TNTs groundbreaking Wide Open Coverage will return for the third consecutive year during the networks exclusive coverage of the primetime Coke Zero 400 at Daytona powered by Coca-Cola on Saturday, July 4th. The format provides continuous race coverage free of national commercial breaks and features 22% more unobstructed race action than that of a standard telecast by using a letterbox widescreen format. In place of the national ads, the telecast features a variety of animated sponsor messages, unique branded content and distinct on-screen graphic elements. Wide Open Coverage debuted on TNT during the 2007 Daytona 400 race and continued in 2008 during the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona; the two races resulted in only 12 missed laps of green flag racing. The ten national sponsors, which matches the last two years sponsorship commitment, featured in this years innovative telecast include Coke Zero, US Army, Sprint, Toyota, Coors Light, Viagra, Goodyear, Burger King, Subway and the Weinstein Company (movie Inglourious Basterds). TNT will air the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona powered by Coca-Cola beginning at 8:00pm/et with play-by-play announcer Ralph Sheheen calling the race alongside analysts Kyle Petty and Wally Dallenbach in the booth. In addition, analyst Larry McReynolds will make frequent contributions from the in-field as he breaks down crew strategy and analyzes car adjustments. The network will rev up its pre-race coverage beginning at 6:30pm/et with NASCAR on TNT Live! with Marc Fein (host), Petty and McReynolds. #14 Tony Stewart will join TNTs infield rig for an interview prior to the race. Stewart won his first race as an owner/driver during TNTs coverage of the Pocono 500. Also, legendary driver and owner Richard Petty will stop by the set as well. TNTs acclaimed Pride of NASCAR series will feature the legendary owner Junie Donlavey who was a NASCAR owner for more than 50 years. Donlavey is best known for giving young drivers their first chance in NASCAR, with more than 70 drivers race in his car throughout his career. Donlavey still lives and works in his Richmond, Va. shop that he started in 1950. Lindsay on Location continues this week as TNT pit reporter Lindsay Czarniak takes a tour of #42 Juan Montoyas impressive warehouse in Miami that includes past race cars, trophies, a rock climbing wall and jet skis. NASCAR on TNT Live! will be followed by Countdown to Green at 7:30pm/et with Fein (host), Dallenbach (analyst) and Petty (analyst) with reports from pit reporters Marty Snider, Matt Yocum, Adam Alexander and Czarniak. During Countdown to Green, Dallenbach will once again break down race strategy during Wallys World, as he is superimposed into live race footage from last seasons race at Daytona International Speedway. He will virtually walk along the road course to discuss its nuances, with the ability to stop the race footage. Dallenbach will also spend time with #5 Mark Martin to talk about how, at the age of 50, Martin stays so young. Dallenbach will take viewers behind the scenes to check out Martins workouts that keep him in shape and competitive on the race track. Snider will go from the asphalt of the racetrack to the hardwood of the basketball court with a feature on #11 Denny Hamlins love for the game of basketball. Countdown to Green leads into coverage of Coke Zero 400 at Daytona powered by Coca-Cola at 8:00pm/et with Sheheen, Dallenbach and Petty calling the action with frequent interaction with McReynolds (analyst) who will man the TNT Offtrack Robotic Car.(TNT)
