NASCAR Nation steers clear of typical race reporting, choosing instead to highlight the sport’s growing role in today’s American pop culture. But Chris Long, SPEED Channel’s new VP of Studio Production and the architect behind the flashy new show, is quick to point out that NASCAR Nation is not the model for all future Speed Channel programming, simply another alternative for a rabid fan base that ranks among the most loyal in sports. To capture more of a mainstream entertainment flavor, the cast of NASCAR Nation does not include a single NASCAR driver or crew chief, instead opting for television personality and cover girl Leeann Tweeden to lead a hosting team that includes Vicki Johnson and Craig Reynolds. Field reporters John Willenborg, a contestant from season two of the NBC mega-hit The Apprentice, veteran sports reporter Courtney George, NASCAR.com columnist Marty Smith and newcomer Shannon Spake round out the team. The show itself gains a little celebrity status this year, as the untitled Will Ferrell NASCAR comedy will beginning filming scenes with Tweeden and Reynolds on the NASCAR Nation set in November. NASCAR Nation airs Mondays through Thursdays at 7 and 10 p.m. ET and PT.(Speed Channel)(8-4-2005)
