Motors TV to Broadcast Nascar Nationwide Series in UK

February 23, 2012

UK channel Motors TV has secured rights to show regular live television coverage of the NASCAR Nationwide Series  after been given comprehensive air time in the UK with all 33 rounds screened live or delayed-as-live in 2012.

“This latest announcement is fantastic news for both Motors TV and our loyal viewers, many of whom have expressed a renewed interest in stock car racing some five years after we last broadcast the NASCAR Nationwide Series,” said Motors TV Head of Programming and Acquisitions Frédéric Viger.

Coverage will start this Saturday with live coverage of the Drive4COPD 300 from Daytona International Speedway. The Motors TV race coverage in the UK is from 6pm GMT, following a half hour preview show.

The Nationwide Series is expected to have an increased profile in 2012 with the arrival of former IndyCar star Danica Patrick for her first full season in stock car racing. She’ll be competing with reigning Camping World Truck Series champion Austin Dillon for the Nationwide Rookie of the Year title this season.

“With so many established names committing to the 2012 championship it seemed like the perfect time to renew our coverage,” said Viger. “That, coupled with live primetime weekend programming, gives me every reason to believe that the NASCAR Nationwide Series will quickly establish itself as a firm favourite amongst our viewers.”

Motors TV already broadcasts GRAND-AM, the American Le Mans Series, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing, Formula Drift and AMA Supercross from across the Atlantic as part of its coverage of over 80 championships. 

The channel said that depending on scheduling of the various events, all Nationwide Series races will either be shown live or as-live shortly afterwards, and will also be supported by comprehensive highlight programmes broadcast throughout the following week.

Coverage of the senior NASCAR Sprint Cup championship – including this week’s Gatorade Duels and Sunday’s Daytona 500 – continues to be broadcast live and exclusive on satellite subscription channel Premier Sports TV, available only on the Sky platform on channel 433 for £7.99 per month. The channel does not currently have broadcast deals with other distributors such as Virgin Media or BT Vision.

by Ismail Uddin