1985 Busch 500

Network: ESPN

Date and time: August 24, 1985, 7:30 PM

Format: Live

Length: 3 and a half hours

The race was shown live and in full on ESPN, billed under "Auto Racing '85". It used just seven cameras. The start was slightly delayed by rain, but it did not effect the overall time.

This was a very important broadcast, as it was one of the first NASCAR races shown live and in prime-time. With the significant amount of racing action, including Tim Richmond getting bumped by Dale Earnhardt en route to victory lane, coupled with the lucrative timeslot, the broadcast was a success, and would lead to more races in prime-time in the future.

Qualifying was also televised live on ESPN, the first time qualifying was televised live.

Personnel:

Announcers: Larry Nuber, Benny Parsons

Pit reporter: Jack Arute