Dont look now, but the IRLs television broadcast team is about to get a new face. Actually, it figures to be an old one. Auditioning as Autoweek went to press was retiring NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace, who appears to be prepping for a switch to the Nextel Cup announcers booth when ABC and ESPN get back in the game in 2007. Hiring Wallace, an avid Indy car fan, figures to be a win-win for all parties, including the IRL, which is in desperate need of a ratings jolt. The IRLs play-by-play voice figures to be Brian Kenny, host of Friday Night Fights on ESPN2, with former driver Scott Goodyear joining Wallace in the booth. Jerry Punch, Jack Arute and Jamie Little will be the pit reporters.(Autoweek)(1-20-2006)
UPDATE: Retirement didn’t last very long for Rusty Wallace, who only needed about two months to land a job in a new profession. Wallace became the first on-air hire by ESPN and ABC Sports when he was named lead auto racing analyst on Wednesday. His first assignment will be covering next month’s Daytona 500 for ESPN’s SportsCenter. “I feel like broadcasting is my calling,” Wallace said. “I knew when I retired this is what I wanted to do. I feel like I am well educated in the cars, NASCAR, the whole industry.” ESPN and ABC will broadcast 17 Nextel Cup races beginning in 2007, the first year of an eight-year contract the networks signed with NASCAR. In preparation for his move into the broadcasting booth, Wallace will spend this upcoming season analyzing Indy Racing League events, including this year’s Indianapolis 500. Wallace, the 1989 Cup champion, ended his 22-year career last November. “Rusty earned the respect and admiration of fellow drivers and fans with his engaging personality and unquestioned racing ability — attributes that will continue to entertain race fans,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN’s executive vice president.(ESPN.com/AP)(1-25-2006)
