Latest news with #SteveLetarte
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Parking for NASCAR Sonoma raceway for Toyota/Save Mart 350
NASCAR is heading to California for the first and only time this season. The Toyota/Save Mart 350 is set to run through one of the more intriguing road courses on the circuit. Parking is straightforward for the race weekend. Advertisement Here is how to park for the NASCAR Sonoma race. Shop NASCAR Sonoma tickets Parking for NASCAR Sonoma race All general parking is free during the NASCAR Sonoma weekend. Saturday & Sunday: Northbound traffic via Highway 121 will be directed to Gate 7 entrance. Southbound traffic via Highway 121 will be directed to the 50 Acres Parking Lot for quick/easy entrance and exit during race weekend. NOTE: There is no overnight parking allowed on the premises except in designated areas where parking is purchased in association with camping. Rideshare: Pre-order your Uber and Lyft rides to avoid long wait times. Pick-up and drop-off areas are located at the 50 Acres Campground, north end, at the Gate 6 entrance - a short walk to the Gate 3 entrance and our pedestrian tunnels leading to the Main Grandstand and Fan Zone. Advertisement NOTE: These options include Uber and Lyft When is NASCAR Sonoma race? The Toyota/Save Mart 350 is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on July 13 at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California. NASCAR Sonoma race TV channel The Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sonoma race will be broadcast on TNT with Adam Alexander, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Steve Letarte in the broadcast booth. Shop NASCAR Sonoma tickets We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Sonoma race: Parking for Toyota/Save Mart 350
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NASCAR Drafts off Hoops, Soccer Leagues With In-Season Challenge
NASCAR Cup Series begins its inaugural In-Season Challenge on Saturday, in which 32 drivers will compete in a head-to-head knockout bracket during five otherwise standard Cup Series events. Of the two teams that remain by the fifth race, the winning team will take home $1 million. The motorsports league is the latest sport to spice up the middle of its calendar with a tournament. While season-long competitions running in tandem with regular-season play have long been part of the global soccer calendar, the WNBA and the NBA have both played a major role in popularizing them stateside. Days after the first race of NASCAR's In-Season Challenge, the WNBA will crown its fifth Commissioner's Cup champion when the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx face off next Tuesday for $500,000 in prize money. Advertisement More from The tournaments serve several purposes beyond offering an additional bit of hardware for competitors to claim. To start, they're valuable as leagues add new media partners to the mix, creating more events to sell. Amazon will take over NBA Cup broadcasting responsibilities this year, working with the league to make the most out of the distinct inventory. Prime Video aired the seeding races for NASCAR's Challenge, with TNT Sports now airing the five knockout rounds. Unlike the basketball versions, NASCAR's competition will take place entirely within the existing race schedule. TNT has also built an alternate broadcast on TruTV that will focus on the head-to-head battles, with an eye toward engaging sports bettors. The show is sponsored by DraftKings. New stakes also help differentiate the events in a crowded media marketplace. NASCAR runs 36 Cup Series races a year, with the middle portion lacking the renown of the season kickoff Daytona 500 or the fall's playoffs. Advertisement 'We wanted to make sure that there was enough heft from a scheduling perspective, as well as additional storylines during this portion of the season, to deliver to TNT,' NASCAR chief media and revenue officer Brian Herbst said. 'This concept of this in-season tournament hits both marks. It elevates this portion of the season for TNT, and it also drives storylines in the sport on a week-to-week basis.' As the NBA has already shown, a new trophy can also elevate new stars. In the NBA Cup's first two seasons, the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder each made a run to the final game, watched by 4.6 and 3.0 million, respectively, before facing off in this year's NBA Finals. If NASCAR is lucky, a few new rivalries might emerge over the next month as well. 'To have a performance, you have to have a stage,' Steve Letarte, who will be calling the races for TNT, said. 'You have to have a spotlight. So I think this tournament creates a stage, the broadcast will create the spotlight, and now if a driver can rise above, then I do believe they have a chance to become a star.' NASCAR won't be the last to join the party. College basketball and football have continued pumping out new early-season showdowns for media partners and potential sponsors, and even more new events are expected in a post-House world. Advertisement The challenge when launching the events is to get competitors—and thus fans—to buy into the new significance. Letarte expects teams to pay more attention to their In-Season Challenge competitors as the five-race tournament plays out, and the potential $1 million draws closer. But, he added, it doesn't take much to get these racers' juices flowing. 'What makes NASCAR so great is just the competitive drive in the garage area,' Letarte said. 'Everybody wants to be the best at everything, whether it's a race on the track or a race to the airport.' NASCAR's In-Season Challenge bracket is available on the NASCAR website, and the knockout will take place across the following races: Challenge Round 1: EchoPark Speedway (June 28 at 7 p.m. ET) Challenge Round 2: Chicago Street Race (July 6 at 2 p.m. ET) Challenge Round 3: Sonoma Raceway (July 13 at 3:30 p.m. ET) Challenge Round 4: Dover Motor Speedway (July 20 at 2 p.m. ET) Champions Round: Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July 27 at 2 p.m. ET) Best of Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Independent
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
How Prime Video's 'Burn Bar' is changing the way we watch NASCAR
NASCAR fans have grown accustomed to seeing speed, throttle and braking on broadcasts for years. There has been one measurement, though, that has eluded networks and viewers for years. Until now. Viewers of the Prime Video races have been able to see fuel usage with the introduction of the Burn Bar. Race teams have measured burn rates and fuel levels down to the last ounce for years, but the methodology has been kept secret for competitive reasons. Prime Video, though, developed an AI tool using car data available to broadcasters and teams that can measure miles per gallon. The Burn Bar made a brief appearance during Prime's first broadcast, the Coca-Cola 600 on May 25. It has been used more frequently the past two weeks and will be deployed again on Sunday during the race in Mexico City. NASCAR on Prime analyst Steve Letarte, a former crew chief for Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr., contributed to the development of the Burn Bar and sees it as the first step in taking race analysis to a new level. 'It's the first true tool that is taking information off the car, making calculations and then displaying to the fan a calculation or measurement that is being used in the garage. And it does affect the team,' he said. 'There's not a sensor on the car giving us miles per gallon. It's a mathematical calculation of other cars performances.' The AI model analyzes thousands of performance data per second, including a range of in-car telemetry signals, RPMs, throttle and optical tracking of each car's position. The model then evaluates each driver's fuel consumption and efficiency throughout the race. Letarte worked with Prime Video 'Thursday Night Football Prime Vision" analyst Sam Schwartzstein and Amazon Web Services during the process. They came up with four methodologies that were tested during the first part of the season, which was broadcast by Fox. Schwartzstein and Letarte would then get the data from teams after races to see how close they were until they picked one that worked the best. The Burn Bar received its toughest test during last week's race at Michigan as the final 48 laps were run without a caution flag. Most teams made their final pit stops with 50 laps to go, meaning teams were going to be down to the end of their fuel runs at the checkered flag. 'We projected William Byron to run out, which he did, and then we were on the razor's edge for Denny Hamlin. And then watching the truck push him back into victory lane at the end, knowing he was as close as we thought he was. What a cool way to see this feature come to life and elevate NASCAR broadcasts,' Schwartzstein said. Alex Strand, Prime Video's senior coordinating producer for live sports, also sees the Burn Bar as the first tool of many that Amazon and Prime Video can develop for its coverage. Prime Video is in the first year of a seven-year agreement to carry five races per season. 'It's really cool to live in a world where it shows us that anything is possible. We're starting with something that we're really excited about, but it's setting us down a path that will open up new doors for us,' he said. 'I think that's what we're really excited about is to say, 'OK, we've had success in Year 1 on a feature that's resonated with fans right out of the gate.' It raises the table for our offseason.' After Sunday's race in Mexico City, Prime Video's coverage for this season wraps up with the race at Pocono on June 22. ___
Associated Press
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
How Prime Video's 'Burn Bar' is changing the way we watch NASCAR
NASCAR fans have grown accustomed to seeing speed, throttle and braking on broadcasts for years. There has been one measurement, though, that has eluded networks and viewers for years. Until now. Viewers of the Prime Video races have been able to see fuel usage with the introduction of the Burn Bar. Race teams have measured burn rates and fuel levels down to the last ounce for years, but the methodology has been kept secret due to competitive reasons. Prime Video, though, developed an AI tool using car data available to broadcasters and teams that can measure miles per gallon. The Burn Bar made a brief appearance during Prime's first broadcast of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 25. It has been used more frequently the past two weeks and will again be deployed on Sunday during the race in Mexico City. NASCAR on Prime analyst Steve Letarte, a former crew chief for Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr., contributed to the development of the Burn Bar and sees it as the first step in taking race analysis to a new level. 'It's the first true tool that is taking information off the car, making calculations and then displaying to the fan a calculation or measurement that is being used in the garage. And it does affect the team,' he said. 'There's not a sensor on the car giving us miles per gallon. It's a mathematical calculation of other cars performances.' The AI model analyzes thousands of performance data per second, including a range of in-car telemetry signals, RPMs, throttle and optical tracking of each car's position. The model then evaluates each driver's fuel consumption and efficiency throughout the race. Letarte worked with Prime Video 'Thursday Night Football Prime Vision' analyst Sam Schwartzstein during the process. They came up with four methodologies that were tested during the first part of the season, which was broadcast by Fox. Schwartzstein and Letarte would then get the data from teams after races to see how close they were until they picked one what worked the best. The Burn Bar received its toughest test during last week's race at Michigan as the final 48 laps were run without a caution flag. Most teams made their final pit stops with 50 laps to go, meaning teams were going to be down to the end of their fuel runs at the checkered flag. 'We projected William Byron to run out, which he did, and then we were on the razor's edge for Denny Hamlin. And then watching the truck push him back into victory lane at the end, knowing he was as close as we thought he was. What a cool way to see this feature come to life and elevate NASCAR broadcasts,' Schwartzstein said. Alex Strand, Prime Video's senior coordinating producer for live sports, also sees the Burn Bar as the first tool of many that Amazon and Prime Video can develop for its coverage. Prime Video is in the first year of a seven-year agreement to carry five races per season. 'It's really cool to live in a world where it shows us that anything is possible. We're starting with something that we're really excited about, but it's setting us down a path that will open up new doors for us,' he said. 'I think that's what we're really excited about is to say, 'OK, we've had success in year one on a feature that's resonated with fans right out of the gate.' It raises the table for our offseason.' After Sunday's race in Mexico City, Prime Video's coverage for this season wraps up with the race at Pocono on June 22. ___ AP NASCAR:
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Take your Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Charlotte race experience up a notch with premium options
The Coca-Cola 600, one of the crown jewels of the NASCAR season, is almost here to mark an unofficial start of the summer for many race fans. The Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway is set for May 25, with a full show of on-track action occupying the weekend. Advertisement Here are the premium options to see the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Charlotte race weekend. Shop Charlotte NASCAR ticket upgrades Champions Pavilion for NASCAR Charlotte race This all-inclusive package includes: Indoor climate-controlled seating area Closed circuit race coverage on multiple televisions Rooftop observation deck NASCAR-issued day VIP pass Direct access to NASCAR garage and pit road Upscale catering with Chef's Table Specialties Premium bar Race scanner for your use while at the track Parking pass (one pass per four tickets) Clubhouse 500 Level for NASCAR Charlotte race Indoor climate-controlled seating featuring high-back, padded chairs and TV monitors. Clubhouse seats are located directly across from pit road and one level below The Speedway Club. Elevator access Cash-bar service Clubhouse level restrooms Easy access to the fifth Floor Café. The indoor Café area offers the signature casual dining menu with cash bars, sweets shop and an indoor dining area. Food and beverage are not included in the ticket price. No coolers are allowed in this area. Advertisement Shop Club Level NASCAR upgrades Club Deck, 300 Level at NASCAR Charlotte race Experience NASCAR's toughest test of man and machine from the coveted Club Deck, 300 Level, which includes the following amenities: Covered seating Fantastic views of the entire track Complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages Access to cash bar Dedicated food and beverage service team Terrace Box at NASCAR Charlotte race Experience unparalleled comfort and convenience with Terrace Box seating. Indulge in a delectable array of food and beverages while you enjoy the event from the best vantage point. Plus, receive a complementary Track Pass upon check-in, adding even more value to your race day. Club Suite, 600 Level for NASCAR Charlotte race Indulge in a delectable selection of food and beverages, including beer and wine, with a fantastic view. Club Suite 600 Level buyers also receive a pre-race Track Pass upon checking into the suite. Elevate your race-day experience today. Advertisement Club Suite 600 Level is sold out for May 25. Tickets are available for May 23-24. NOTE: A dress code is in place to ensure a premium experience for all our guests. When is NASCAR Charlotte race? The Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Charlotte race is set for 5 p.m. CT on May 25 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina. What channel is NASCAR Charlotte race on? The Coca-Cola 600 will be broadcast on Amazon Prime with Adam Alexander, Steve Letarte and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the broadcast booth. Shop Charlotte NASCAR tickets We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Charlotte race: Premium options for Coca-Cola 600
