On Saturday, Nascar returns to TNT for the first time since 2014 (…unless it rains), renewing a relationship the sport has had with the Turner networks going back to 1983. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights:
1983—TBS begins broadcasting Nascar with the spring Richmond race, wedging it into its busy schedule of Georgia Championship Wrestling, Andy Griffith reruns, and more Georgia Championship Wrestling.
1993—TBS takes over broadcasting rights to the second Pocono race, increasing its Cup Series inventory from a meager two races to a mighty three.
2000—In the final race aired on TBS, the network experiments with “side-by-side” commercials at the fall Charlotte race, although given that it was in 2000, it was likely all dot-com startups that have since cratered.
2001—TNT takes over as a broadcast partner with NBC for the second half of the season, pairing radio veteran Allen Bestwick in the booth with seasoned tv commentator Benny Parsons. Oh, and Wally Dallenbach Jr. is there too, for some reason.
2007—With the departure of NBC (for now), TNT signs on for a six-race “Summer Series” of races, and woahhhh was the coverage not very good.
2008—Larry McReynolds is sawed in half.
2009—Bill Weber is suspended (and later fired) for an incident at a hotel room the weekend of the New Hampshire race. Jeez, the worst thing I ever did at a hotel room was take a pen.
2014—TNT airs its final race (until this weekend), looking to devote more time to airing endless re-airings of superhero movies.
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Does this track have lights?
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