Raceday Cancelled UPDATE: the Speedway Illustrated site is reporting that as of this morning that TNN’s long-running motorsports magazine Raceday has been cancelled. The show scheduled for this Sunday will be their last broadcast. So far, there has been no word how this change in programming will affect the ASA or the World of Outlaws, whose events TNN currently broadcasts. It has been noticed that there has been no TNN on-air promotion of these racing broadcasts this year, as they commonly did in the past. The future of the Raceday staff is unknown at this writing(Speedway Illustrated)(4-27-2001) UPDATE: TNN/Viacom spokesperson David Schwarz says Raceday was cancelled “because the ratings steadily declined over the last six months, and in fact, for the past two years.” Schwarz also took a slight jab at NASCAR and Fox by saying that “not being allowed to carry NASCAR highlights” hurt the show, and he further pointed out, “TNN had exclusive rights to carry NASCAR, but we permitted other networks to carry our highlights.” Additionally, Schwarz said, “‘Raceday’ was the lead in to a popular WWF show, but it just wasn’t holding its own.” When asked about TNN’s commitment to its other motorsports programming, ASA, IHRA, and World of Outlaws, Schwarz said there are no plans to stop or minimize coverage of those series. Producer Mark Smith differs with Viacom’s assessment, stating that ratings have not declined. In fact, he says, they have been fairly consistent over the past three years, including the best ever 1.8 rating this year the week after Dale Earnhardt passed away. Smith also says, “I think this is the best staff of people we have ever had on Raceday during the 4 years I have produced it,” and that there may be other opportunities for the team(MotorsportsTV), well that frees up my Sunday mornings since my local FSN affiliate doesn’t show NASCAR Tech and NASCAR This Morning(4-28-2001) – THANKS Guys, nice final show!
