Motorsports viewers would possibly affiliate Jamie Little with FOX’s protection of NASCAR‘s Cup Sequence. However Little might be seen throughout extra of FOX’s motorsports protection this yr.
Little might be one of many pit reporters Sunday when FOX carries its first INDYCAR race from the streets of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. She additionally would be the play-by-play announcer for your entire season for the community’s protection of the Truck collection.
The INDYCAR project is a little bit of a homecoming for Little, who was the pit reporter for ESPN and ABC’s protection of the open-wheel collection from 2004 via ’14. Little — whose final INDYCAR race was the 2014 Indianapolis 500 — might be filling in for Georgia Henneberry, who not too long ago had a child and can miss the primary couple races.
Little, who will even be a part of FOX’s protection of the Indianapolis 500 on Might 25, is also hoping Sunday that some NASCAR followers will tune in as effectively as a result of the IndyCar race comes earlier than the NASCAR Cup Sequence highway race on the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
“We will attempt to cross-promote as a lot as we will. It is our first doubleheader. INDYCAR is the primary race adopted by NASCAR,” Little stated. “I am the one person who does each, in order that they’re asking me to be there to attempt to mix these two worlds.”
One of many methods Little will attempt to bridge the hole between INDYCAR and NASCAR is a function on Kyle Larson with segments airing in each reveals. Larson will as soon as once more this yr try and do the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 in the identical day.
Larson did not get the prospect to do it final yr when rain delayed the beginning of the Indy race after which shortened the end of the NASCAR race in Charlotte.
The transfer to FOX additionally marks the primary time a whole motorsports collection might be on broadcast tv. FOX aired adverts that includes prime drivers Josef Newgarden, Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward in the course of the NFL playoffs and Tremendous Bowl LIX.
“I feel there’s nothing higher that you are able to do to assist develop this sport and develop the viewership than to have it on a community the place when you’re sitting in a bar otherwise you’re having brunch on a Sunday and it will be on TV, Individuals will see it and be uncovered to it like by no means earlier than,” Little stated. “All people is happy in regards to the promotion that is already been carried out.”
The opposite change for Little this season is that she’s going to name your entire NASCAR Truck collection schedule. She referred to as choose truck races the previous three seasons however may have your entire yr with Adam Alexander transferring to the CW to do the Xfinity Sequence.
Little turned the primary girl to do TV play-by-play for a U.S. nationwide racing collection broadcast in 2021 when she did the ARCA Menards Sequence.
Little had briefly thought-about doing a little play-by-play, however the thought gained momentum after Leigh Diffey, who does NASCAR races for NBC, referred to as Little and stated with the rising variety of ladies doing play-by-play, Little wanted to be that individual in NASCAR.
“I simply did not suppose it was attainable as a result of it is simply you at all times hear a person’s voice. I did not know what that was a task I might get pleasure from it or if I might be welcomed in that function,” Little stated. “I considered it and he was proper. I’ve carried out all the pieces I can as a pit reporter and I will proceed to try this, however I need to take a look at myself. I need to problem myself, step out of that consolation zone.”
Little has grow to be extra snug as a play-by-play announcer. She stated her unique method was the identical as if she was a pit reporter in discussing tales, however that has modified.
“It is a talent set, and you are a visitors management cop,” she stated. “Sure, there’s time to inform these tales, to replace these drivers and what’s occurring, however that is why you might have the help of your analysts there explaining what’s occurring on the observe. It is bringing everyone collectively and holding that dialog flowing.”
Sunday’s INDYCAR race is within the midst of a busy stretch for Little. For the reason that starting of February, she was a reporter for the Westminster Canine present, has referred to as two Vehicles races and one ARCA, been the pit reporter for the primary two Cup collection races and interviewed President Donald Trump earlier than the Daytona 500.
Full IndyCar on FOX protection:
Reporting by The Related Press.
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