The SRX racing series is moving from Saturday nights on CBS to Thursday nights on ESPN. Plus: Bob Rathbun will miss at least three more games, and news on a pair of NBC moves.
SRX racing series moves from CBS to ESPN
The SRX racing series is moving from CBS to ESPN in a multi-year deal that will see the races shift from Saturday to Thursday nights. The races will carry the branding of “Thursday Night Thunder” — resurrecting the racing series that aired on the ESPN networks years ago.
All six SRX races will air on the flagship ESPN network at 9 PM ET on consecutive Thursdays from July 13-August 17.
The SRX marks the return of American auto racing to the ESPN networks after the loss of NASCAR rights in 2014 and IndyCar in 2018. (SRX/ESPN)
Bob Rathbun to miss at least three more games
Atlanta Hawks play-by-play voice Bob Rathbun will miss at least another three games as he continues to recuperate following an on-air medical emergency last week. Mike Morgan, who filled in for Rathbun Sunday night, will continue to do so on the Hawks’ coming three-game road trip. Mike Conti previously filled in for Rathbun on the prior two games. (AJC 12.11)
NBC taps Taylor for Big Ten studio role, moves Tappen off golf
NBC Sports “Football Night in America” NFL studio host Maria Taylor will occupy the same role on the network’s Big Ten football coverage, the New York Post reported Monday. Taylor previously served as a contributor on ESPN’s “College Gameday.”
In other NBC Sports news, sideline reporter Kathryn Tappen is losing her position on the company’s golf coverage, per a separate Post report. Despite losing the golf job — and being passed over for the Sunday Night Football sideline role — Tappen is said to be in talks for a “bigger role within NBC.” (NYP 12.9, 12.12)
