1986 Southern 500

Network: ESPN

Date and time: August 31, 1986, 1:00 PM

Format: Live

Length: 5 hours (scheduled for 4 and a half hours)

The race was broadcast live on ESPN, billed under their "Auto Racing '86" banner.

Due to the threat of rain, the start time was moved up, resulting in no pre-race coverage being aired aside from the intro. The race was red-flagged at lap 14 for rain, lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes. ESPN filled the time with various interviews and features and a replay of the previous week's Busch 500, as well as cutting away to coverage of the CART race at Mid-Ohio. ESPN was forced to leave the broadcast at lap 192, at 5:30 PM, for coverage of the St. Jude Memphis Classic golf tournament.

They would come back for updates at:

- 5:35 PM, lap 197

- 5:45 PM, lap 223

- 5:55 PM, lap 237

- 6:10 PM, lap 255

- 6:20 PM, lap 271

- 6:25 PM, lap 283

- 6:40 PM, lap 300 (or so)

- 6:50 PM, lap 317

- 7:00 PM, lap 330

And pick up at 7:20 PM to cover lap 360 through the finish live. The coverage signed off at 7:30 PM.

Personnel:

Announcers: Bob Jenkins, Jack Arute

Pit reporters: Jerry Punch, Dick Berggren