ESPN on ABC’s NASCAR Countdown will have a live preview at 8 p.m. ET Saturday, July 21, of the Busch Series race at Gateway International Raceway. Allen Bestwick will host the qualifying show, joined in the ESPN Pit Studio by analyst Brad Daugherty. Tim Brewer will be at the ESPN Chevy Cutaway Car. Rusty Wallace will work in the ESPN booth as analyst for the telecasts, joined by two-time NASCAR champion crew chief Andy Petree. Dr. Jerry Punch will handle play-by-play. NASCAR Countdown will include segments from pit reporters Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Mike Massaro and Shannon Spake. Highlights include:
A Race of Opportunity for NASCAR Busch Series Regulars: With Nextel Cup drivers having their final weekend off this season, the Busch Series race at Gateway will stand alone, marking an “opportunity” for Busch Series drivers. Busch Series driver Stephen Leicht took advantage of the limited number of Nextel Cup drivers racing in the series last month to take the checkered flag at Kentucky Speedway. Eyeing another win on the horizon, he will be joined by Busch Series drivers Brad Coleman, Chase Miller and Brad Keselowski who also are trying for a first-time Busch Series win. NASCAR Countdown will report on why this race is so important to them.
Missouri Native Carl Edwards Comes Home: Carl Edwards returns home to his native state of Missouri to race in this weekend’s Busch Series race at Gateway. At a place where he once beat down doors in the garage, handing out business cards and trying to get a ride, he returns as the Busch Series points leader.
St. Louis Boys – Rusty, Kenny, Mike and Steven Wallace Talk about racing at their “home track” – Gateway: Another Missouri homecoming involves the legendary Wallace family. NASCAR Cup champion Rusty Wallace will call the race from the ESPN booth while his two brothers Kenny and Mike, along with Rusty’s son Steven Wallace will compete in the Busch Series race at Gateway. NASCAR Countdown will ask the “St. Louis Boys” for their thoughts on racing at their home track.
The Unsung Heroes of the NASCAR Busch Series – The Pit Crew: The voice of the fans, Brad Daugherty, will introduce viewers to some of the unsung heroes of Busch Series racing – the pit crew. Some pit crew members forwent their own athletic talents in other sports, including lacrosse, hockey and even pro football to have successful careers on Busch Series teams. (ESPN PR)(7-19-2007)
