NASCAR Cup Series: NBC set for broadcast booth change?

As a die-hard NASCAR fan with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the changes in the broadcast booth have been quite intriguing this season! The news about Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s departure was certainly a blow, but the arrival of Leigh Diffey has added a fresh perspective to the mix.

Previously, during the initial phase of the 2021 NASCAR season, while the races were being aired on Fox, it was revealed that several modifications would be implemented when the broadcast moved to NBC, which started at Iowa Speedway around mid-June.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced that he would not return for a seventh season in the NBC Sports broadcasting team this year, meaning only lead announcer Rick Allen, along with Jeff Burton and Steve Letarte as color commentators, remain. These three have been working together since the current media rights agreement started in 2015.

Initially, it was announced that Allen would continue as the lead announcer. But later, it became clear that Leigh Diffey would step into the role temporarily during the three-week break for NBC’s coverage of the Summer Olympics in Paris, France, replacing Allen.

Last weekend, as the Olympic Games concluded on August 11, coinciding with the return of the Cup Series at Richmond Raceway, Diffey did not step in to replace Allen the previous week.

There was a strong expectation that he might first appear on the Cup Series broadcast team, either during this Sunday’s race at Michigan International Speedway or the following Saturday night event at Daytona International Speedway in 2024.

No NBC broadcast booth changes for Michigan race

I won’t be making my debut this afternoon, as Allen is scheduled to announce the 200-lap FireKeepers Casino 400 race at the four-cornered, 2.0-mile (3.219-kilometer) Brooklyn, Michigan speedway.

Diffey, who has spent the last 11 years commentating on IndyCar races for NBC, is planning to take up a position in the NBC Sports broadcast booth for the upcoming 160-lap Coke Zero Sugar 400 race at Daytona Beach, Florida’s four-turn, 2.5-mile (4.023-kilometer) oval on the following Saturday night.

While Diffey is widely recognized for his role as the main commentator for NBC’s IndyCar and IMSA broadcasts, it’s important to note that he also has some experience with NASCAR races, particularly as the lead commentator for certain events in 2017.

On the upcoming Saturday night, the race at Daytona will air live on NBC, marking the first post-Olympic race broadcasted on NBC instead of USA Network. Conversely, the next Sunday’s regular season finale at Darlington Raceway will be shown live on USA Network.

As a dedicated gamer, I can tell you that during NBC’s broadcast schedule, the go-to channel for me is now USA Network, owned by NBCUniversal. This shift happened when NBC Sports Network closed its doors at the end of 2021. So, whenever I need my gaming fix while they’re airing, I tune in to USA Network!

For the initial phase of the ten-race playoffs, spanning over four rounds, broadcasting will take place on USA Network. In contrast, the remaining six races will air on NBC.

Regarding Allen, he will continue in his role as the main announcer for Xfinity Series races, even as the series begins its full-time shift to the CW Network from 2025. This change is expected to commence with the regular season finale at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 20. The remaining eight races of the season will still be produced by NBC Sports, using their own production and broadcast teams.

Listen to USA Network at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time this afternoon for the live telecast of the FireKeepers Casino 400 from Michigan International Speedway. Chris Buescher, who races for RFK Racing, won last year’s race. Start a free trial of FuboTV today if you haven’t already!

2024-08-18 17:02