The years may have passed, but the memories remain classic.
In the 1960s, the ABC television network helped introduce a then-fledgling sport known as NASCAR to a curious American public. So colorful when viewed live, NASCAR turned out to be just as entertaining in black-and-white – which is what many TVs provided in the ’60s.
Starting in 1961, ABC, via selected live race broadcasts and portions of other events shown on its popular “Wide World of Sports” program, helped introduce NASCAR overall and its stars specifically. Richard Petty and Fireball Roberts, David Pearson and Bobby Isaac – just a few of the names who streaked across America’s screens in those days.
As the years passed, NASCAR’s popularity grew and ABC remained in the mix, with several selected race broadcasts each season. ABC’s last NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series broadcast was the 2000 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.
Saturday night marks a reunion.
NASCAR NEXTEL Cup racing returns to the ABC network, with the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway – the final event in the “Race to the Chase. ” ABC will also broadcast all 10 races of the “Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup” starting with the Sept. 16 event at New Hampshire International Speedway and ending with the season finale Nov. 18 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
In the old days – which were definitely good ones – fans got lap-by-lap descriptions from Jim McKay, Bill Fleming and inimitable racer-turned-commentator Jackie Stewart.
In 2007, at a time when NASCAR racing is better than ever, ABC is rolling out a broadcast team led by former NASCAR NEXTEL Cup champion Rusty Wallace; the long-respected announcer Dr. Jerry Punch; former team owner and crew chief Andy Petree; veteran mainstream TV sports broadcaster Brent Musberger, who will serve as show host; and Suzy Kolber, heading the pre-race show. This is the same group who have been bringing NASCAR action to fans all season on ESPN.
Sports programming on ABC is officially called “ESPN on ABC. ” It’s a blend of tradition and new talent/technology – and will be on full display starting Saturday night at Richmond.
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