Turner Sports Revs Up For 30th Year of NASCAR Coverage

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In: NASCAR Cup Series News

Turner Sports is geared up for its 30th year of NASCAR coverage with TNT’s six-race NASCAR Sprint Cup Series set to begin Sunday, June 10, at noon ET from Pocono Raceway. TNT’s NASCAR coverage will once again feature analysis by Kyle Petty and Wally Dallenbach with play-by-play commentator Adam Alexander expanding his role this season. Alexander will add pre-race hosting responsibilities this year, joined by analysts Petty and Larry McReynolds. TNT’s reporters will include: Ralph Sheheen, Marty Snider, Matt Yocum and Chris Neville.

TNT’s coverage also will include several production enhancements this year including a weekly “NASCAR Generations” segment during the Countdown to Green pre-race show, a new on-set touch screen application, and broader social media integration. Additionally, McReynolds will roll out a customized, unique broadcast unit that will house his very own studio, as well as his base location to provide analysis using a cut-away display car.

TNT’s “NASCAR Generations” is a segment which will air during the one-hour Countdown to Green each week featuring a panel discussion hosted by Alexander with five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, legendary NASCAR champions Ned Jarrett and Bill Elliott, as well as TNT NASCAR analysts McReynolds and Petty. The conversation will touch on broad-ranging topics and storylines within the sport.

A new on-set touch screen application will provide the ability to track drivers throughout the race, telestrate the action, offer real-time weather updates and engage with audiences via Twitter. Fans can participate in the social media discussion by using the hashtag #NASCAR leading up to and throughout the races. Throughout the broadcast, TNT’s production also will include selectively-displayed race content obtained through Twitter.

“We’re fortunate to have the longest history of any broadcast partner covering Sprint Cup races and we strive for innovation and advancements which continue to make NASCAR the best viewing experience possible for fans,” said Jeff Behnke, Turner Sports senior vice president and executive producer. “Our announce team of Adam, Kyle and Wally provides consistency, our pit reporters continue to give the most unique perspectives in all of racing and we’re excited for our coverage to begin.”

Additional production elements include McReynolds utilizing TNT’s Off-Track Robotic Car presented by Toyota (TORC) to analyze pit crew strategies. Inside Trax also will return with select crew chiefs and teams miked up to offer fans unique access to the sounds and strategy of NASCAR.

2012 TNT NASCAR Summer Series Schedule:
(All Times Eastern)

SUNDAY, JUNE 10
Noon – 1 p.m. ET Countdown to Green
1 – 4:30 p.m. Pocono 400 (Pocono Raceway)
SUNDAY, JUNE 17
Noon – 1 p.m. Countdown to Green
1 – 4:30 p.m. Michigan 400 (Michigan International Speedway)
SUNDAY, JUNE 24
2 – 3 p.m. Countdown to Green
3 – 6:30 p.m. Toyota SaveMart 350 (Sonoma)
SATURDAY, JUNE 30
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Countdown to Green
7:30 – 11 p.m. Sprint Cup Racing presented by KFC (Kentucky Speedway)
SATURDAY, JULY 7
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Countdown to Green
7:30 – 11 p.m. Coke Zero 400 at Daytona powered by Coca-Cola (Daytona International Speedway)
SUNDAY, JULY 15
Noon – 1 p.m. Countdown to Green
1 – 4:30 p.m. New Hampshire 301 (New Hampshire Motor Speedway)


Turner Motorsports PR

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