff Burton (@Jeffburton) to complete the lineup.

 

Krista Voda (@KristaVoda) will host pre- and post-race coverage alongside auto racing icon Kyle Petty (@Kylepetty). Marty Snider (@HeyMartysnider), Kelli Stavast (@Kellistavast) and Dave Burns (@tvdaveburns) will report from pit road.

 

XFINITY SERIES COVERAGE FROM MID-OHIO – SATURDAY AT 3 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

 

Dave Burns will call Saturday’s Xfinity race alongside Jarrett. Brendan Gaughan, a veteran of 490 NASCAR national series starts, will serve as NASCAR on NBC’s special in-car analyst as he competes in Richard Childress Racing’s No. 3 Chevy. Gaughan previously served as a special pit road analyst during NBCSN’s coverage from Iowa Speedway. Parker Kligerman (@Pkligerman) and Kevin Lee (@KevinLee23) will contribute coverage from pit road.

 

NBC Sports Group’s Xfinity Series coverage from Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course begins this Friday, with first practice at 1:30 p.m. ET, followed by final practice at 4 p.m. ET. Coverage of both practice sessions will be available on NBCsports.com and the NBC Sports app. The action on the track continues Saturday, with Xfinity Series qualifying at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBCsports.com and the NBC Sports app. Pre-race Countdown to Green coverage starts at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN, followed by race coverage beginning at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

 

XFINITY’S TWITTER HANDLE TO PROVIDE EXCLUSIVE LIVESTREAM OF NASCAR ON NBC MID-OHIO VIEWING PARTY

 

The NASCAR Xfinity Series may have a standalone race at Mid-Ohio this weekend, but that won’t stop the NBC Sports crew from an opportunity to get in on the action. Fans will be able to tune in to exclusive content via a livestream on the @Xfinity Twitter handle, where Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Steve Letarte, Rick Allen and the NASCAR on NBC team will watch the road-course action at Mid-Ohio, while in Michigan.

 

Viewers will have the opportunity to listen in on conversation among the broadcasters as they step away from formal commentary and enjoy the race from the perspective of fans watching at home. The livestream will kick off at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 11 – all via the @Xfinity Twitter handle.

 

ARIC ALMIROLA JOINS NASCAR AMERICA TONIGHT AT 5 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

 

NASCAR America “Wednesdays with Dale Jr.,” NBCSN’s weekly motorsports show featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr., welcomes Aric Almirola, driver of the No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford, as a guest tonight at 5 p.m. ET.

 

Live from the “Big Oak Table” at NBC Sports’ NASCAR office in Charlotte, N.C., Almirola joins Steve Letarte and Earnhardt for an in-depth discussion and free-flowing conversation.

 

NBC SPORTS GROUP’S UPCOMING NASCAR PROGRAMMING

 

DATE	COVERAGE	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
Wednesday, Aug. 8	NASCAR America	5 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR K&N Series – Watkins Glen	6 p.m.	NBCSN
Thursday, Aug. 9	NASCAR America	5 p.m.	NBCSN
	Dale Jr. Download	5:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Friday, Aug. 10	NASCAR Cup Series First Practice – Michigan	12 p.m.	NBCSN
	Dale Jr. Download	1 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series First Practice – Mid Ohio	1:30 p.m.	NBC Sports app, NBCSports.com
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Final Practice – Mid Ohio	4 p.m.	NBC Sports app, NBCSports.com
	NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – Michigan	5 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR America	6 p.m.	NBCSN
Saturday, Aug. 11	NASCAR Cup Series Second Practice – Michigan	8:30 a.m.	CNBC
	NASCAR Cup Series Final Practice – Michigan	11:30 a.m.	NBC Sports app, NBCSports.com
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying – Mid Ohio	11:30 a.m.	NBC Sports app, NBCSports.com
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Countdown to Green	2:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Race – Mid Ohio	3 p.m.	NBCSN
Sunday, Aug. 12	NASCAR America	1:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Countdown to Green	2 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Race – Michigan	2:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Post-Race Show	5:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	Victory Lap	6 p.m.	NBCSN
	Racing Roots	7 p.m.	NBCSN

 

NASCAR ON NBC

 

The official home of the NASCAR Playoffs, NBC Sports Group will present the final 20 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races, final 19 NASCAR Xfinity Series races, and select NASCAR Regional & Touring Series events in 2018. NBC Sports Group’s NASCAR programming also includes NBCSN’s daily motorsports show NASCAR America, coverage of NASCAR’s Awards Ceremonies, the annual NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony, as well as original programming specials.

 

ABOUT COMCAST

 

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal.  Comcast Cable is one of the nation’s largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses.  It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand.  NBCUniversal operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures and Universal Parks and Resorts. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

 

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.

 

— NBC SPORTS GROUP —

“He’s going to be a superstar, and has a long future in this sport.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Chase Elliott

“We saw it today, the hunger was in his eyes.” – Rick Allen on Elliott

“This is the Chase Elliott we believed we were going to see this season.” – Jeff Burton

Watkins Glen, NY. – August 5, 2018 – NBC Sports Group surrounded its first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series road course race of 2018 with a multifaceted presentation and more than 16 hours of trackside coverage from historic Watkins Glen International, in Watkins Glen, N.Y. Coverage was highlighted by this afternoon’s race on NBC, which saw Chase Elliott and the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet take the checkered flag and secure his first career Cup Series victory.

Combining NBC Sports Group, MRN (Motor Racing Network) and SiriusXM’s expertise covering live NASCAR races, this afternoon’s race telecasts was called from multiple vantage points throughout the historic 2.45 – mile road course.

NASCAR on NBC’s lead race announcer Rick Allen, and Daytona 500 winning crew chief Steve Letarte, called the race from NBC Sports’ traditional broadcast booth above the start-finish line. Allen and Letarte were joined by NASCAR on NBC analysts and iconic former drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Burton, as well as Veteran MRN and SiriusXM radio announcer Mike Bagley, who contributed to the race telecast from three individual locations around the track. In total, NBC Sports’ lap-by-lap race coverage was called from four different vantage points around the road course.

Serving in their customary race day roles, NASCAR on NBC pit reporters Marty Snider, Kelli Stavast, and Dave Burns contributed coverage from pit road, alongside features reporter Rutledge Wood.

Coverage began on NBCSN at 1 p.m. ET with NASCAR America, followed by Countdown to Green at 2 p.m. ET on NBC. Krista Voda anchored pre-race coverage from NASCAR on NBC’s new state of the art “Peacock Pit Box” alongside analysts Kyle Petty and Dale Jarrett.

RACE RESULTS

Position	Driver	Car#
1	ChaseElliott	9
2	Martin Truex Jr.	78
3	Kyle Busch	18
4	Daniel Suarez	19
5	Erik Jones	20

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

POST-RACE COVERAGE

Earnhardt on Elliott and Martin Truex Jr.: “It was an honor to watch those guys battle it out at the end. Seeing all the guys and other drivers come up to Chase after the race, that shows you what kind of person he is. Chase is a good kid and a great guy. He’s going to be a superstar. It took him a while to get his first win, but he has a long future in this sport.”

Allen on Elliott: “We saw it a year ago when he exchanged words with Denny Hamlin in Martinsville. We said right then that his attitude had changed. He became hungrier. We saw it today, the hunger was in his eyes.”

Burton: “My heart rate is still up long after the end of the race. Those were an intense last few laps. Chase had a champion coming to take that win from him, and he held him off. Chase had to beat one of the best road racers in the sport, to get his first win. He beat Martin Truex Jr., one of the best, and that should be an awesome feeling.”

STAGE 3

Burton on Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott on lap 52: “They have driven away from third place. There is a huge distance between them and the rest of the field. It’s not even close.”

Earnhardt on Elliott: “Chase Elliott is driving the race of his life. His heart has to be in his throat, but he’s doing great.”

STAGE 2

Burton on the battle between Elliott and Busch on lap 27: “He wants his first win, and he wants to do it against the best in the business.”

Letarte as Elliott passed Busch: “You might be looking at the most popular driver of 2018. That was clearly a popular move. The crowd here loved it.”

Burton on Elliott winning the stage: “This is the Chase Elliott we believed we were going to see this season. So much optimism going in to the season, then quite a bit of frustration. Sometimes frustration can lead to growth, and that’s clearly what we have seen in Chase. He’s showing us all right now how talented he is.”

STAGE 1

Letarte on decision by Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus not to pit prior to end of stage: “I really love this choice by Chad Knaus. It purely comes down to the playoff picture. Jimmie Johnson needs points, and gets nine points for finishing second. We knew there were going to be priorities going in to Watkins Glen. Decisions were going to have to be made. He came in to the race only 107 points above the playoff cut line. Anything can happen, and points can come and go very quickly.”

Letarte: “It may only seem like 90 laps, but it can be grueling on this track, especially in this heat.”

PRE-RACE COVERAGE

Jarrett on the “Big Three”: “They get it done on every single type of racetrack. In other sports, great athletes typically compete on the same type of field or court every week. The ‘Big Three’ have faced all different types of tracks and obstacles, and continue to prove themselves as the drivers to beat.”

Petty added: “I’ve been around this sport a long time, and I’ve never seen three guys separate themselves from the field like this. When you can mention Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch in the same breath as Cale Yarborough, David Pearson and Richard Petty, that’s a huge statement. That is a huge thing in this sport. They are our heroes, they are the superstars and legends of NASCAR. That is who we should compare them to. They are pushing each other to be better and better each week. This is a rare opportunity for us to watch greatness rise to the top, above all of these other drivers.”

Petty on Daniel Suarez: “I love everything about him. I love his heart, I love his passion, and I love his desire. He has the ability to put his ego on the shelf and focus on what’s important. His opportunity is coming, and he’s going to show us all why he’s a winner.”

Earnhardt on Watkins Glen: “This racetrack, no matter where you are, is incredibly beautiful. It’s a sellout crowd and we see why. All of my life as a driver, when I was sitting in the bus lot at night waiting to race, I was so envious of all the fans on the infield. It just looks like they are having so much fun.”

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Evernham Dives into NASCAR’s Most Historic Moments with the Sport’s Biggest Stars Including Tony Stewart, Rick Hendrick, Bill Elliott, Jeff Gordon and Kyle Larson

 

30-Minute Episodes Air Each Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET as part of NBCSN’s Overdrive Tuesday Motorsports Block

 

STAMFORD, Conn. – August 2, 2018 – Glory Road, hosted by NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief and team owner Ray Evernham, premieres next Tuesday, August 7 with a twin bill of episodes at 6 and 6:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Featuring many of the sport’s biggest stars, including Tony Stewart, Rick Hendrick, Bill Elliott, Jeff Gordon and Kyle Larson, the series takes viewers behind-the scenes of some of NASCAR’s most historic moments.

 

Glory Road chronicles the history of NASCAR, from its beginnings 70 years ago to its place of prominence today. Each 30-minute episode showcases the people, places, cars, and events that were mile-markers in the sport. Glory Road offers an inside look at each story by talking to the people that witnessed everything first hand.

 

“Throughout my career, I have been lucky enough to spend time with some of the biggest names in NASCAR history. During that time, I’ve heard countless stories about how it used to be and how it actually happened,” said Evernham. “Now, thanks to NBC Sports, I’m able to give fans that same insider’s view through Glory Road.”

 

After the special two-episode premiere on August 7, additional episodes will air each Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Glory Road is a new addition to Overdrive Tuesday, NBCSN’s primetime motorsports block. Overdrive Tuesday’s other motorsport shows include Caffeine & Octane, Mecum Top 10, and Grudge Race. Encore editions of Glory Road will be available each Tuesday evening at 9 p.m. ET.

 

GLORY ROAD EPISODE SUMMARIES

 

Episode 1: “Blacker” – Premieres August 7 at 6 p.m. ET

“Blacker” became the most successful single car in Hendrink Motorsports history, winning 12 races and contributing to two championships. Ray Evernham gets together with Jeff Gordon, Rick Hendrick, and others to relive the magic.

 

A preview of “Blacker” is available here.

 

Episode 2: “NASCAR Goes Road Racing” – Premieres August 7 at 6:30 p.m. ET

Ray Evernham interviews Tony Stewart, Clint Bowyer, Bobby Allison and more to explore the past, present and future of road course racing in NASCAR.

 

Episode 3: “Modified Mastery” – Premieres August 14 at 6 p.m. ET

Ray Hendrick drove the iconic Flying #11 Chevrolet and fought a fierce rivalry with Sonny Hutchins in the #21 Ford, a car built by the legendary Wood Brothers to try and end Hendrick’s reign. Ray Evernham talks with the men who built and drove the iconic cars including Hall of Famers Rick Hendrick, Leonard Wood and Bobby Allison.

 

Episode 4: “Battle of the Big 3” – Premieres August 21 at 6 p.m. ET

Manufacturer involvement has been key to the growth of NASCAR and each brand has fought hard to innovate and dominate the sport. Ray Evernham discusses the impact with Bobby and Donnie Allison, Bill Elliot, Tony Stewart, and more.

 

Episode 5: “David Pearson and the 1968 Rebel 400” – Premieres August 28 at 6 p.m. ET

Ray Evernham recaps the 1968 Rebel 400 at Darlington and gets together with the man who restored the car for the 50th anniversary of the race.

 

Episode 6: “Dirt Roots” – Premieres September 4 at 6 p.m. ET

Ray Evernham talks with Tony Stewart, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Larson, and discusses NASCAR’s dirt roots, the Eldora truck race and the possibilities in the future.

 

Episode 7: “IndyCar/NASCAR Crossover” – Premieres September 11 at 6 p.m. ET

The two major American racing series, NASCAR and IndyCar, have swapped talent many times in their histories. Ray Evernham talks with Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch, Leonard Wood, and more about the allure of the crossover phenomenon.

 

Episode 8: “Dodge Returns” – Premieres September 18 at 6 p.m. ET

Evernham sits down with Bill Elliott and others to discuss the challenges of bringing Dodge back to NASCAR.

 

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.

 

— NBC SPORTS GROUP —

Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, and Mike Bagley of MRN and SiriusXM to Call Cup and Xfinity Series Races from Three Individual Locations Around the Track

NBC, NBCSN, and NBC Sports Digital Combine to Present More Than 16 Hours of Trackside Coverage from the Historic Road Course

STAMFORD, Conn. – August 2, 2018 – NBC Sports Group surrounds its first NASCAR road course race of 2018 with a multifaceted presentation and more than 16 hours of trackside coverage from historic Watkins Glen International, in Watkins Glen, N.Y. NASCAR on NBC’s race coverage begins Saturday with Xfinity Series racing at 3 p.m. ET on NBC, and culminates Sunday with Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.

 

Combining NBC Sports Group, MRN (Motor Racing Network) and SiriusXM’s expertise covering live NASCAR races, Saturday and Sunday’s race telecasts will be called from multiple vantage points throughout the historic 2.45 – mile road course.

 

NASCAR on NBC’s lead race announcer Rick Allen (@Rickallenracing), and Daytona 500 winning crew chief Steve Letarte (@steveletarte), will call both races from NBC Sports’ traditional broadcast booth above the start-finish line. Allen and Letarte will be joined by NASCAR on NBC analysts and iconic former drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) and Jeff Burton (@Jeffburton), as well as Veteran MRN and SiriusXM radio announcer Mike Bagley (@TheMikeBagley), who will contribute to the race telecast from three individual locations around the track. In total, NBC Sports’ lap-by-lap race coverage will be called from four different vantage points around the road course.

 

Bagley will be stationed in “The Esses” along the track, and will report as the cars make their way through the preliminary turns. Earnhardt will catch the cars next, in the “The Carousel,” and Burton will add perspective as the cars maneuver through “Turn Six.”

 

Serving in their customary race day roles, NASCAR on NBC pit reporters Marty Snider (@HeyMartysnider), Kelli Stavast (@Kellistavast) and Dave Burns (@tvdaveburns) will contribute coverage from pit road, alongside features reporter Rutledge Wood (@rutledgewood). NASCAR on NBC pre-race host Krista Voda (@Kristavoda), auto racing icon Kyle Petty (@KylePetty), and Hall of Fame driver Dale Jarrett (@DaleJarrett) host NASCAR America as well as all pre- and post-race coverage.

 

NBC Sports’ BatCam camera system, which NASCAR on NBC debuted in July 2017 at Daytona International Speedway, will also return this weekend to help showcase the high speed on-track battles.

 

Kyle Busch’s win this weekend in Pocono continued the “Big Three’s” dominating streak and helped further solidify Busch’s lead in the Cup Series with 891 points and 6 wins. Kevin Harvick ranks second with 833 points and 6 wins, followed by Martin Truex Jr. (762 points, 4 wins), Joey Logano (690 points, 1 win) and Clint Bowyer (677 points, 2 wins).

 

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES RACING FROM WATKINS GLEN – SUNDAY AT 3 P.M. ET ON NBC

 

NBC Sports Group kicks off its Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series coverage from Watkins Glen International this Saturday at 10 a.m. ET on NBCSN, with first practice followed by a 30-minute edition of NASCAR America at 12:30 p.m. ET. Final practice begins at 1 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

 

Sunday’s race day coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET on NBCSN with NASCAR America. NBC Sports Group’s pre-race show, Countdown to Green, begins at 2 p.m. ET on NBC, before NASCAR Cup Series racing kicks off at 3 p.m. ET. An on-site NASCAR Cup Series post-race show wraps up coverage on NBC at 5:30 p.m. ET. Victory Lap, NBC Sports Group’s NASCAR post-race show originating from Stamford, Conn., concludes the day at 6 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

 

Mike Bagley, in his 26th year with MRN, can also be heard hosting The Morning Drive every weekday (7-11 a.m. ET) on the SiriusXM NASCAR Radio channel.

 

XFINITY SERIES COVERAGE FROM WATKINS GLEN – SATURDAY AT 3 P.M. ET ON NBC

 

NBC Sports Group’s Xfinity Series coverage from Watkins Glen begins this Friday, with first practice at 12:30 p.m. ET, followed by final practice at 2 p.m. ET. Coverage of both practice sessions will be available on NBCsports.com and the NBC Sports app.

 

Coverage continues Saturday with Xfinity Series qualifying at 11:30 a.m. ET on NBCSN. Pre-race Countdown to Green coverage starts at 2 p.m. ET on NBC, followed by race coverage at 3 p.m. ET.

 

NBC SPORTS CONTINUES THE “NASCAR ON NBC ‘PUP’ SERIES” IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA

 

The “NASCAR on NBC ‘Pup’ Series” animal adoption campaign continues this week in New York City, in advance of NBC Sports’ race coverage from Watkins Glen International.

 

In partnership with the North Shore Animal League America, the “NASCAR on NBC ‘Pup’ Series” aims to raise awareness of the plight of animal homelessness and bring puppy power to a few of the cities hosting NASCAR Cup Series races. The traveling “NASCAR on NBC ‘Pup’ Series” will host six adoption events in six markets during NBC Sports’ portion of the season.

 

In addition to a custom-built NASCAR Track, the adoptable puppies sport bandanas with the names of NASCAR drivers including Paw-stin Dillon and Chase “Your Tail” Elliott. The overall effort is meant to drive awareness about the importance of rescue and adoption while finding all ‘Pup Series’ animals a loving home.

 

For more information about the events in New York, click here.

 

NBC SPORTS PRESENTS RACING ROOTS: FEATURING MARTIN TRUEX JR. THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, AT 5:30 P.M. ET ON NBC

 

NBC Sports will present Racing Roots: featuring Martin Truex Jr., a 30-minute special chronicling 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion Martin Truex Jr.’s road to professional racing, this Saturday, August 4, at 5:30 p.m. ET on NBC. Racing Roots will air immediately following NBC Sports’ coverage of Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race from Watkins Glen International.

 

For more information about Racing Roots click here.

 

NBC SPORTS GROUP’S UPCOMING NASCAR PROGRAMMING

 

DATE	COVERAGE	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
Thursday, Aug. 2	NASCAR America	5 p.m.	NBCSN
	Dale Jr. Download	5:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR K&N Series – Iowa Speedway	6 p.m.	NBCSN
Friday, Aug. 3	Dale Jr. Download (Encore)	4:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR America	5 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Whelen Modified	6 p.m.	NBCSN
Saturday, Aug. 4	NASCAR Cup Series First Practice – Watkins Glen	10 a.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying – Watkins Glen	11:30 a.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR America	12:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Final Practice – Watkins Glen	1 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Countdown to Green	2 p.m.	NBC
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Race – Watkins Glen	3 p.m.	NBC
	Racing Roots Featuring Martin Truex Jr	5:30 p.m.	NBC
	Racing Roots Featuring Martin Truex Jr (Encore)	6 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – Watkins Glen	6:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Sunday, Aug. 5	NASCAR Cup Series Final Practice – Watkins Glen (Encore)	10:30 a.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – Watkins Glen (Encore)	12 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR America	1 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Countdown to Green	2 p.m.	NBC
	NASCAR Cup Series Race – Watkins Glen	3 p.m.	NBC
	Victory Lap	6 p.m.	NBCSN

 

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.

 

— NBC SPORTS GROUP —

30-Minute Special Chronicles 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion’s Journey to Professional Racing

NASCAR on NBC’s Rutledge Wood Joins Truex Jr. in His Hometown of Mayetta, N.J.

Racing Roots Airs Immediately Following NBC Sports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series Coverage from Watkins Glen International

 

STAMFORD, Conn. – July 31, 2018 – NBC Sports will present Racing Roots: featuring Martin Truex Jr., a 30-minute special chronicling 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion Martin Truex Jr.’s road to professional racing, this Saturday, August 4, at 5:30 p.m. ET on NBC. Racing Roots will air immediately following NBC Sports’ coverage of Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race from Watkins Glen International.

 

Hosted by NASCAR on NBC’s resident automobile aficionado Rutledge Wood, Racing Roots provides an in-depth look at Truex Jr.’s life and road to becoming a champion. In addition, the feature shines a spotlight on how Truex Jr’s. father, successful clam fishing entrepreneur and former Busch North Series driver Martin Truex Sr., instilled a passion for racing in his son and helped him transition from the family business.

 

The driver of the No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Toyota brings Wood back to his hometown of Mayetta, N.J., the race team’s headquarters in Colorado, and his current home in North Carolina with partner Sherry Pollex.

 

Through interviews with Truex Jr.’s parents, former coaches, and friends, Racing Roots reveals the foundation that the 2017 Cup Series Champion is built upon. Both Truex Jr. and Pollex share their journey which led them to create the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation for cancer research, and its major charitable event “Catwalk for a Cause.”

 

“I really enjoyed bringing Rut back to my hometown, sharing the places and people who helped shape me into who I am today,” said Truex Jr. “An incredible ride that I could never have predicted, I hope it encourages others to continue to pursue their dreams.”

 

A preview of Saturday’s special is available here.

 

As part of NBC Sports Group’s comprehensive coverage of the 2018 NASCAR season, Racing Roots is an on-going series that dives deep into the hometown stories of NASCAR’s biggest stars. The 30-minute documentaries peal back the on-track exterior to showcase the hometowns, teachers, coaches and friends that helped shape today’s superstars.

 

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.

 

— NBC SPORTS GROUP —

 

“You would think a track with only three corners would be easier, but Pocono is anything but.” – Steve Letarte

 

“He should be proud of himself. He stepped up and put himself in position to win the race.” – Jeff Burton on Daniel Suarez

 

“That is the most frightening feeling that a driver can have.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Bubba Wallace’s High Impact Crash

 

LONG POND, Pa. – July 29, 2018 – NBC Sports Group’s 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season continued this weekend with more than seven hours of trackside coverage from Pocono Raceway, in Long Pond, Pa. Coverage was highlighted by this afternoon’s Gander Outdoors 400 on NBCSN, which saw Kyle Busch and the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota take the checkered flag in overtime. The victory was Busch’s sixth of the season.

 

NASCAR on NBC’s lead race announcer Rick Allen called the action alongside 21-time Cup Series race winner Jeff Burton, from NBC Sports’ booth above the start/finish line. Motorsports icon and NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Daytona 500 winning crew chief Steve Letarte, provided additional insight from NBCSN’s second broadcast booth. Marty Snider, Kelli Stavast and Dave Burns reported from pit road.

 

Coverage began on NBCSN at 2 p.m. ET with Countdown to Green, hosted by Krista Voda. Burton, Earnhardt Jr. and Letarte all joined Voda live from NASCAR on NBC’s new state of the art “Peacock Pit Box,” before the green flag.

 

RACE RESULTS

 

Position	Driver	Car#
1	Kyle Busch	18
2	Daniel Suarez	19
3	Alex Bowman	88
4	Kevin Harvick	4
5	Erik Jones	20

 

2018 NASCAR CUP SERIES STANDINGS

 

Position	Driver	Points
1	Kyle Busch	891
2	Kevin Harvick	843
3	Martin Truex Jr.	762
4	Joey Logano	690
5	Clint Bowyer	677
6	Kurt Busch	677
7	Brad Keselowski	644
8	Kyle Larson	626
9	Denny Hamlin	618
10	Ryan Blaney	612
11	Aric Almirola	587
12	Chase Elliott	569
13	Jimmie Johnson	547
14	Erik Jones	533
15	Alex Bowman	496
16	Ricky Stenhouse Jr.	440

 

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

 

POST-RACE COVERAGE

 

Burton on Suarez’s second place finish: “He should be proud of himself. He stepped up and put himself in position to win the race…Daniel did everything right. He actually did a better job of restarting than maybe the best restarter we have.”

 

Burton on the final restart: “Daniel Suarez matched Kyle Busch’s restart. Erik Jones making it three wide getting into turn one was a huge break for Kyle Busch. I don’t blame Erik Jones, he is here to win the race too.”

 

Earnhardt added: “I agree, you have to take the opportunity. Jones has a team he is trying to bring to victory lane too.”

 

STAGE 3

 

Earnhardt on the overtime restart: “This gives these guys another opportunity to try and right what they did wrong. What did Kyle do that last restart to prevail off of turn 2? What can I do differently to try and stop him from doing that?”

 

Burton before the first restart, with three laps to go: “This launch by Suarez will determine if he can win this race.”

 

Earnhardt on Bubba Wallace’s hard impact with the wall, with six laps to go: “That is the most frightening feeling that a driver can have. When you have no control, there are no breaks, and there is such a long distance to travel before contact with anything.”

 

Earnhardt on the sport’s safety advancements: “You have to credit the teams and NASCAR for working together to make these cars safe. Jeff you were a big proponent behind the safety of these cars we have today, and pushing safety to be critical and a priority. To see a driver get out after such an incredible hit is impressive to me.”

 

Earnhardt as Brad Keselowski and Kyle Larson made contact: “It’s race time now man! The stages are over, the stage breaks are over, these guys came to pit road and there are 51 laps to go…I imagine Brad ain’t happy. No one wants to get run over like that in the corner, but you can’t wait. You got to go.”

 

STAGE 2

 

Burton on the battle between Larson and Kurt Busch with 19 laps to go: “These guys are still racing themselves. They don’t even have Kevin Harvick in their mind right now. They are racing each other especially hard.”

 

STAGE 1

 

Earnhardt on Erik Jones’ strategy in Stage 1: “He had the speed…I think this is great strategy by his team to give him a shot to win this race, keep him in the top two rows. Him being in that front or second row is going to give him a chance to win.”

 

Burton on the tunnel turn at Pocono Raceway: “It is hard enough when you go down there by yourself. You are going so fast. It is a nine degree turn. It is a very very short radius. We are getting ready to go through there two wide on this restart, and then it gets very, very difficult.”

 

Earnhardt with nine laps to go in Stage 1: “If I’m Daniel Suarez and I see the No. 4 car coming, it wouldn’t occur to me that it was really that important to keep him behind me this early in the race. Now that I am up here in the booth watching, I am thinking every time that these guys have Kevin Harvick behind them, that they need to hold him behind them as much as they can. If the No. 4 car, as fast as it is, gets the lead, this race is over with.”

 

PRE-RACE COVERAGE

 

Letarte on Pocono Raceway: “You would think a track with only three corners would be easier, but Pocono is anything but.”

 

Letarte on Jimmie Johnson: “The simple thing about Jimmie Johnson, we saw the numbers, all the starts, all the wins, all the championships, but even today after 600 starts he is still the guy that will text you, ‘How’s the family, how are you doing?’ He is such a great person. As a person he sets the bar very high for anyone in the garage.”

 

Earnhardt added: “Two of his most incredible accomplishments are, he got me on Twitter and he got me on a bike. Jimmie is a great guy and he has influenced my life incredibly.”

 

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Xfinity Series Racing from Iowa Speedway Saturday, July 28 at 5:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN

Brendan Gaughan Contributes to Saturday’s Xfinity Coverage as Special Pit Road Analyst

 

Chase Elliott Joins NASCAR America “Wednesdays with Dale Jr.” Tonight at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN

 

STAMFORD, Conn. – July 25, 2018 – NBC Sports Group’s 2018 NASCAR on NBC coverage continues this week with a twin bill of racing from Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., and Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, culminating with the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Gander Outdoors 400 on Sunday, July 29, at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

 

Throughout the week, NBC Sports will super serve fans with more than 22 hours of NASCAR programming, including Xfinity Series racing from Iowa Speedway on Saturday, July 28, at 5:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

 

With NASCAR’s “Big Three” of Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. all finishing in the top five this past weekend in New Hampshire, the front-runners for the 2018 season remain the same. Busch leads with 844 points and 5 wins, followed by Harvick (791 points, 6 wins), Truex Jr. (740 points, 4 wins), Joey Logano (679 points, 1 win) and Kurt Busch (646 points, 0 wins).

 

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES RACING FROM POCONO RACEWAY – SUNDAY AT 2:30 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

 

NBC Sports Group kicks off its Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series coverage from Pocono this Saturday with first practice at 9 a.m. ET, followed by final practice at 11:30 a.m. ET, both on CNBC. Qualifying begins at 4 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

 

Race day coverage begins Sunday at 2 p.m. ET on NBCSN with NBC Sports Group’s pre-race show, Countdown to Green. NASCAR Cup Series racing begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN. An on-site post-race show wraps up coverage from “The Keystone State” at 6 p.m. ET.

 

NASCAR on NBC’s lead race announcer Rick Allen (@Rickallenracing) will call the action alongside 21-time Cup Series race winner Jeff Burton (@Jeffburton) from NBC Sports’ booth above the start/finish line. Motorsports icon and NASCAR on NBC analyst Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) and Daytona 500 winning crew chief Steve Letarte (@steveletarte) will provide additional insight from NBCSN’s second broadcast booth.

 

NASCAR on NBC’s Krista Voda (@Kristavoda) will host NASCAR America, as well as all pre- and post-race coverage. Marty Snider (@heymartysnider), Kelli Stavast (@kellistavast) and Dave Burns (@tvdaveburns) will report from pit road and the garages.

 

XFINITY SERIES COVERAGE FROM IOWA SPEEDWAY SATURDAY AT 5:30 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

 

NBC Sports Group’s Xfinity Series coverage from Iowa Speedway begins this Friday, July 27, with first practice at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN, followed by final practice at 6:30 p.m. ET. Coverage continues Saturday with Xfinity Series qualifying at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Pre-race Countdown to Green coverage starts at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Race coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. ET.

 

Burns will call Saturday’s Xfinity race alongside Hall of Fame driver Dale Jarrett (@DaleJarrett). Brendan Gaughan, a veteran of 490 NASCAR national series starts, will serve as NASCAR on NBC’s special pit road analyst. Gaughan will be positioned on pit road and will contribute to coverage of the entire race alongside reporter Parker Kligerman (@Pkligerman).

 

CHASE ELLIOTT JOINS NASCAR AMERICA “WEDNESDAYS WITH DALE JR.” TONIGHT AT 5 P.M. ET

 

NASCAR America “Wednesdays with Dale Jr.,” NBCSN’s weekly motorsports show featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr., welcomes Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy, as a guest tonight at 5 p.m. ET.

 

Live from the “Big Oak Table” at NBC Sports’ NASCAR office in Charlotte, N.C., Elliott joins Jeff Burton, Steve Letarte and Earnhardt for an in-depth discussion and free-flowing conversation.

 

Defending Monster Energy Cup Series Champion and driver of the No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Toyota, Martin Truex Jr., will join the show next Wednesday, August 1, at 5 p.m. ET.

 

DOUG YATES, CEO OF ROUSH YATES ENGINES, JOINS NATE RYAN’S NASCAR ON NBC PODCAST THIS WEEK

 

Doug Yates, CEO of Roush Yates Engines, joins Nate Ryan (@nateryan) on this week’s NASCAR on NBC podcast. A world-class engine builder, and son of Hall of Fame engine builder and team owner Robert Yates, Doug Yates discusses his comprehensive background in racing and his vision for the future of Ford engines.

 

Kyle Busch joined Ryan last week for a special edition of the NASCAR on NBC podcast. In the episode, the 2015 Cup Series champion touches on a wide-range of topics from the Denver Broncos, to his wife and their foundation’s “Bundle of Joy” program.

 

The NASCAR on NBC podcast is available on NASCAR Talk, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher and podcasting apps. For more info click here.

 

UPCOMING NASCAR PROGRAMMING ON NBCSN AND CNBC

 

DATE	COVERAGE	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
Wednesday, July 25	NASCAR America	5 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR K&N Series – New Hampshire	6 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Whelen Modified – New Hampshire	7 p.m.	NBCSN
Thursday, July 26	NASCAR America	5 p.m.	NBCSN
	Dale Jr. Download	5:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Friday, July 27	Dale Jr. Download (Encore)	4:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series First Practice – Iowa	5 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR America	6 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Final Practice – Iowa	6:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	Dale Jr. Download (Encore)	7:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Saturday, July 28	NASCAR Cup Series First Practice – Pocono	9 a.m.	CNBC
	NASCAR Cup Series Final Practice – Pocono	11:30 a.m.	CNBC
	NASCAR Whelen Modified – New Hampshire (All-Star)	12:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying  – Iowa	3 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – Pocono	4 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Countdown to Green	5 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Race – Iowa	5:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Sunday, July 29	NASCAR Cup Series Countdown to Green	2 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Race – Pocono	2:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Post-Race Show	6 p.m.	NBCSN

 

NASCAR ON NBC

 

The official home of the NASCAR Playoffs, NBC Sports Group will present the final 20 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races, final 19 NASCAR Xfinity Series races, and select NASCAR Regional & Touring Series events in 2018. NBC Sports Group’s NASCAR programming also includes NBCSN’s daily motorsports show NASCAR America, coverage of NASCAR’s Awards Ceremonies, the annual NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony, as well as original programming specials.

 

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.

 

— NBC SPORTS GROUP —

Special Analyst-Only Broadcast of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Kyle Busch Joins Tonight’s NASCAR America “Wednesdays with Dale Jr.” at 6 p.m. ET on NBCSN

STAMFORD, Conn. – July 18, 2018 – NBC Sports Group revs up for its fourth week of 2018 NASCAR on NBC racing with more than 17 hours of trackside coverage from New Hampshire Motor Speedway, culminating with the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 this Sunday, July 22 at 2 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

 

Throughout the week, NBC Sports will super serve fans with 26 hours of NASCAR programing, including Xfinity Series racing from “The Magic Mile” on Saturday, July 21, at 4 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

 

NASCAR on NBC analysts Jeff Burton (@Jeffburton), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) and Steve Letarte (@steveletarte) will take over NBC Sports’ broadcast booth for a special analyst-only call of this Sunday’s race. Combining their decades of experience behind the wheel and in the garage, Earnhardt, Burton and Letarte will bring viewers a fresh perspective of New Hampshire Motor Speedway, through informal stories, conversation and race commentary.

 

Lead NASCAR on NBC race announcer Rick Allen (@Rickallenracing) will take on a new role for the weekend, as he adds his insights from pit road to Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practice and race coverage from “The Magic Mile.” For more information on Sunday’s special “NBC Race Team Broadcast” click here.

 

Entering Sunday’s race, Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, continues to lead the field with 799 points and 5 wins, followed by Kevin Harvick (740 points, 5 wins), Martin Truex Jr. (689 points, 4 wins), Joey Logano (648 points, 1 win) and Brad Keselowski (630 points, 0 wins). Truex Jr. took home the checkered flag this past Saturday in Kentucky, continuing the “Big Three’s” dominating streak.

 

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES RACING FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTOR SPEEDWAY – SUNDAY AT 2 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

 

NBCSN kicks off its Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series coverage from New Hampshire this Friday with first practice at noon ET, followed by NASCAR America at 4 p.m. ET from NBC Sports’ new “Peacock Pit Box.” Qualifying begins at 4:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN, and is followed by NASCAR America live from NBC Sports Group’s headquarters in Stamford, Conn.

 

NASCAR Cup Series coverage continues Saturday with second practice at 10 a.m. ET on CNBC. An on-site edition of NASCAR America begins at 12:15 p.m. ET and leads into final practice at 12:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

 

Race day coverage begins Sunday at noon ET with NASCAR America on NBCSN. NBC Sports Group’s pre-race show, Countdown to Green, kicks off at 1:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN and features a special “Driver to Driver” interview, as NASCAR on NBC analyst and Hall of Fame driver Dale Jarrett (@DaleJarrett) talks with seven-time Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson. Pre-race coverage also includes a candid conversation between NASCAR on NBC’s features reporter Rutledge Wood and Martin Truex Jr., in addition to a fun segment in which drivers give their best attempt at a New England accent.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing begins at 2 p.m. ET on NBCSN. An on-site post-race show wraps up coverage from “The Granite State” at 5:30 p.m. ET. Post-race coverage continues on NBCSN with a full hour of NASCAR Victory Lap at 6 p.m. ET with host Carolyn Manno (@Carolynmanno), auto racing icon Kyle Petty (@Kylepetty) and NBCSports.com lead motorsports writer Nate Ryan (@nateryan).

 

NASCAR on NBC pre-race host Krista Voda (@Kristavoda) and Dale Jarrett host NASCAR America, as well as all pre- and post-race coverage. Marty Snider (@heymartysnider), Kelli Stavast (@kellistavast) and Parker Kligerman (@Pkligerman) will report from pit road and the garages. Rutledge Wood (@Rutledgewood) will also contribute coverage from “The Magic Mile.”

 

XFINITY SERIES COVERAGE – SATURDAY AT 4 P.M. ET ON NBCSN

 

NBC Sports Group’s Xfinity Series coverage from New Hampshire Motor Speedway begins this Friday, July 20, with first practice at 1 p.m. ET on NBCSN, followed by final practice at 3 p.m. ET. Coverage continues Saturday with Xfinity Series qualifying at 11 a.m. ET on CNBC. Pre-race Countdown to Green coverage starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Race coverage begins at 4 p.m. ET.

 

Allen will call Saturday’s Xfinity race alongside Earnhardt and Burton. Letarte will contribute coverage from pit road on the “Peacock Pit Box.” NASCAR on NBC’s K&N pit reporter Dillon Welch will also contribute to NBC Sports’ Xfinity practice and qualifying coverage, alongside Snider, Stavast and Kligerman.

 

KYLE BUSCH JOINS TONIGHT’S NASCAR AMERICA “WEDNESDAYS WITH DALE JR.”

 

NASCAR America “Wednesdays with Dale Jr.,” NBCSN’s weekly motorsports show featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr., welcomes Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, as a guest tonight at 6 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

 

Live from the “Big Oak Table” at NBC Sports’ NASCAR office in Charlotte, N.C., Busch joins Rutledge Wood, Jeff Burton and Earnhardt for an in-depth discussion and free-flowing conversation.

 

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy, will join the studio show next Wednesday, July 25 at 5 p.m. ET.

 

UPCOMING NASCAR PROGRAMMING

 

DATE	COVERAGE	TIME (ET)	NETWORK
Wednesday, July 18	NASCAR America “Wednesdays With Dale”	6 p.m.	NBCSN
Thursday, July 19	NASCAR America	5 p.m.	NBCSN
	Dale Jr. Download	5:30 p.m.	NBCSN
Friday, July 20	NASCAR Cup Series First Practice – New Hampshire	12 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series First Practice – New Hampshire	1 p.m.	NBCSN
	Dale Jr. Download	2 p.m.	NBCSN
	Racing Roots (Encore)	2:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Final Practice – New Hampshire	3 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR America	4 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – New Hampshire	4:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR America	6 p.m.	NBCSN
Saturday, July 21	NASCAR Cup Series Second Practice – New Hampshire	10 a.m.	CNBC
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying  – New Hampshire	11 a.m.	CNBC
	NASCAR America	12:15 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Final Practice – New Hampshire	12:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Countdown to Green	3:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Xfinity Series Race – New Hampshire	4 p.m.	NBCSN
Sunday, July 22	NASCAR America	12 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Countdown to Green	1:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Race – New Hampshire	2 p.m.	NBCSN
	NASCAR Cup Series Post-Race Show	5:30 p.m.	NBCSN
	Victory Lap	6 p.m.	NBCSN

 

NASCAR ON NBC

 

The official home of the NASCAR Playoffs, NBC Sports Group will present the final 20 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races, final 19 NASCAR Xfinity Series races, and select NASCAR Regional & Touring Series events in 2018. NBC Sports Group’s NASCAR programming also includes NBCSN’s daily motorsports show NASCAR America, coverage of NASCAR’s Awards Ceremonies, the annual NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony, as well as original programming specials.

 

For more information about NBC Sports Group shows and properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.

 

— NBC SPORTS GROUP —