OnAir Personality: Shannon Spake

NASCAR RACE HUB Returns Monday-Thursday in Remote, Modified Format with Special Edition on Sunday

Special Edition of NASCAR RACE HUB Featuring Lindsay Czarniak’s Sit-Down Interview with Denny Hamlin Airs Sunday on FS1

FOX NFL Analyst Troy Aikman and Musical Legend Bob Weir Serve as Prerace Dignitaries for Sunday’s FOX NASCAR iRACING Event


CHARLOTTE, N.C. – NASCAR RACE HUB returns to the FS1 daily lineup on Monday, March 30, at 6:00 PM ET in a modified, remote format. The one-hour show airs Monday-Thursdays with host and analysts via Zoom from their homes.

Additionally, on each episode, Lindsay Czarniak interviews a driver and his family one-on-one via Zoom from their respective homes for a behind-the-scenes look at their lives and new routines without racing.

Three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, winner of the inaugural eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series race last Sunday at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway, is Czarniak’s first guest in a special 30-minute edition of NASCAR RACE HUB airing Sunday, March 29, at 12:30 PM ET, immediately preceding the FOX NASCAR iRACING event from virtual Texas Motor Speedway (simulcast on FOX, FS1 and the FOX Sports app at 1:00 PM ET).

Czarniak’s guests next week include Hamlin (Monday), Martin Truex Jr. and Sherry Pollex (Tuesday), Erik Jones (Wednesday) and Kyle and Samantha Busch (Thursday).

The Monday 6:00 PM ET editions of NASCAR RACE HUB recap the previous day’s FOX NASCAR iRACING action, while the Tuesday-Thursday episodes feature specific themes ranging from 2020 season headlines and recaps to a countdown of the best drivers of all time. All FOX NASCAR on-air broadcasters contribute to Hub in the coming weeks.

Below is the schedule for next week’s themed content and on-air broadcasters:

Monday – FOX NASCAR iRACING recap; Adam Alexander, Jamie McMurray and Regan Smith

Tuesday – NASCAR CUP SERIES season recap; Kaitlyn Vince, Larry McReynolds, Jeff Gordon, Matt Yocum and Joey Logano

Wednesday – NASCAR XFINITY SERIES season recap; Shannon Spake, Clint Bowyer and Jamie Little

Thursday – NASCAR TRUCK SERIES season recap; Vincie, Todd Bodine, Phil Parsons and Vince Welch

Also on Sunday, March 29, FOX Sports welcomes a couple of legends to prerace dignitary roles for the eNASCAR iRACING Pro Invitational Series race. FOX NFL analyst and Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman serves as the grand marshal, giving the command to start engines. GRAMMY-winning musical icon Bob Weir, a founding member of the legendary Grateful Dead, performs the national anthem prior to the start of the event.

FOX NASCAR at Atlanta Motor Speedway Quotes & Programming Schedule

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES Live on FOX Sunday; NASCAR XFINITY & GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES Doubleheader Live on FS1 Saturday from Atlanta
Seven-Time Champ Johnson Makes Analyst Debut Saturday in NASCAR XFINITY SERIES Race on FS1
New FS1 Fast Friday Programming Block Kicks off This Weekend at 3:00 PM ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend for the second race of the MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES season, on Sunday, Feb. 24 (2:00 PM ET on FOX), and a unique NASCAR XFINITY SERIES/NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 23 (2:00 PM ET & 4:30 PM ET on FS1).

To offer NASCAR fans a consistent start time for Friday programming in 2019, FOX Sports is featuring a multi-hour block of Fast Friday programming each race weekend, beginning Friday, Feb. 22 from Atlanta. Delivering highlights of the morning and early afternoon on-track activity, news and feature content, along with practice updates, Fast Friday begins each week at 3:00 PM ET and includes live coverage of MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES qualifying. All Friday MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES practice sessions taking place prior to the 3:00 PM ET window are offered via live streaming on NASCAR.com at https://www.nascar.com/live in 2019.

The following practices will be streamed live from Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday on https://www.nascar.com/live
• MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES practice 1 (11:30 AM-1:00 PM ET)
• NASCAR XFINITY SERIES practice 1 (1:00-2:00 PM ET)
• NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES practice 1 (2:00-3:00 PM ET)

Anchoring Fast Friday for FOX NASCAR this weekend is new studio host Sara Walsh, making her on-air debut from the new virtual studio alongside analysts Jamie McMurray and Ricky Craven.

Below are programming information, the weekend’s on-air broadcaster roster and quotes from FOX NASCAR analyst Ricky Craven on the weekend ahead, as well as FOX NASCAR play-by-play announcer Adam Alexander on the addition of Kevin Harvick and Jimmie Johnson to the Xfinity Series booth at Atlanta:

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
• Date/Time: Sunday, Feb. 24 (2:00 PM ET)
• Network: FOX
• Announcers: Mike Joy, Hall of Famer and three-time champion Darrell Waltrip, Hall of Famer and four-time champ Jeff Gordon, race analyst Larry McReynolds
• Pit reporters: Jamie Little, Vince Welch and Matt Yocum
• Pre-race: NASCAR RACEDAY (1:30-2:00 PM ET on FOX); hosted by Shannon Spake with Larry McReynolds, Jamie McMurray and Regan Smith
• NASCAR RACEDAY (12:30-1:30 PM ET on FS1); hosted by Spake with McReynolds, McMurray and Smith
• Hosts: Spake and McMurray

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES
• Date/Time: Saturday, Feb. 23 (2:00 PM ET)
• Network: FS1
• Announcers: Adam Alexander, Kevin Harvick and guest driver analyst Jimmie Johnson
• Pit reporters: Jamie Little and Regan Smith
• Pre-race: NASCAR RACEDAY-XFINITY (1:30 PM ET on FS1); hosted by Shannon Spake and analysts Larry McReynolds and Jamie McMurray
• Hosts: Spake, McReynolds and McMurray

NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES
• Date/Time: Saturday, Feb. 23 (4:30 PM ET)
• Network: FS1
• Announcers: Vince Welch, Phil Parsons and Michael Waltrip
• Pit reporters: Hermie Sadler and Alan Cavanna
• Post-race: 6:30-7:00 PM (FS1)

FOX NASCAR QUOTES

FOX NASCAR analyst Ricky Craven says the new rules package has drivers and teams on their toes:
“For many years, Atlanta has been a driver favorite because of the ability to move around the race track to find a preferred groove or lane, as well as the added responsibility of managing your tire wear. But the debut of this new rules package has everyone back on their heels a bit. Sure, it is the same abrasive Atlanta track, but there’s now a high probability that how you approached this race in the past will not apply this weekend.”

Craven says the jury will be out on the new aero package for the first four races:
“The next four races, all at completely different disciplines of race tracks, will give us an indication of which direction we are headed with the new aero package. We can’t judge it, for better or worse, after just one or two races, though.”

FOX NASCAR play-by-play announcer Adam Alexander discusses the growth of FOX Sports’ initiative to put Cup drivers in the Xfinity booth and Jimmie Johnson’s analyst debut with Kevin Harvick on Saturday:
“I could have never imagined, when we introduced Cup Series drivers to the Xfinity Series booth a few years ago, that it would grow like this. We’ve had countless Cup regulars join us, and Kevin established early that this is something he wants to continue to be a part of. His great success on the track has translated nicely to the booth, and I know Jimmie’s will, as well. It will be fantastic to get those two together on Saturday, and I can’t wait to have a front-row seat for it.”

FOX NASCAR AT ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE
(All times live/Eastern unless otherwise indicated & subject to change)

Friday, Feb. 22
MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES practice 1 (11:30 AM-1:00 PM ET) (NASCAR.com/live)
NASCAR XFINITY SERIES practice 1 (1:00-2:00 PM ET) (NASCAR.com/live)
NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES practice 1 (2:00-3:00 PM ET) (NASCAR.com/live)
NASCAR XFINITY SERIES final practice (3:00-4:00 PM) (FS1)
NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES final practice (4:00-5:00 PM) (FS1)
MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES qualifying (5:00-6:30 PM) (FS1)

Saturday, Feb. 23
NASCAR XFINITY SERIES qualifying (9:30-10:30 AM) (FS1)
NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES qualifying (10:30 AM-12:00 PM) (FS1)
MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES final practice (12:00-1:30 PM) (FS1)
NASCAR RACEDAY-XFINITY (1:30-2:00 PM) (FS1)
NASCAR XFINITY SERIES Racing (2:00-4:30 PM) (FS1)
NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES Racing (4:30-6:30 PM) (FS1)
NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES post-race (6:30-7:00 PM) (FS1)

Sunday, Feb. 24
NASCAR RACEDAY (12:30-1:30 PM) (FS1)
NASCAR RACEDAY (1:30-2:00 PM) (FOX)
MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES Racing (2:00-6:00 PM) (FOX)

About FOX Sports
FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century FOX’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, FOX Sports includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FS1, FS2; FOX Sports Regional Networks, their affiliated regional web sites and national programming; FOX Soccer Plus; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. In addition, FOX Sports also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, including FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app. Also included in the Group are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.

–FOX SPORTS–

FOX NASCAR at Atlanta Motor Speedway Quotes & Programming Schedule

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES Live on FOX Sunday; NASCAR XFINITY & GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES Doubleheader Live on FS1 Saturday from Atlanta
Seven-Time Champ Johnson Makes Analyst Debut Saturday in NASCAR XFINITY SERIES Race on FS1
New FS1 Fast Friday Programming Block Kicks off This Weekend at 3:00 PM ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend for the second race of the MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES season, on Sunday, Feb. 24 (2:00 PM ET on FOX), and a unique NASCAR XFINITY SERIES/NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 23 (2:00 PM ET & 4:30 PM ET on FS1).

To offer NASCAR fans a consistent start time for Friday programming in 2019, FOX Sports is featuring a multi-hour block of Fast Friday programming each race weekend, beginning Friday, Feb. 22 from Atlanta. Delivering highlights of the morning and early afternoon on-track activity, news and feature content, along with practice updates, Fast Friday begins each week at 3:00 PM ET and includes live coverage of MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES qualifying. All Friday MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES practice sessions taking place prior to the 3:00 PM ET window are offered via live streaming on NASCAR.com at https://www.nascar.com/live in 2019.

The following practices will be streamed live from Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday on https://www.nascar.com/live
• MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES practice 1 (11:30 AM-1:00 PM ET)
• NASCAR XFINITY SERIES practice 1 (1:00-2:00 PM ET)
• NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES practice 1 (2:00-3:00 PM ET)

Anchoring Fast Friday for FOX NASCAR this weekend is new studio host Sara Walsh, making her on-air debut from the new virtual studio alongside analysts Jamie McMurray and Ricky Craven.

Below are programming information, the weekend’s on-air broadcaster roster and quotes from FOX NASCAR analyst Ricky Craven on the weekend ahead, as well as FOX NASCAR play-by-play announcer Adam Alexander on the addition of Kevin Harvick and Jimmie Johnson to the Xfinity Series booth at Atlanta:

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
• Date/Time: Sunday, Feb. 24 (2:00 PM ET)
• Network: FOX
• Announcers: Mike Joy, Hall of Famer and three-time champion Darrell Waltrip, Hall of Famer and four-time champ Jeff Gordon, race analyst Larry McReynolds
• Pit reporters: Jamie Little, Vince Welch and Matt Yocum
• Pre-race: NASCAR RACEDAY (1:30-2:00 PM ET on FOX); hosted by Shannon Spake with Larry McReynolds, Jamie McMurray and Regan Smith
• NASCAR RACEDAY (12:30-1:30 PM ET on FS1); hosted by Spake with McReynolds, McMurray and Smith
• Hosts: Spake and McMurray

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES
• Date/Time: Saturday, Feb. 23 (2:00 PM ET)
• Network: FS1
• Announcers: Adam Alexander, Kevin Harvick and guest driver analyst Jimmie Johnson
• Pit reporters: Jamie Little and Regan Smith
• Pre-race: NASCAR RACEDAY-XFINITY (1:30 PM ET on FS1); hosted by Shannon Spake and analysts Larry McReynolds and Jamie McMurray
• Hosts: Spake, McReynolds and McMurray

NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES
• Date/Time: Saturday, Feb. 23 (4:30 PM ET)
• Network: FS1
• Announcers: Vince Welch, Phil Parsons and Michael Waltrip
• Pit reporters: Hermie Sadler and Alan Cavanna
• Post-race: 6:30-7:00 PM (FS1)

FOX NASCAR QUOTES

FOX NASCAR analyst Ricky Craven says the new rules package has drivers and teams on their toes:
“For many years, Atlanta has been a driver favorite because of the ability to move around the race track to find a preferred groove or lane, as well as the added responsibility of managing your tire wear. But the debut of this new rules package has everyone back on their heels a bit. Sure, it is the same abrasive Atlanta track, but there’s now a high probability that how you approached this race in the past will not apply this weekend.”

Craven says the jury will be out on the new aero package for the first four races:
“The next four races, all at completely different disciplines of race tracks, will give us an indication of which direction we are headed with the new aero package. We can’t judge it, for better or worse, after just one or two races, though.”

FOX NASCAR play-by-play announcer Adam Alexander discusses the growth of FOX Sports’ initiative to put Cup drivers in the Xfinity booth and Jimmie Johnson’s analyst debut with Kevin Harvick on Saturday:
“I could have never imagined, when we introduced Cup Series drivers to the Xfinity Series booth a few years ago, that it would grow like this. We’ve had countless Cup regulars join us, and Kevin established early that this is something he wants to continue to be a part of. His great success on the track has translated nicely to the booth, and I know Jimmie’s will, as well. It will be fantastic to get those two together on Saturday, and I can’t wait to have a front-row seat for it.”

FOX NASCAR AT ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE
(All times live/Eastern unless otherwise indicated & subject to change)

Friday, Feb. 22
MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES practice 1 (11:30 AM-1:00 PM ET) (NASCAR.com/live)
NASCAR XFINITY SERIES practice 1 (1:00-2:00 PM ET) (NASCAR.com/live)
NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES practice 1 (2:00-3:00 PM ET) (NASCAR.com/live)
NASCAR XFINITY SERIES final practice (3:00-4:00 PM) (FS1)
NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES final practice (4:00-5:00 PM) (FS1)
MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES qualifying (5:00-6:30 PM) (FS1)

Saturday, Feb. 23
NASCAR XFINITY SERIES qualifying (9:30-10:30 AM) (FS1)
NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES qualifying (10:30 AM-12:00 PM) (FS1)
MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES final practice (12:00-1:30 PM) (FS1)
NASCAR RACEDAY-XFINITY (1:30-2:00 PM) (FS1)
NASCAR XFINITY SERIES Racing (2:00-4:30 PM) (FS1)
NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES Racing (4:30-6:30 PM) (FS1)
NASCAR GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES post-race (6:30-7:00 PM) (FS1)

Sunday, Feb. 24
NASCAR RACEDAY (12:30-1:30 PM) (FS1)
NASCAR RACEDAY (1:30-2:00 PM) (FOX)
MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES Racing (2:00-6:00 PM) (FOX)

About FOX Sports
FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century FOX’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, FOX Sports includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FS1, FS2; FOX Sports Regional Networks, their affiliated regional web sites and national programming; FOX Soccer Plus; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. In addition, FOX Sports also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, including FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app. Also included in the Group are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.

–FOX SPORTS–

FOX NASCAR Quotes: Jeff Gordon & Brad Keselowski ‘Heard on Hub’

Gordon: ‘When You Bump Someone out of the Way to Win a Race, be Careful of What’s Coming Your Way’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Throughout the week on FS1’s NASCAR RACE HUB (Monday-Thursday at 6:00 PM ET), co-hosts Adam Alexander and Shannon Spake welcomed multiple analysts to the studio to break down last week’s race at Martinsville Speedway, its championship implications and predictions ahead of this weekend’s MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES stop at Texas Motor Speedway. Below are excerpts from FOX NASCAR analyst and four-time champion Jeff Gordon and driver analyst Brad Keselowski, 2012 Cup Series champion and current driver of the No. 2 Ford Fusion, from this week’s Race Hub:

On retaliation after bump-and-runs (as part of a conversation regarding Gordon’s on-track incidents with Rusty Wallace at Bristol and Richmond in 2002):
“When you bump someone out of the way to win a race, be careful of what’s coming your way. Because Rusty (Wallace) — he didn’t just bump me out of the way; he just flat-out dumped me and wrecked me.”
–Jeff Gordon

We’ve seen race wins slip through Martin Truex Jr.’s fingers a few times lately, for a variety of reasons. How much does that stick with a driver?
“It sticks with you for a long time. Wins are hard to come by, and when you’re in position to win a race, you want to close the deal. Each time you close it, you build your confidence, and you move on to the next one and build your confidence up even more. Go back to the Roval, and you see what happened there with Jimmie Johnson … Then you go to Martinsville and the incident between him and Joey. Right now, I think Truex’s patience is gone. He’s done.”
–Jeff Gordon

What do we expect out of Martin Truex Jr. the next couple of races, and ultimately, racing for the championship at Homestead?
“You never forget, but the best thing that can happen to Joey Logano is for Martin Truex Jr. to get to Homestead because he (Logano) does not want that grudge to be taken out on this season. I don’t know if that’s the kind of driver Martin Truex Jr. is. He’s hot right now, and he might calm down. Joey is hoping it happens this weekend — that they get it out this weekend and then they can go on to Homestead.”
–Jeff Gordon

Who will you be watching this weekend at Texas?
“I’m really interested to see what Kyle Busch does in the next two weeks because we know he is a really aggressive driver. He doesn’t have to be aggressive. He can get in by points. I just don’t think that’s his style. And could that jeopardize his chance if he gets too aggressive?”
–Jeff Gordon

“I’m looking at the 4 car as being really strong. The 4, 9 and 78. That’s going to be one heck of a battle for this last playoff position.”
–Brad Keselowski

How much could this weekend’s race at Texas shake up the Playoff standings?
“It really could. Chase Elliott won the last-mile-and-a-half race. If Chase wins this weekend, with as far back as he is in points, then all of a sudden, the ‘Big 3’ are broken up. I think Kevin Harvick is going to be the guy to beat this weekend, but I think Martin Truex can be strong and also Chase Elliott. And that doesn’t include all the drama that can happen from pit stops or pit road incidents or whatever may happen on the track.”
–Jeff Gordon

With only one win in the playoffs, is Texas the place the ‘Big 3’ take back that title?
“Kevin Harvick has two weeks – he also has Phoenix, and he loves Phoenix. He knows how good he is at Texas, and he has won there recently. I think this is the opportunity he wants to get himself sealed in there and not have to worry about going to Phoenix.”
–Jeff Gordon

On whether momentum continues to build for a driver between now and the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway:
“Go back to Kansas and the last couple of mile-and-a-halves. Whoever is strong at Texas is going to be strong at Homestead, so this is a real sign.”
–Jeff Gordon

FOX NASCAR Quotes: Jeff Gordon & Brad Keselowski ‘Heard on Hub’

Gordon: ‘When You Bump Someone out of the Way to Win a Race, be Careful of What’s Coming Your Way’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Throughout the week on FS1’s NASCAR RACE HUB (Monday-Thursday at 6:00 PM ET), co-hosts Adam Alexander and Shannon Spake welcomed multiple analysts to the studio to break down last week’s race at Martinsville Speedway, its championship implications and predictions ahead of this weekend’s MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES stop at Texas Motor Speedway. Below are excerpts from FOX NASCAR analyst and four-time champion Jeff Gordon and driver analyst Brad Keselowski, 2012 Cup Series champion and current driver of the No. 2 Ford Fusion, from this week’s Race Hub:

On retaliation after bump-and-runs (as part of a conversation regarding Gordon’s on-track incidents with Rusty Wallace at Bristol and Richmond in 2002):
“When you bump someone out of the way to win a race, be careful of what’s coming your way. Because Rusty (Wallace) — he didn’t just bump me out of the way; he just flat-out dumped me and wrecked me.”
–Jeff Gordon

We’ve seen race wins slip through Martin Truex Jr.’s fingers a few times lately, for a variety of reasons. How much does that stick with a driver?
“It sticks with you for a long time. Wins are hard to come by, and when you’re in position to win a race, you want to close the deal. Each time you close it, you build your confidence, and you move on to the next one and build your confidence up even more. Go back to the Roval, and you see what happened there with Jimmie Johnson … Then you go to Martinsville and the incident between him and Joey. Right now, I think Truex’s patience is gone. He’s done.”
–Jeff Gordon

What do we expect out of Martin Truex Jr. the next couple of races, and ultimately, racing for the championship at Homestead?
“You never forget, but the best thing that can happen to Joey Logano is for Martin Truex Jr. to get to Homestead because he (Logano) does not want that grudge to be taken out on this season. I don’t know if that’s the kind of driver Martin Truex Jr. is. He’s hot right now, and he might calm down. Joey is hoping it happens this weekend — that they get it out this weekend and then they can go on to Homestead.”
–Jeff Gordon

Who will you be watching this weekend at Texas?
“I’m really interested to see what Kyle Busch does in the next two weeks because we know he is a really aggressive driver. He doesn’t have to be aggressive. He can get in by points. I just don’t think that’s his style. And could that jeopardize his chance if he gets too aggressive?”
–Jeff Gordon

“I’m looking at the 4 car as being really strong. The 4, 9 and 78. That’s going to be one heck of a battle for this last playoff position.”
–Brad Keselowski

How much could this weekend’s race at Texas shake up the Playoff standings?
“It really could. Chase Elliott won the last-mile-and-a-half race. If Chase wins this weekend, with as far back as he is in points, then all of a sudden, the ‘Big 3’ are broken up. I think Kevin Harvick is going to be the guy to beat this weekend, but I think Martin Truex can be strong and also Chase Elliott. And that doesn’t include all the drama that can happen from pit stops or pit road incidents or whatever may happen on the track.”
–Jeff Gordon

With only one win in the playoffs, is Texas the place the ‘Big 3’ take back that title?
“Kevin Harvick has two weeks – he also has Phoenix, and he loves Phoenix. He knows how good he is at Texas, and he has won there recently. I think this is the opportunity he wants to get himself sealed in there and not have to worry about going to Phoenix.”
–Jeff Gordon

On whether momentum continues to build for a driver between now and the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway:
“Go back to Kansas and the last couple of mile-and-a-halves. Whoever is strong at Texas is going to be strong at Homestead, so this is a real sign.”
–Jeff Gordon

FOX NASCAR Quotes: Joy, McReynolds, Hammond, Labonte, Alexander and Spake on Closing of Furniture Row Racing

FOX NASCAR QUOTES

Joy: ‘Barney Visser will be remembered in this sport much like Alan Kulwicki, as someone who insisted on doing it his way’

Barney Visser, owner of defending champion Martin Truex Jr.’s No. 78 Furniture Row Racing team, announced on Tuesday the organization will shut down following the 2018 season due to a lack of funding.

Below, FOX NASCAR play-by-play announcer Mike Joy, analysts Larry McReynolds, Jeff Hammond and Bobby Labonte and NASCAR RACE HUB co-hosts Adam Alexander and Shannon Spake share their thoughts on Barney Visser’s legacy in the sport and the impact on the industry of the loss of the team.

On Barney Visser’s legacy in NASCAR:
“Barney Visser will be remembered in this sport much like Alan Kulwicki, as someone who insisted on doing it his way and succeeded where many said he could not. I have enormous admiration for what Barney, Joe Garone, Cole Pearn and Martin Truex Jr. have accomplished to this point. Barney was absolutely right in saying a lot of insiders doubted them, but he proved them wrong. They did all you could hope to do as a single-car team. The industry somewhat expected this, given the way the rumor mill was tilting, but this is a sad day. It’s sad when the championship team can’t make the numbers work.”
–Mike Joy

“Our sport is better today because of what Barney Visser and his team have accomplished. If you wrote a script about what makes NASCAR so unique, you could cast Barney Visser and Furniture Row Racing in the starring role. There isn’t a classier act in the garage. He has poured his blood, sweat and tears into that team and has built it into something that a long line of owners hasn’t been able to accomplish.”
–Larry McReynolds

On the impact on the sport of the team’s closing:
“The impact would be the same as if the owner of the Houston Astros said, ‘We just can’t afford to field a team next year.’ That sends a powerful message both within and outside the sport when the defending champion team can’t make it work financially. That’s a huge wake-up call.”
–Mike Joy

On the challenges for crewmembers of finding another job in NASCAR, given their location:
“I hate this for Martin Truex Jr. and Cole Pearn, but they will be together, most likely contending for a championship again next year. Who I feel for the most are the Furniture Row Racing team members who want to race for a living, but they will have relocate their families to do so. On any other NASCAR team, a crewmember can go down the street and put on a different crew shirt. I’d be willing to bet, though, Barney will help make sure they all have a job; unfortunately, it might not be in the racing industry.”
–Larry McReynolds

“This is a great time for a new consumer products or services company to get into the sport because there are more opportunities than there are sponsors. The cost of entry right now likely is lower than it has been in a number of years, making a NASCAR sponsorship a great value for someone. That’s why today’s announcement, while not completely unexpected, is still somewhat surprising. I have to believe there are companies out there that would embrace the sport.”
–Mike Joy

On the effect of the news on the team in its pursuit of the 2018 championship:
“It could go either way. In some cases, this could be motivation. This group wants to go out not as a Cup champion but as a two-time Cup Series champion. Barney Visser probably is the best car owner anyone could work for, and they want to do something special for him in his last year. Talk about a walk-off homerun to know they’ll load that car for the final time to head to Homestead, and it might return to an empty shop carrying a championship trophy.”
–Larry McReynolds

“If they’re distracted, they won’t make it out of the first round of the Playoffs without the issues being extremely apparent. The handwriting will be on the wall early on. If they have to fall back on playoff points to advance out of the first round, they won’t do well in the second round. Don’t forget that Martin has already experienced something similar in his career at Michael Waltrip Racing, and he had a long season as a result.”
–Jeff Hammond

“I’d say the distracting part came a month ago when there was so much rumor and uncertainty. That would have been the biggest blow, so this could galvanize them. You’d be foolish to say they’ll win the championship like it’s a ‘win one for the Gipper’ situation, but it’s possible.”
–Adam Alexander

“It could go one of two ways – it could either galvanize the team or become a huge distraction. Time will tell. You don’t know what it could do to some of the crew who won’t be a part of that core group going forward. They can either put their nose to the grindstone to prove it won’t be a distraction or they will struggle under the pressure of the Playoffs.”
–Shannon Spake

On Martin Truex Jr. and Cole Pearn’s quest for the 2018 championship:
“I expect Martin to land safely with another team next year, so that’s less pressure for him than the unknown. It will be hard for the team to stay focused, though. The longer Martin has to wait to solidify and announce his 2019 plans, the antsier things could get.”
–Bobby Labonte

On the sponsorship climate in NASCAR:
“Everybody today in the sport has a sharp pencil and a big eraser and is trying to find ways to do as much as possible with less. We see that in some of the driver contracts that have been publicized, and we see it in some of the sponsor renewals. All that goes to how many people are attending or watching on a daily basis. We’re far from where we were in 2006 when you couldn’t walk down a supermarket aisle without running into a NASCAR star cardboard cutout. What’s to blame? Changing tastes or shorter attention spans? Yes, somewhat. But when you walk through the garage and look at the cars, you’ll see a lot more B2B sponsorships than B2C. The B2B deals are great for teams and sponsors but how do they bring more people to the track and more eyeballs to the TV set? They’re good in the short-term, but how do they help the health and future of the sport?”
–Mike Joy

FOX NASCAR Quotes: Harvick, Petty, Blickensderfer & McReynolds on NASCAR Race Hub

FOX NASCAR Analysts McReynolds and Harvick, Richard Petty & Blickensderfer Joined NASCAR RACE HUB Early This Week

Blickensderfer: ‘Now that Daytona is over, we have to let Bubba be Bubba’

Harvick: Bubba Wallace ‘the biggest story that has come out of Speedweeks’


CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Just hours following the DAYTONA 500, FOX NASCAR analyst Larry McReynolds and driver analyst Kevin Harvick joined FS1’s NASCAR RACE HUB co-hosts Adam Alexander and Shannon Spake on Monday to break down the race, won by Austin Dillon in the No. 3 Chevrolet, and its significance. Then on Tuesday, Richard Petty and Drew Blickensderfer, regular Hub analyst and Bubba Wallace’s crew chief, joined the gang to share their thoughts on their driver’s monumental second-place finish. Below are quotes from the episodes:

How do you continue to capitalize on what is Bubba Wallace but also let him have his space?
“It’s tough. Now that Daytona is over, we have to let Bubba be Bubba, and that means Monday through Thursday, he needs to be focused on the next race track. He did his job leading up. He had cameras in his face the entire time. He didn’t really ask for it. It came along with it and he handled it perfectly. Atlanta, Vegas, Phoenix – those aren’t Daytona. So, he has to be focused on the next race track. We gave him the last few days off. He has been home, kind of hanging out. Tomorrow (Wednesday) he’ll come to the shop and we’ll work on Atlanta and we’ll get rolling on our season.”
–Drew Blickensderfer

How has having Bubba Wallace as a part of Richard Petty Motorsports given you a new excitement or outlook on the sport?
“It really has. Starting a new chapter here, moving to a different shop … getting involved with Chevrolet and bringing a new driver on with Bubba. We had some experience with him last year and he kept getting better and better. What I like about him is that he works with the crew so good. He doesn’t tell them how to set the car up. He just says ‘it’s doing this. It’s doing that’ and leaves it up to them. From that standpoint, we got off to a good start. We go to Atlanta and it all starts over. Anytime you go to Daytona, it’s just kind of a gamble deal. You just go run, you never know how good your car is because of circumstances beyond your control. We get to Atlanta and we’re going to find out what’s going on.”
–Richard Petty

You were Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s crew chief when he finally won the 1998 Daytona 500. What were your thoughts when Austin Dillon won the race on Sunday?
“I’ve reminisced about that weekend a lot the past week because so much has been said and done since this year was the 20th anniversary of Earnhardt’s victory there. Whoever would have believed the No. 3 car and Austin Dillon would find Victory Lane on the anniversary.”
–Larry McReynolds

If anyone knows what it’s like to win in the shadow of Dale Earnhardt, it’s you. What was winning the Daytona 500 like for Austin Dillon?
“I can tell you that the first thing he probably wants to do is to realize how important the win was for RCR. With the timing and everything they’ve had happen over the years, it’s very important for RCR that Austin Dillon got to Victory Lane. It’s hard to get out from underneath that shadow. You’ve heard him talk about the 3 car … but they have a different tie to it (No. 3) than what I had to it, with their family and everything they’ve done with the 3.”
–Kevin Harvick

How has Bubba Wallace handled the intense pressure of the past few weeks?
“He has handled it very well. It concerns me a little going forward that they don’t just keep putting that weight on him, because in my opinion, this is the biggest story that has come out of Speedweeks – and the performance that he put up in the qualifying races and in the Daytona 500. Austin Dillon and Richard Childress winning in the No. 3 is a huge story for our sport from a traditional side, but when you look at what Bubba Wallace brings to the sport and the exposure that goes with it, that is the biggest story that came out of Speedweeks.”
–Kevin Harvick

What was most impressive about the No. 43 team as a group?
“Go back to late summer or early fall and they didn’t know what 2018 would hold for them. They have a new driver and made the change from Ford to Chevrolet. They have a new alliance with Richard Childress, and they moved their race shop from Mooresville to Welcome, N.C. And I’ve done this before and it’s no easy task. That’s above and beyond just getting ready for the season and all these races in a row. I was very impressed because they were fast all Speedweeks.”
–Larry McReynolds

In light of the heartbreak Mark Martin experienced when you beat him out for the 2007 Daytona 500 win in a last-lap pass, what are your thoughts on the last lap of Sunday’s Daytona 500 with Austin Dillon and Aric Almirola?
“I don’t think you can blame anyone here because you’re coming to the checkered flag of the Daytona 500. You look at the move that Aric made to block and you look at Austin not lifting and turning Aric. I don’t see where there’s any blame. I don’t know that you can emphasize how important this race is to a driver or team. As you come down to the end, you can argue all day about whether it was good or bad, but you’re just racing to the checkered flag.”
–Kevin Harvick

What are your thoughts on the last lap of the Daytona 500 between Austin Dillon and Aric Almirola?
“Even if I questioned it, and I don’t, I listen to the man who was the victim (Almirola). He gets it. He knows it’s the Daytona 500. We have three restrictor-plate races left this year, and I can almost promise you I will be sitting in the NASCAR Race Hub studio the Monday after talking about blocking.”
–Larry McReynolds

FOX NASCAR Quotes: Harvick, Petty, Blickensderfer & McReynolds on NASCAR Race Hub

FOX NASCAR Analysts McReynolds and Harvick, Richard Petty & Blickensderfer Joined NASCAR RACE HUB Early This Week

Blickensderfer: ‘Now that Daytona is over, we have to let Bubba be Bubba’

Harvick: Bubba Wallace ‘the biggest story that has come out of Speedweeks’


CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Just hours following the DAYTONA 500, FOX NASCAR analyst Larry McReynolds and driver analyst Kevin Harvick joined FS1’s NASCAR RACE HUB co-hosts Adam Alexander and Shannon Spake on Monday to break down the race, won by Austin Dillon in the No. 3 Chevrolet, and its significance. Then on Tuesday, Richard Petty and Drew Blickensderfer, regular Hub analyst and Bubba Wallace’s crew chief, joined the gang to share their thoughts on their driver’s monumental second-place finish. Below are quotes from the episodes:

How do you continue to capitalize on what is Bubba Wallace but also let him have his space?
“It’s tough. Now that Daytona is over, we have to let Bubba be Bubba, and that means Monday through Thursday, he needs to be focused on the next race track. He did his job leading up. He had cameras in his face the entire time. He didn’t really ask for it. It came along with it and he handled it perfectly. Atlanta, Vegas, Phoenix – those aren’t Daytona. So, he has to be focused on the next race track. We gave him the last few days off. He has been home, kind of hanging out. Tomorrow (Wednesday) he’ll come to the shop and we’ll work on Atlanta and we’ll get rolling on our season.”
–Drew Blickensderfer

How has having Bubba Wallace as a part of Richard Petty Motorsports given you a new excitement or outlook on the sport?
“It really has. Starting a new chapter here, moving to a different shop … getting involved with Chevrolet and bringing a new driver on with Bubba. We had some experience with him last year and he kept getting better and better. What I like about him is that he works with the crew so good. He doesn’t tell them how to set the car up. He just says ‘it’s doing this. It’s doing that’ and leaves it up to them. From that standpoint, we got off to a good start. We go to Atlanta and it all starts over. Anytime you go to Daytona, it’s just kind of a gamble deal. You just go run, you never know how good your car is because of circumstances beyond your control. We get to Atlanta and we’re going to find out what’s going on.”
–Richard Petty

You were Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s crew chief when he finally won the 1998 Daytona 500. What were your thoughts when Austin Dillon won the race on Sunday?
“I’ve reminisced about that weekend a lot the past week because so much has been said and done since this year was the 20th anniversary of Earnhardt’s victory there. Whoever would have believed the No. 3 car and Austin Dillon would find Victory Lane on the anniversary.”
–Larry McReynolds

If anyone knows what it’s like to win in the shadow of Dale Earnhardt, it’s you. What was winning the Daytona 500 like for Austin Dillon?
“I can tell you that the first thing he probably wants to do is to realize how important the win was for RCR. With the timing and everything they’ve had happen over the years, it’s very important for RCR that Austin Dillon got to Victory Lane. It’s hard to get out from underneath that shadow. You’ve heard him talk about the 3 car … but they have a different tie to it (No. 3) than what I had to it, with their family and everything they’ve done with the 3.”
–Kevin Harvick

How has Bubba Wallace handled the intense pressure of the past few weeks?
“He has handled it very well. It concerns me a little going forward that they don’t just keep putting that weight on him, because in my opinion, this is the biggest story that has come out of Speedweeks – and the performance that he put up in the qualifying races and in the Daytona 500. Austin Dillon and Richard Childress winning in the No. 3 is a huge story for our sport from a traditional side, but when you look at what Bubba Wallace brings to the sport and the exposure that goes with it, that is the biggest story that came out of Speedweeks.”
–Kevin Harvick

What was most impressive about the No. 43 team as a group?
“Go back to late summer or early fall and they didn’t know what 2018 would hold for them. They have a new driver and made the change from Ford to Chevrolet. They have a new alliance with Richard Childress, and they moved their race shop from Mooresville to Welcome, N.C. And I’ve done this before and it’s no easy task. That’s above and beyond just getting ready for the season and all these races in a row. I was very impressed because they were fast all Speedweeks.”
–Larry McReynolds

In light of the heartbreak Mark Martin experienced when you beat him out for the 2007 Daytona 500 win in a last-lap pass, what are your thoughts on the last lap of Sunday’s Daytona 500 with Austin Dillon and Aric Almirola?
“I don’t think you can blame anyone here because you’re coming to the checkered flag of the Daytona 500. You look at the move that Aric made to block and you look at Austin not lifting and turning Aric. I don’t see where there’s any blame. I don’t know that you can emphasize how important this race is to a driver or team. As you come down to the end, you can argue all day about whether it was good or bad, but you’re just racing to the checkered flag.”
–Kevin Harvick

What are your thoughts on the last lap of the Daytona 500 between Austin Dillon and Aric Almirola?
“Even if I questioned it, and I don’t, I listen to the man who was the victim (Almirola). He gets it. He knows it’s the Daytona 500. We have three restrictor-plate races left this year, and I can almost promise you I will be sitting in the NASCAR Race Hub studio the Monday after talking about blocking.”
–Larry McReynolds

FOX Sports Powers into Daytona 500, Kicking Off 18th Season of NASCAR Coverage

Nearly 100 Hours of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR XFINITY and Camping World Truck Series Speedweeks Coverage Culminates with Feb. 18 DAYTONA 500 on FOX
2012 Champ Keselowski Serves as FS1 Analyst for NASCAR XFINITY SERIES Season Opener

CHARLOTTE, NC – FOX Sports powers into its 18th consecutive season of NASCAR coverage, beginning with Daytona Speedweeks, which culminates with the 60th running of the iconic DAYTONA 500 from Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 18 (2:30 PM ET). Live coverage begins at 1:00 PM ET with FOX NASCAR SUNDAY, preceded by NASCAR RACEDAY at 11:00 AM ET, also on FOX.

FOX NASCAR’s presentation of Daytona Speedweeks, highlighted by FOX Sports’ 15th DAYTONA 500, features nearly 100 hours of multi-platform programming.

DAYTONA 500
For its 15th DAYTONA 500, FOX NASCAR offers with seven NASCAR premier series championships’ worth of analysis and insight from Hall of Famer and three-time champ Darrell Waltrip alongside four-time champion Jeff Gordon, with veteran play-by-play announcer Mike Joy, covering his 43rd DAYTONA 500, and DAYTONA 500-winning crew chief Larry McReynolds with race analysis. This year’s running of the “Great American Race” marks the 20th anniversary of McReynolds leading Dale Earnhardt to his elusive DAYTONA 500 victory in 1998 atop the pit box for Richard Childress Racing.

Delivering stories and updates from pit road are pit reporters Jamie Little, FOX NASCAR newcomer and NASCAR driver Regan Smith, Vince Welch and Matt Yocum. Chris Myers hosts FOX NASCAR SUNDAY and the network’s coverage from the famed Hollywood Hotel mobile studio alongside Michael Waltrip, Darrell Waltrip and Gordon. Joy, McReynolds, Myers, Darrell Waltrip and Yocum were members of the original FOX NASCAR on-air team that debuted at Daytona in 2001.

The DAYTONA 500 is streamed live in both English and Spanish through FOX Sports GO, the critically acclaimed app that provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content at home or on-the-go. All FOX NASCAR programming is live streamed on FOX Sports GO. FOX Deportes, the No. 1 Spanish-language sports network in the U.S., offers live coverage of the DAYTONA 500.

FOX Sports’ Daytona Speedweeks coverage kicks off Saturday, Feb. 10 on FS1 with MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES PRACTICE for THE CLASH AT DAYTONA (10:30 AM ET). Off-the-track, FS1 offers live coverage of DAYTONA 500 MEDIA DAY on Wednesday, Feb. 14 (12:00-2:00 PM ET), as well as a recap of the day’s happenings on an expanded edition of NASCAR RACE HUB at 5:00 PM ET.

THE CLASH AT DAYTONA
THE CLASH AT DAYTONA, the first NASCAR event of the season, moves back to an afternoon start time in 2018, airing live on FS1 on Sunday, Feb. 11 (3:00 PM ET). Joy, Darrell Waltrip and Gordon call the 75-lap, non-points race with McReynolds and pit reporters Little, Welch and Yocum. Myers and Michael Waltrip host the network’s coverage from the Hollywood Hotel.

DAYTONA 500 QUALIFYING
DAYTONA 500 QUALIFYING is broadcast live on FOX on Sunday, Feb. 11 (12:00 PM ET), setting the prestigious first and second starting positions for the DAYTONA 500, as well as the starting order for the CAN-AM DUEL AT DAYTONA.

CAN-AM DUEL AT DAYTONA
The complete DAYTONA 500 starting order is determined following the CAN-AM DUEL AT DAYTONA, live on FS1 on Thursday, Feb. 15 (7:00 PM ET). The pair of qualifying races is run under the lights with Joy, Darrell Waltrip and Gordon on the call, with race analysis by McReynolds and pit reporting by Little, Smith, Welch and Yocum. Myers and Michael Waltrip host.

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES
FOX Sports kicks off its fourth year of NASCAR XFINITY SERIES coverage from Daytona on Saturday, Feb. 17 with the season opener at 2:30 PM ET. Adam Alexander calls the action alongside Michael Waltrip and 2012 MONSTER ENERY NASCAR CUP SERIES champion Brad Keselowski with pit reporting by Little, Smith and Yocum. NASCAR RACEDAY – XFINITY, FS1’s XFINITY Series pre-race show, hosted by Shannon Spake and McReynolds, previews the action at 2:00 PM ET.

NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES
In its 16th year of exclusive coverage on FOX Sports, the NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES opens its season on Friday, Feb. 16 (7:30 PM ET) on FS1, with complete pre-race coverage beginning with NASCAR RACEDAY: NCWTS at 7:00 PM ET. Vince Welch has the call alongside Phil Parsons and Michael Waltrip. Hermie Sadler and Alan Cavanna cover pit road. John Roberts hosts NCWTS SETUP with analysis from two-time series champion Todd Bodine and Jeff Hammond and reporting by Sadler and Cavanna.

NASCAR RACEDAY
Before FOX coverage of the DAYTONA 500 begins on Sunday, Feb. 18, NASCAR RACEDAY (11:00 AM ET) is broadcast moves from FS1 to FOX for the first time. John Roberts hosts with analysis from Jeff Hammond and Bobby Labonte from the Charlotte studio with at-track reporting from Cavanna and Kenny Wallace. NASCAR RACEDAY also airs immediately preceding THE CLASH AT DAYTONA and the CAN-AM DUEL on FS1.

NASCAR RACE HUB
FS1’s NASCAR RACE HUB, NASCAR’s most-watched daily news and update show, which enjoyed a 15% total viewership increase (166,000 vs. 144,000) in 2017 vs. 2016, airs Monday through Thursdays at 6:00 PM ET during the NASCAR season and is hosted by Alexander and Spake. Returning analysts include Jeff Hammond, Jeff Gordon, Michael Waltrip, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Chad Knaus, Regan Smith, Todd Bodine, David Ragan, Drew Blickensderfer, Austin Dillon, AJ Allmendinger, Bobby Labonte and Casey Mears. Alan Cavanna and Kenny Wallace offer live reports from the track during Daytona Speedweeks. On the weekends, the show continues with NASCAR RACE HUB WEEKEND EDITION, hosted by Roberts.

NASCAR RACE CLASSIC SPECIALS
In addition, FOX Sports has several NASCAR specials planned during Daytona Speedweeks. Immediately following the Friday, Feb. 16 NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES race, FS1 premieres NASCAR RACE CLASSIC: THE 1998 DAYTONA 500, a condensed version of the original race broadcast highlighting Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s elusive win. On Thursday, Feb. 15, FS1 debuts NASCAR RACE CLASSIC: 1988 DAYTONA 500 (10:00 PM ET) following the CAN-AM DUEL AT DAYTONA live broadcast. These premieres are complemented by a special encore presentation of the third “Beyond the Wheel” short film series at 6:00 PM ET preceding Friday’s race.

ARCA RACING SERIES
Catch even more live on-track action as the ARCA RACING SERIES season opener airs live on FS1 on Saturday, Feb. 10 (4:00 PM ET). Kevin Lee calls the race with analysis from Phil Parsons and pit reporting by Jim Tretow and Dillon Welch (FOX broadcaster Vince Welch’s son).

For more media information relating to FOX Sports’ coverage of Daytona Speedweeks, visit FOX SPORTS PRESS PASS and follow @FOXSportsPR on Twitter. For the latest NASCAR news and information, please visit www.FOXSports.com and follow @NASCARonFOX on Twitter.

Versatile Spake Celebrates One Year at FOX Sports

NASCAR Race Hub, “Shannon Spokes” Mark Year of Surprises

This extended Q&A is the latest in a continuing series with FOX Sports personalities to be highlighted over the next several months. To learn more about FOX Sports NASCAR Race Hub host & multi-sport sideline reporter Shannon Spake or to download photography, please visit http://foxs.pt/2sLm9Jx, and follow her on Twitter at @ShannonSpake.

FOX SPORTS: Yesterday marked one year since the official announcement you were joining FOX Sports – Biggest takeaway after year-one on the job? Biggest item still on your to-do list and why?

SPAKE: “There is no doubt that having the opportunity to cover the Pearl Harbor Invitational on the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor was the biggest moment of my career over the last 12 months. I interviewed some of the most powerful men in our country, stood courtside as a 97-year-old World War II veteran played the national anthem on his harmonica and was able to tell my 92-year-old grandfather, a WWII veteran, live on air that I was bringing him a coin I received from the General of the Army Pacific. I still get emotional thinking about the enormity of that moment.

“As far as my “to-do” list, I am adding FOX Sports NFL sideline reporter to my resume this fall and I am really excited about the opportunity to cover professional football.”

FOX SPORTS: Earlier this year, you took over the co-hosting role for well-established NASCAR Race Hub – any surprises in taking on full-time hosting duties? What have the rewards been?

SPAKE: “Every day is a reward! Everyone that works on Hub is so supportive, patient and talented. I look forward to going to work every single day. The creativity and talent flowing in that building is amazing, and I am always amazed at our lineup of guest analysts. I’ve never been a part of a show that has so much access to the biggest stars in the sport on a daily basis.”

FOX SPORTS: You and co-host Adam Alexander seemed to have clicked immediately. How important is that elusive chemistry to the success of the program?

SPAKE: “Chemistry is everything. I tried to spend as much time as possible with Adam during my first few weeks. We have even moved into the same office space because we thought it was important to spend time before and after the show with each other building that chemistry. Adam is so talented and has taught me so much about the ‘studio world’ and his patience has been so crucial to my comfort and growth in such a short period of time.”

FOX SPORTS: You are “Shannon Spokes” in the new animated movie, Cars 3 – has it sunk in just how big a deal that is?

SPAKE: “It’s crazy because until I actually heard my voice in the movie preview, I didn’t believe it was real. It was such a fun process and such an honor to represent the female reporter in the movie. Plus, I have earned major ‘cool points’ with my 7-year-old twins and their friends.”

FOX SPORTS: You seem to have found some level of work-life balance with your career, your family and your health – what has been the key to finding that balance and does it remain a daily focus?

SPAKE: “I have always said, ‘If you want it all, you have to do it all,’ and some days I feel like I do ‘all’ and more. I have a great support system and my husband certainly deals with a lot, but somehow we make it work. I have learned to eliminate things that don’t make me happy or don’t bring a positive vibe to my family unit. I also know that it’s ok if I don’t get everything done today — sometimes grocery shopping can wait ‘til tomorrow.”

FOX SPORTS: If you could work one sporting event you haven’t already done, which one would it be and why?

SPAKE: “Swimming in the Olympics. No question. I was a swimmer growing up and my father was an All-American swimmer in college. I would love to be there to see the speed and power those athletes have in the pool.”

Editor’s note: Accompanying photo is of NASCAR Race Hub co-hosts Shannon Spake and Adam Alexander. The most-watched NASCAR news and information on television, NASCAR Race Hub airs nightly Monday thru Thursday at 6:00 PM ET, with additional weekend editions as scheduled.

Versatile Spake Celebrates One Year at FOX Sports (449 KB, last updated July 2017)