23 May 2011
Dear passionate Drag racing fans. Yesterdays unfortunate butchering of the Nitro Champs Top Fuel show was as upsetting to those of us who made it as it was to you the expectant viewer. A series of live TV events on either side of the show meant that the program was forced into a slot it did not fit.
Despite the efforts of the network to make it fit, clearly it did not work. Rest assured Drag Racing is not the only motorsport that has suffered last minute schedule changes or even program modifications and those who follow V8 Supercars will be across this.
This is a unique situation and one that the network will certainly not look to repeat in the future. In fact as a make good the network will now air the program on the primary channel, TEN on June 26th and in addition have also agreed to add Top Doorslammer on TEN on July 17.
This additional exposure on TEN is a boost for the sport and a gesture of good will from the network for the situation that arose from Sunday. Additionally the Top Fuel Nitro Champs show can be viewed on ONE on Wednesday 25th June at 1:30pm and also Friday night after the UFC (1.30 am 28th May).
Whilst it’s easy to highlight the negatives the fact is that Drag Racing has a very good outlet to the general public via this show and the opportunity to showcase the racing is the envy of other sports, not just motorsports. We all know the sport faces a few challenges moving forward but I’d suggest that tearing down one of the few avenues for exposure is not one of them.
Regards
Nathan Prendergast
Executive Producer ANDRA Pro Series TV.
Telecast Director – V8 Supercars