Brian France says he's happy with where NASCAR is. Credit: Autostock

France: ESPN will help 'undercovered sport'

NASCAR chairman also hints at change in points system

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- NASCAR chairman Brian France is optimistic that the return of ESPN to the Nextel Cup Series in 2007 will help end a decline in television ratings.

ESPN, which aired 281 races from 1981-2000, will cover the entire Busch Series and pick up coverage of the Cup Series on July 29 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

	From left, Andy Petree, Rusty Wallace and Jerry Punch
	ESPN/ABC TEAM UNVEILED ESPN/ABC's NASCAR broadcast team will have a combination of veterans and rookies in it when the networks return to NASCAR next season.  •   Complete story,  click here

"Listen, it's harder to grow when you reach the level we're at,'' France said prior to the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. "We think there's no question it's an undercovered sport today.

"That will change over time as the acceptance of this sport all over the country gets better. ESPN is going to help us go after the casual sports fan in the area that we're weakest. I love where we're at. And we're excited about where we're going.''

Despite the drop in ratings, NASCAR remains the second-most viewed television sport in America.

France hopes a tweak in the Chase for the Nextel Cup, giving more points to winners, and the arrival of former Formula One driver Juan Montoya also will spike new interest.

He's also excited about the introduction of the controversial Car of Tomorrow that will be introduced into 16 races next season.

The change in the points system is expected to be announced after the season. Montoya, one of the most popular drivers in the world, made his Cup debut for Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates on Sunday.

"It's going to be great,'' France said of Montoya. "If he has success, he's a charismatic guy and obviously the Hispanic market . . . he could rev that market up for us. We'll see. I'm optimistic.''

France said cutting the length of races, a complaint by several drivers, isn't an option being explored.

"We're not looking at that right now,'' he said. "By and large, there are complications with that with TV partners and everything else. Race fans like a longer race, believe it or not.

"Some of them will argue that maybe they're a little bit too long, but on balance, it's pretty good.''