FOX and NASCAR Bring A Second Season of ‘Beyond the Wheel’

via press release:

FOX Sports and NASCAR Productions Collaborate on Second Season of ‘Beyond the Wheel’

FS1 and NASCAR Productions will present the second season of the acclaimed documentary series Beyond the Wheel as part of FS1’s NASCAR RACE HUB. Created to depict the sport’s most pivotal moments and compelling narratives, the short films focus on influential characters – both past and present – and the unique stories that have shaped NASCAR as a sport since its inception. The first film premieres on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. ET during NASCAR RACE HUB on FS1.

The second season of the documentary short film series is comprised of the following:

    Bonneville 71 details how NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Bobby Isaac set 28 land speed records with a banned Dodge Charger Daytona on the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1971, accompanied only by his crew members, a USAC official and a Chrysler engineer. Using the authentic No. 71 K&K Charger and featuring interviews with original crew members Buddy Parrott and Ken Troutt, the documentary pays homage to Isaac’s historical runs by revisiting the Salt Flats to shoot all-new footage down a 10-mile straightaway. A remarkable story of innovation, the short film depicts Isaac’s desire and dedication to always test the limits of speed, no matter the barriers.

    Sueños de NASCAR follows NASCAR XFINITY Series driver Daniel Suárez from his roots in Monterrey, Mexico, to his rise in one of the sport’s top series through the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program. As Suárez returns home to visit family and friends, the film explores his place in Mexican racing culture, how the country has embraced stock car racing, and the impact of Mexican drivers on the future of the sport. Illustrating the young driver as a source of inspiration, the documentary also examines Suárez’s success as the first Mexican-born driver to win a NASCAR national series race and his current pursuit of the NASCAR XFINITY Series championship.

    Miracle at Daytona – The Tiny Lund Story recounts how DeWayne “Tiny” Lund risked his life to rescue fellow driver, Marvin Panch, from his burning Maserati at Daytona International Speedway before going on to win the 1963 DAYTONA 500 just days later. The true story of a journeyman driver who was one of the most likeable characters of his era, Lund was also awarded the Carnegie Hero’s Medal for his selfless bravery in what became one of the greatest DAYTONA 500 stories of all time. 



The second film in the series featuring Daniel Suárez will premiere on Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. ET, while the original special on Tiny Lund will air in early 2017. Each documentary will also be available on FOX Sports GO and FOXSports.com following its premiere.

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The Twin Duels, The Annoying Website, And Failed Coverage

This year the duel qualifiers for the Daytona 500 were night races, aired on FoxSports 1, and were interesting in and of themselves.

We had a big wreck at the back end of the last duel, but that's what the network likes.  Something exciting to sell TV viewers.  I mean, Clint Bowyer did a barrel roll.  How cool, (without injury), is that?

But dang.

I used to be able to pull up a web interface and watch the Fox telecast online.  No longer.  I could not find it online.

I tried to sign up for the "free" RaceView, but it was broken.  Again.

So I had to settle for the live leader boards, which for now, is better than nothing, until I was able to get to a TV.

But while I was tinkering around on the website, I have to say, those blasted drop down menus from every single banner link are *ing annoying.  Every time my mouse drifts over a link in that section, this huge drop down menu would get in my way.  And it usually isn't relevant to what I am trying to do.

I'm not that fond of the new website and the way it behaves, always willing to pump new content in my face if my mouse cursor goes a little errant, and has driven me to find other sources of news and info so I don't have to deal with that.

In fact, while looking at the home page, I flicked my mouse to the top of my browser, and somehow, my page is now filled with Fantasy league options.

NASCAR!  This has to be changed.  This is pretty annoying.

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NASCAR Is Back On TV! (Sort Of)

With the Daytona 500 coming up on February 23, 2014, things are starting to pick up with the anticipation of the new season that won't need points to settle the score!  (Yes, I'm still on the bubble about how the new rules structure is using the points)

But be it as it may, that means that we'll start seeing more televised NASCAR events on TV.  Sort of.

Now unlike previous years, where you could turn on SPEED TV and watch for NASCAR updates all day long, our venue for watching NASCAR updates has been funnelled down to certain days and times now.  And it's on FOX Sports 1.

Here's the FS1 TV schedule for all things Daytona (If you're a cable subscriber who gets the channel):

Monday, February 10

4:00 p.m. ET - NASCAR Race Hub

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Tuesday, February 11

4:00 p.m. ET - NASCAR Race Hub

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Wednesday, February 12

4:00 p.m. ET - NASCAR Race Hub

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Thursday, February 13

10:00 a.m. ET - Daytona 500 Media Day
4:00 p.m. ET - NASCAR Race Hub

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Friday, February 14

4:00 p.m. ET - NASCAR Live
5:00 p.m ET - Sprint Cup Practice
6:00 p.m. ET - NASCAR Live
6:30 p.m. ET - Sprint Cup Final Practice
7:30 p.m. ET - FOX Sports 1 on 1: Jimmie Johnson
8:00 p.m. ET - The Day: Daytona Primetime
9:00 p.m. ET - Return of the 3
10:00 p.m. ET - The Day: Remembering Dale Earnhardt

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Saturday, February 15

10:30 a.m. ET - Sprint Cup Practice
12:30 p.m. ET - NASCAR Live
1:30 p.m. ET - Sprint Cup Practice
3:30 p.m. ET - NASCAR Live
4:15 p.m. ET - ARCA Race
6:30 p.m. ET - NASCAR RaceDay
8:00 p.m. ET - Sprint Unlimited

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Sunday, February 16

12:00 p.m. ET - NASCAR Live
9:00 p.m. ET - Daytona 500 Pole Day

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My NASCAR TV Era Starts to Fail Me

Well, it finally happened.  My NASCAR TV landscape failed me for the first time ever, in my memory.  And that's a long memory

Last weekend I ran out of things to watch and I needed a fix.  I needed something from NASCAR to sooth my addiction... I mean fandom.

And this was the first time that, since SPEED TV became Fox Sports 1, that I went cruising looking for something on TV NASCAR related.

I would have taken anything, any snippet of news, of rumors, or even just a headline about NASCAR.

And when Speed TV was around, I was always able to tune in when ever I wanted and got my dose of Sprint Cup.  But alas, this moment that I dread, was upon me.

I picked up the remote and started cruising the channels.  Left, right, up, down... the sports category was void of the colors of NASCAR.  There was no news about the sport.  No upcoming shows about it.  Nada.  (No, not NAPA, nada.)

I could not even find Days of Thunder, no Ricky Bobby.

I sat there, realizing that by the power of TV ratings, or the lack there of, I've been abandoned to my own devices.  Sadly, I quieted my TV, curled up and went into withdrawal. 

(I was just looking for an excuse to take a nap... so this was OK)
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I Apologize, But SPEED is Now 'Fox Sports 1'

The network that pulled us in to all things auto racing, has been shelved by its parent network, Fox, and has now become Fox Sports 1.

Oh goody.

FS1 promises to continue to deliver our NASCAR content, but now it will be delivering other sports as well.

Maybe this is a good thing.

No, not for us, the viewing fan.  But for the sport of NASCAR.  Let me explain this idea I'm working on about supply and demand.

When SPEED was up and running, we had content all day long, 7 days a week.  And I'd be willing to bet that the content was dilluted because it was on so often.  And when it's on so often, folks are not so inclined to stay on top of it.

It's like a TV show season.  Everyone piles in for the premiere and the finale episodes, but they fade from the episodes in the middle of the season.  But as the show is coming to a close, or has a fresh and new start, they pile in.

So maybe, with auto racing being diminished in its coverage, possibly more folks will tune in when it's available.

The EPSN TEST

There's my above theory and also, I can't wait to see if Fox pre-empts pre-race shows and other content for little league games and reality TV shows, or if we'll actually get our content, as we'd like to, as promised in our TV schedules.

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Fox Sports 1 Press Release:

To our valued NASCAR fans:

America's new 24-hour sports network, FOX Sports 1, has arrived. We are proud and excited to tell you the network will continue its extensive coverage of NASCAR for many years to come.

FOX Sports 1 offers you the level of access to NASCAR content you've been accustomed to with SPEED. To go along with nearly 5,000 hours of live event, news and original programming annually, FOX Sports 1 is the home of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, select NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races (2015), select NASCAR Nationwide series races (2015), as well as SpeedWeeks events including Daytona 500 Qualifying, Sprint Unlimited at Daytona and the Budweiser Duels.

Popular established NASCAR-specific programs, including NASCAR RaceDay, NASCAR Victory Lane and NASCAR Race Hub continue on FOX Sports 1, as does live coverage of practice and qualifying sessions from all three national series.

On launch day, FOX Sports 1 brings you more than 6 hours of NASCAR programming, highlighted by coverage of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race from Michigan International Speedway - the first live event on America's new sports network:
   
Saturday 8/17 highlights:
      •     NASCAR Live - 8am ET
      •     NASCAR Sprint Cup practice - 8:30 am ET
      •     NCWTS Qualifying - 9:30 am ET
      •     NASCAR Sprint Cup practice - 11am ET
      •     NCWTS Setup - 12pm ET
      •     NCWTS Racing - 12:30pm ET

For a full schedule, details, and to find out which channel you can find FOX Sports 1 in your home, please visit www.FOXSports1.com.

From your friends at Fox Sports

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"Fox Sports 1," The New SPEED Channel (W/ The Official Press Release)

SPEED Channel to become FOX Sports 1, with more standard sports coverage, while still covering NASCAR.  See my thoughts and the full press release with all the information involved.

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Back in October of 2012, I apprised my readers that this change from SPEED to FOX Sports was coming.  If you're a regular reader of NB&P, this news is no surprise.  Now it's confirmed via a Fox press release from yesterday, (3/5/13) that the FOX Sports Media Group made the name change official, as they announced their plans for this new FOX Sports network. (There's a huge bundle of information in the press release...)

FOX Sports is in its 20th year of covering sports and FOX Sports 1 is set to debut on Saturday, August 17th, 2013 and it's estimated that it will premiere into over 90 million homes with nearly 5,000 hours of live events slated to be covered. (Annually)

But as we warned you back in October, they're including a lot more material aside from NASCAR or auto racing,

"A robust schedule of live events forms the backbone of FOX Sports 1's programming from Day 1, with college basketball, college football, NASCAR, soccer and UFC all on tap between launch and year's end."

And word on the street is that this new sports network will no longer be a special tier cable channel that you have to pay extra for.

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GOODBYE EXTRA BUCKS TO COMCAST (Or your favorite cable outlet).

To be honest, I've always disliked these extra tier fees cable companies charge, just because a channel is favored by the consumers.  I recall back in the mid-90s a huge survey push by all the cable companies asking their consumers what they liked.  And back then I took note how many folks said SPEED channel.

Once the cable companies had their information, it wasn't long after that, that we saw the SPEED Channel get added to a "special" tier.  Special meaning, you want it and we're going to charge you for it.  (This is why I HATE out of the blue surveys or "contests" picking your favorite show crap.)

I thought it was a BS practice they pulled, but what are you going to do?  SPEED allowed it.  Of course, it was only a few bucks more a month, so it wasn't a big deal, right?

But if you have ever wondered how many cable subscribers there are in the U.S., as of September of 2012, there are over 56 million Cable Video Customers.   If you do the math on that "mere" extra fee, 56 million multiplied by $5, equals an additional $280M per month of revenue for that extra tier.

My other issue has been that when NASCAR gets covered outside of basic networks, that culls many potential eyes for the sport.  Being on an extra cable tier, even more so.

I can't tell you how many friends or peers of mine have to sit out and wait for information on events covered by cable outlets like ESPN, SPEED, and other such networks because they simply can't afford the extra channels. 

Now obviously, with FOX Sports 1 being on the standard tier (If that stays true), more folks will be able to have coverage in their homes with the basic cable package.  That means more eyeballs and more useful televised coverage for the sponsors of NASCAR... particularly, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, whose only exposure has been on SPEED.

So good for FOX for finally bringing this back to basic.

And I don't think it will be all bad.  As it was, SPEED had a little too much reality TV for a live sports network, because frankly, considering their subject coverage, they were a bit limited.  Now they can have genuine sports coverage, with auto racing included in that coverage.  And it doesn't seem as if NASCAR Truck series fans are going to lose anything to it.  Food for thought!!!

Plus, if you look over the press release, it notes Sprint Cup Series races being covered in 2015.
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That's the news, and the official press release is included below, with the new cool logo and all!  (Other web guys, if you scrape the press release, some 'via' link love would be appreciated.)

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FOX SPORTS MEDIA GROUP GIVES RISE TO FOX SPORTS 1,

A NEW NATIONAL MULTI-SPORT NETWORK

Officially Debuts Saturday, Aug. 17 in Over 90 Million Homes;

Biggest Sports Network Launch in History

4,800 Hours of Exclusive Live Event, News & Original Programming Planned

Mega-Stars Terry Bradshaw & Regis Philbin Appear Daily

New York – Today, FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) makes television history, officially unveiling plans to launch a new, national, multi-sport network called FOX Sports 1.  The announcement was made by FSMG Co-Presidents and COOs Randy Freer and Eric Shanks.  Set to debut on Saturday, Aug. 17, just as FOX Sports kicks-off its 20^th anniversary year, FS 1 is available in over 90 million homes, making this the biggest sports cable network launch in history, and one of the largest network launches ever.  At the outset, FS1 boasts nearly 5,000 hours of live event, news and original programming annually.

"Our 'secret,' admittedly a very poorly kept one, is now revealed," said Shanks.  "Fans are ready for an alternative to the establishment, and our goal for FS1 is to provide the best in-game experience possible, complemented by informative news, entertaining studio shows and provocative original programming."

A robust schedule of live events forms the backbone of FOX Sports 1's programming from Day 1, with college basketball, college football, NASCAR, soccer and UFC all on tap between launch and year's end.  In fact, the schedule on Aug. 17 features live events morning, noon and night including a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race from Michigan and "UFC on FS1 1" in prime time.  In 2014, FSMG's new rights agreement with MLB takes effect, bringing regular and postseason games to FS1.

"As a company we haven't been afraid to innovate and take well-calculated risks, added Freer." "We've devoted significant resources over the last few years to acquire and/or extend multi-platform rights with a wide variety of leagues and governing bodies well into the next decade, enough to give us a rich schedule right out of the box."

More people consume and care about sports than ever before, so to satisfy that voracious demand FSMG deems the time is now to launch FS1.  For example, when FOX Sports launched in 1994, late Sunday afternoon NFL on FOX games ranked as the 26^th highest-rated program on television. Today, FOX's national doubleheader games rank No. 1 for three years running.

FOX Sports 1 Programming Highlights –

COLLEGE BASKETBALL – Dozens of exclusive prime time games on Monday and Thursday nights, plus Saturday and Sunday coverage of the Big 12, Pac-12 and Conference USA.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL – Led by Notre Dame at Stanford, the Big Ten Championship Game and Pac-12 Championship Game (2014) on FOX, dozens of  exclusive, live games from the Pac-12, Big 12 and Conference USA games on Thursday nights and Saturdays; triple- and quadruple-headers on Saturdays; Saturday pre- and postgame coverage. 

MLB – Beginning in 2014, select League Championship Series and Division Series games; regular-season games over 26 Saturdays; live game-in-progress look-in show.

NASCAR – Select NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races as soon as 2015; NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races; NASCAR Sprint All-Star race; all SpeedWeeks events leading up to the Daytona 500 including: Daytona 500 Qualifying, Sprint Unlimited at Daytona (2014, 2017-22) and the Budweiser Duel, now in prime time; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NCWTS Practice and Qualifying sessions; NASCAR RaceDay, providing pre- and post-race coverage; NASCAR Victory Lane, a weekly wrap-up show; and Race Hub, a daily mid-day studio show with the latest from drivers, owners and garages.

SOCCER – Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday afternoon coverage of the world's most prolific club soccer competitions, the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, and CONCACAF Champions League featuring many of the world's greatest and most successful clubs; the world's oldest soccer competition, the FA Cup; CONCACAF Gold Cup; CONCACAF Qualifiers, FIFA Women's World Cup coverage in 2015 and 2019; FIFA Men's World Cup coverage in 2018 and 2022; delayed matches in prime time; weekly magazine and highlights shows.

UFC – Featured on Wednesday nights; live FIGHT NIGHTS through 2014, the first is scheduled for launch night, Saturday, Aug. 17; FOX event preliminary cards; UFC Tonight, the weekly authority for UFC news and information; 14 Saturday pay-per-view preliminary cards; hundreds of hours of library programs and events.

In addition to live events and studio programs, FS1 introduces FOX SPORTS LIVE, a 24/7 news franchise providing around-the-clock coverage through regularly scheduled programs, hourly updates and an information-rich ticker that provides a network agnostic sports event television schedule.  Thousands of hours of news programming are expected annually from newly minted sets including a nightly program at 11:00 PM ET or immediately following events.  A morning newscast is expected to launch in January 2014 in conjunction with FSMG's expansive coverage of Super Bowl XLVIII.

"Building credibility and trust with our audience is paramount, so naturally we'll provide the staples, like news, scores and highlights, but we'll do it in a FOX Sports way," offered Shanks. "Just as FOX NFL SUNDAY reinvented the pregame show, FOX SPORTS LIVE breaks new ground in the way sports news is presented.  We already have the home-team advantage of significant audiences watching local games on our 22 regional sports networks as a platform to launch our new national news."

Complementing FS1's live events and news coverage at launch are several original programs, highlighted by RUSH HOUR, hosted by Regis Philbin, airing live weekdays (5:00-6:00 PM ET).  Originating in New York City, Regis leads the charge along with a panel of sports professionals, celebrity guests and die-hard fans in this brand new, unpredictable, talk show.  Following RUSH HOUR live every day is FOX FOOTBALL DAILY (6:00-7:00 PM ET), an extension of FOX NFL SUNDAY, the most-watched NFL pregame show for 19 straight years.  FOX FOOTBALL DAILY, hosted by NFL on FOX personalities, including Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Jay Glazer, Gus Johnson, Erin Andrews and Mike Pereira, provides a daily dose of news, interviews and commentary from pro and collegiate football worlds.  Both shows are expected to premiere at launch in August.  Earlier this year, FSMG unveiled a unique and groundbreaking documentary franchise titled BEING:, a deep look into today's greatest athletes, teams and sports icons via unprecedented access.  The first subject to appear this fall on FS1 is BEING: MIKE TYSON, the most feared man ever to step in a boxing ring.  The multi-episode series is now in production.

FSMG's experimentation with the "double box" commercial format, intended to keep viewers engaged throughout breaks, is expected to be an FS1 staple.  Custom commissioned research conducted this year by Innerscope in concert with FOX Sports advertisers, along with data from IAG and Nielsen, demonstrates how the "double box" format adds value compared to the traditional full-screen break: IAG reported a 62% increase in brand recall; younger viewers are more likely to view "double box" commercials, according to Nielsen minute-by-minute ratings; Innerscope's engagement score for "double box" commercials ranked +13% than average; and viewers see advertiser logos more than three times longer in "double box" versus standard format.

Launching together with FOX Sports 1 will be FOX Sports GO – a groundbreaking mobile sports experience for iPhone, iPad, Android devices, and web. FOX Sports Go will offer more than 1,000 live games and events from across FOX Sports, FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports' 22 regional sports networks, as well as scores, highlights, news, stats, and analysis.  The live games and events will be available to subscribers of participating cable, satellite, and telco providers at no additional cost.

-- FOX Sports 1 --

  

About FOX Sports Media Group

FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) is the umbrella entity representing News Corporation's wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets.  Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FSMG includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships.  FSMG includes FOX Sports, the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FOX Sports 1; Fox's 22 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; FOX Soccer, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Soccer 2Go; FUEL TV; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports.  In addition, FSMG also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, which includes FOXSports.com on MSN, FOX Sports GO, Whatifsports.com, FOXSportsNext.com and Yardbarker.com.  Also included in the Group are Fox's interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network, BTN 2Go and STATS, LLC, as well as licensing agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network and FOX Sports Skybox restaurants.

MAJOR FSMG RIGHTS ACQUISITIONS, 2010-2012

Nov. 2010        Acquired rights to Big Ten Football Championship Game from 2011-2016.

Dec. 2010        Acquired rights to UEFA Champions League 2012/13 to 2014/15.

April 2011        Acquired rights to Big 12 Conference. A 13-year agreement for the exclusive cable rights which took effect in 2012. (See 2012 update)

May 2011        Acquired rights to Pac-12 Conference for 12 years beginning in 2012. Deal secures rights to 22 regular-season Pac-12 football games annually; six Pac-12 Football Championship Games in even years beginning in 2012 through 2022 in prime time; 22 men's regular-season basketball games annually; three men's basketball Tournament games, including the championship game, in even years beginning in 2014 through 2024.

Aug. 2011       Acquired rights to Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC) beginning in 2012 through 2018.

Oct. 2011        Acquired rights to Women's World Cup (Canada) in 2015; the Men's World Cup (Russia) in 2018, the Women's World Cup (TBD) in 2020, and the Men's World Cup (Qatar) in 2022.

Dec. 2011        Reacquired rights to the NFL's NFC package. The new nine-year, multi-platform media rights agreement begins in 2014 and runs through 2022.

Sept. 2012       New eight-year agreement with Big 12 Conference. Now, FSMG and ESPN share the Conference's football over-the-air and cable rights. Replaces deal struck in April 2011. Deal begins 2012-13 runs through 2024-25.

Oct. 2012        Reacquired NASCAR rights. The new eight-year, multiplatform media agreement begins in 2015 and runs through 2022. 

Oct. 2012        Reacquired MLB in a new eight-year, multiplatform rights agreement that significantly increases FSMG's television, digital and Spanish-language rights beginning in 2014 on MLB at FOX through 2021.

Nov. 2012        News Corporation acquires 49% stake in the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network (YES).  The YES Network also announced a media rights agreement that will keep Yankees baseball on the YES Network through 2042. 

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