NASCAR salutes ESPN at drivers' meeting

In the drivers' meeting, NASCAR saluted its partner for 28 years with a special video, highlighting memorable moments from ESPN races through the decades. NASCAR President Mike Helton also thanked the Worldwide Leader in Sports during his remarks.

"And a bit bittersweet is our relationship with ESPN," Helton said. "It comes to a conclusion today. I look around in the room, and I see a few faces that remember when there was no such thing as ESPN. There wasn't even cable.

"And so NASCAR benefited greatly from the pioneers in the broadcasting and the cable industries that decided they could do what they did and then they looked to NASCAR as content. It's been a great honor to have this relationship with you guys for so long."

John Wildhack, ESPN's vice president of programming and production, and ESPN President and the Co-Chair of Disney Media John Skipper were acknowledged by Helton, who invited Skipper to address the industry.

"I want to thank the members of the France family, Brian, Lesa, Jim," Skipper said and then turned to NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France's young son. "I'm even going to thank Luke because you know life is short, and there could be another deal in the future so I just want to cover all my bases."

After 10 years with FOX and NBC, the next window for broadcast rights opens in 2025.

"I want to thank the owners of the tracks," Skipper continued. "I want to thank the team owners, the crew chiefs, the drivers particularly. You guys have been so accommodating to us, so welcoming. Sometimes humored us, but you've made it a real pleasure and privilege to work with this sport."

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