CONCORD, N.C. – In a best-case scenario, FOX Sports is handing over the broadcast of the June 10 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway to those closest to the action.
In a worst-case scenario, FOX is surrendering control of the asylum to the inmates for the telecast that will air on FOX at 1 p.m. ET.
Regardless of perspective, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers tabbed to call the race—from the booth, from pit road and from the Hollywood Hotel—are certain to have fun with the telecast and to provide enjoyment to fans who tune in.
Having served as a co-pilot on previous FOX telecasts, 2014 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick gets a chance to fly solo as the play-by-play man for the event. He’ll be joined in the booth by analysts Joey Logano and Clint Bowyer.
Ryan Blaney, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Erik Jones will serve as pit reporters, with Danica Patrick and Denny Hamlin hosting race coverage from the Hollywood Hotel mobile studio.
Harvick, Bowyer, Hamlin, Logano and Patrick have served as driver analysts for FOX Sports’ coverage of the NASCAR XFINITY Series at some point since the network began rotating prominent Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers in the booth, beginning with the 2015 season.
“It’s going to be a ton of fun,” Bowyer said. “There’s a lot going on behind the scenes, and pit road reporters have to get the information fast, get counted down, and know who to throw it to … all these things we take for granted watching the race on TV.
“When you are up there in the booth and you see all of it going down, and the producer is in your ear, it’s really eye-opening, so, it’s going to be a learning experience. It’s going to be something — I can promise you that.”
Booth regulars Adam Alexander and Michael Waltrip won’t be on camera during the telecast, but they will be at Pocono to backstop the drivers with help and guidance, when asked.
Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.
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