NBC and TNT to televise 2005 NASCAR coverage in 1080i HD

[Gregg Lengling]

NBC and Turner Network Television (TNT) will televise their entire portion of the 2005 NASCAR schedule in high definition.

NASCAR telecasts on both TNT and NBC will be broadcast in 1080i native HD using Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Currently, TNT also presents all of its 2004-05 NBA coverage in HD.

TNT's and NBC's full seasons of HD NASCAR coverage will begin with NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup racing during the weekend of July 1 and 2, 2005, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL.

NASCAR in HD debuted on NBC Feb. 15 with the network's coverage of the Daytona 500 and on TNT Sept. 11 for the championship field-setting race at Richmond International Raceway. According to NBC Sports president Ken Schanzer, HD coverage of the 2004 Daytona 500 demonstrated the dramatic impact of HD. High-definition coverage of NASCAR will bring unique excitement to race fans because of its visual clarity, he said.