Rally fans, rejoice! For the 2014 season, it’ll be easy to catch the latest races of the
Rally America National Championship even if you can’t make it to the event, because Rally
America is coming to the small screen. The racing organization has made a deal with NBC
SportsNetwork to air the eight main races of the series on NBC.
The races will run as highlight shows, with an hour-long presentation produced by Rally
America and Rage Productions. The shows will include biographical information about the
competitors as well as race footage and results. Thanks to Rallycross, drifting and other
“alternative” auto racing events, rally has attracted enough mainstream interest to appeal
to the major TV networks. NBC Sports has also signed a ten-year contract with NASCAR that
starts in 2015.
This year’s Rally America championship will see the return of Travis Pastrana to the circuit
as well. 2013 champion David Higgins, Ken Block and Antoine L’Estage will also be
participating. “I think it’s awesome that Rally America and NBC Sports have come together
this season,” said Block, who drives for the Hoonigan Racing Division. “Bringing stage rally
in America to TV is a huge step forward not only for the sport but for the fans as well. I’m
stoked that family and friends will now have an easier time watching me compete in the sport
that I love.”
NBC SPORTS BROADCAST SCHEDULE (all times EST)
Sno*Drift Rally Airs: April 5, 2:00pm
Rally in the 100 Acre Wood Airs: May 3, 6:00pm
Oregon Trail Rally Airs: June 1, 6:00pm
Susquehannock Trail Rally Airs: June 28, 6:00pm
Climb to the Clouds Airs: July 12, 2:00pm
New England Forest Rally Airs: August 9, 2:30pm
Ojibwe Forests Rally Airs: September 6, 5:30pm
Lake Superior Performance Rally Airs: November 16, 4:00pm