IndyCar is returning to prime-time television for the first time since 2013.
The open-wheel racing circuit announced that its 2020 opening race, the Genesys 300 at Texas Motor Speedway on June 6, will be broadcast on NBC instead of NBCSN. National television coverage is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. with the race starting at 7:45 p.m.
TMS was the site of IndyCar's only other prime-time telecast _ the Firestone 550 in June 2013 was aired on ABC with Helio Castroneves winning the race.
"We're pleased the daring nature and bold skills of IndyCar's athletes will be displayed to a network prime-time audience in just a few weeks' time," said Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp President and CEO. "IndyCar's first season on NBC in 2019 was marked by significant audience growth, and this marquee broadcast slot reflects both our continued momentum and strong partnership with NBC Sports Group."
Said Jon Miller, president of programming for NBC Sports and NBCSN: "America has a thirst for live sports, so we're thrilled to showcase the spectacular racing of the NTT IndyCar Series in prime time on the broadcast network."
NBC's IndyCar broadcast team consists of Leigh Diffey (play-by-play), Townsend Bell (analyst) and Paul Tracy (analyst).
This year's TMS race is generating plenty of attention as IndyCar starts its season amid the coronavirus pandemic. IndyCar has delayed its season since postponing what should have been the opening race _ the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg _ on March 15.
TMS' one-day event also features practice from 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. and qualifying at 4 p.m.
Josef Newgarden won the IndyCar race at Texas last year.
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