Update: For those tuning in at 7PM, the live women's college softball game before qualifying ran long. For that reason, ESPN shortened the pre-race show to 30 minutes and will run qualifying until 7:30PM. Allen Bestwick and company will be on at that time.
It's hot in Nashville, but the NASCAR on ESPN team is ready to go. This week, veteran pit reporter Vince Welch gets the chance to handle the play-by-play duties for a live ESPN2 race telecast.
Welch has a long history in TV, combining local and national duties in the sports world. Friday, he worked with Dale Jarrett to call the NNS practice and did quite a good job.
Alongside Welch it will be Jarrett and Andy Petree. On pit road for this telecast will be Dr. Jerry Punch, Shannon Spake and Jamie Little. Allen Bestwick will host from the Infield Pit Studio with Brad Daugherty. Tim Brewer will be in the Tech Garage.
ESPN has been revamping itself this season with a very different presentation of NASCAR racing. Marty Reid has led a very nice change of pace in the announcing and Welch may well become Reid's back-up as the season progresses. These stand-alone races offer an opportunity for some perspective and serve to show-off the series regulars.
This one should be fun to watch. To add your TV-related comments on the telecast, just click on the comments button below. This is a family-friendly website, please keep that in mind when posting.
