By David G. Firestone
So, somehow, I missed the announcement of the new media rights deal the NHRA signed. FOX Sports will still host the NHRA, but only up to the race before the US Nationals. From the US Nationals to the championship race, the CW will air races. Flo Racing will come on board as the new online streaming platform for the NHRA.
I agree with these moves. The move to The CW in the fall works for FOX Sports, as they are the broadcasters for the World Series, and one of the broadcasters for the NFL, and college football. Getting rid of the NHRA frees up FOX for their biggest sports contracts. Adding a broadcast only network like the CW also makes sense, since anyone can access the station, the NHRA numbers will go up.
Adding Flo Racing as their online streaming partner is also a smart move. The in-house NHRA service was awful, and Flo Racing is a better platform on all levels. I like this move on all levels. Better services mean better telecasts, and this will help television numbers.
Speaking of better services, I discussed the Formula E deal with ESPN+. It’s been confirmed that Formula E will be broadcasting on the ESPN app. Thank God! Thank you our heavenly father for this blessing! Formula E on the CBS Sports Network was unwatchable. The races were cut down to a one-hour pre-taped telecasts with zero thougt given to editing. The race would cut to commercials when announcers were in the middle of a word for fuck’s sake!
For Formula E fans in the US, this means we will finally be getting good coverage! The uncut races will be a welcome improvement over the CBS Sports Network disasters. I’m happy and I’m looking forward to these new deals!
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