SRX already has a tv deal with CBS; New IROC styled short track racing series
A new racing series has been developed. It’s been formed by NASCAR champion Tony Stewart as well as Ray Evernham.
The series is set to debut in 2021 at a wide range of tracks in a new style racecar. It will feature just six races.
A tv deal has already been struck. Saturday night races will air on CBS.
Plans are still tentative but it’s expected the series will feature 12 drivers. Tony Stewart will be one of them.
The tentative tracks feature a wide range of disciplines including the Eldora Speedway dirt track, owned by Tony Stewart. Stafford Motor Speedway in Connecticut, Stafford Motor Speedway in Connecticut, Knoxville Raceway in Iowa, Terre Haute Action Track in Indiana and Florida’s Five Flags Speedway and New Smyrna Speedway.
Four people are banking the series, including Tony Stewart and Ray Evernham. Former NASCAR COO George Pyne and Sandy Montag, the CEO of The Montag Group are the other two involved.
The series is expected to be comparable to the defunct IROC Racing Series. A driver list hasn’t been announced, with the exception of Stewart himself. Legendary crew chiefs are also expected to be a part of the series but they are rumored to rotate between the drivers.
The car will be different. It’s expected the car will put the control back in the hands of the driver.
IROC was retired in 2006. Tony Stewart was the last champion of the series.
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Tony Stewart on his new racing series
“I always liked the IROC Series back in the day and even before I was old enough to be a professional race car driver, I looked at that as the cream of the crop,” Stewart told the AP.
“When I got invited to run IROC, it was a huge honor. You were part of an elite group of drivers that got the opportunity to race each other. I always took that really seriously.”
“When the series went away, I think it left a big hole. It didn’t needed to be filled then, but we have an opening now that gives an opportunity for guys like myself and a lot of the guys who will be invited who can still drive race cars, still have the ability, still want to race, to come back.”
“Hopefully they will feel the way I did, like it’s a cool opportunity to take seriously and be looked up to as the best out there.”
“SRX is a series where the cars will be so evenly matched that talent instead of equipment will win the race,” said Stewart added in a CBS press release.
“The competition will be intense, and thanks to the vision of such strong leaders in the sports and entertainment industry, millions will be able to watch live and in primetime on CBS.”
Ray Evernham on the new series
“We envision a hybrid of all different series — we don’t see it looking like a crazy dunebuggyish type car,” Evernham told the AP.
“To me, it’s got to be a really cool looking car that also puts it back in the drivers hands, mechanically-wide and allows it to be more affected by the pedals.”
Evernham added via a CBS press released, “We’ve set this up to bring the focus back to the drivers and their ability to compete head to head as opposed to the car deciding who wins. That’s going to create a unique dynamic for fans at the track and everywhere else.”
“Adding superstar-caliber drivers and our unique racing features, you’re going to see all kinds of emotions playing out live. It’s going to be quite exciting and rekindle why a lot of people love short-track racing.”
CBS comments on the new short track racing series
“We are looking forward to teaming with Superstar Racing Experience to bring this exciting new auto racing series to CBS in primetime,” said Sean McManus, Chairman, CBS Sports.
“This innovative racing series will feature great drivers competing on short-tracks and will provide viewers with unique, behind-the-scenes access, bringing fans closer to the action.”
“With the backing from legends in the racing industry, the quality of the drivers and competition, and the atmosphere that short-tracks will help to create, the Superstar Racing Experience is a great addition to our live summer sports programming that racing fans will embrace.”
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Sandy Montag, CEO of The Montag Group: “We are enthused to be involved in creating a dynamic new property that will amplify the sport of auto racing. In partnership with CBS, we look forward to bringing the fans unique content and access, all while creating an exciting and competitive race with the focus 100% on the drivers.”
“With an experienced ownership group and one of the most accomplished drivers in the history of the sport, we look forward to redefining short-track racing through this back-to-the-basics racing series.”
George Pyne, SRX Board Member and advisor: “Packed tracks, great drivers, under the primetime TV lights – is all pretty exciting stuff. What I especially like about SRX is that it’s an entertainment platform, built around the great personalities and drama of racing, and will be produced for the way today’s fan consumes media.”
“And because it’s a ground-up build, the team can be more aggressive and imaginative in the ways it works with partners. That’s why we believe SRX has the potential to become something very special.”
