• January 24, 2003

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and the Travel Channel plan two programs Feb. 9 that will provide viewers with both the familiar and lesser-known elements of the sport and a NASCAR race. The programs will re-air Saturday, Feb. 15, the evening before NASCAR’s 2003 season debut the Daytona 500. NASCAR’s Thunder Road takes a behind-the-scenes look at race weekends, documenting pre-race preparation for the drivers, teams and fans. Beginning with an overview of the sport and its history, the program examines the people and the innovative technology that go into the preparation for each event. Ultimate NASCAR is presented in the same format as the Travel Channel's popular "World's Best" programming and features a NASCAR 'top-ten' list. The program looks at the science of engineering and the art of racing, and how NASCAR's race teams and drivers deftly combine the two elements. The program documents everything in NASCAR, including: the cars; the manufacturers; the team owners; the quest for speed and safety; the differences in track formats; the multi-million dollar team garages; the frenetic activity in the pit areas; and the incredible connection between the fans and their favorite drivers.