FOX Sports Arizona and Phoenix International Raceway are excited to announce that an episode of the network’s popular “Countdown” franchise featuring PIR will air tonight at 5 p.m. MST. The show is a continuation of the longstanding partnership between the network and the race track. Additionally, two new “PIR Classics” episodes will air in anticipation of the spring NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend.
While fans see all the action on the track, “Countdown: Green Flag” will give viewers an unprecedented behind the scenes look at the hours leading up to the green flag during last November’s AdvoCare 500. Premiering tonight, Feb. 5 at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., FOX Sports Arizona was granted exclusive access with driver Ryan Newman, team owner Michael Waltrip, PIR Director of Operations Lee Baumgarten and Vice President of Operations for JHE Production Group Matt Davis.
The production crew followed each man as he prepared for the race. Viewers will follow Newman as he conducts a non-stop schedule of sponsor visits, hospitality appearances and fan meet-and-greet events on the morning of the race. Waltrip’s morning included his own sponsor obligations as well as last-minute preparation with his three race teams. Baumgarten, who ensures that the entire event goes off without a hitch, covers the entire property in his truck, by golf cart and eventually on foot to make sure everything runs smoothly. JHE’s Davis coordinates every element of the pre-race festivities, from a concert on the track itself to the introduction of the drivers, the national anthem and ultimately counting down to the green flag.
Continuing the series that started in 2013, “PIR Classics” will have two new episodes airing. The first new episode will feature Jeff Gordon’s hard earned win after a 67 race drought in the 2011 SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 ™. The final episode will continue the hard earned race wins storyline with Carl Edwards’ first win in 70 races in the 2013 SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 ™.
PIR PR
