1986 Talladega 500
Network: CBS
Date and time: July 27, 1986, 12:00 PM
Format: Live
Length: 3 hours 35 minutes (scheduled for 3 and a half hours)
The race was broadcast live and in full on CBS, billed as a "CBS Sports Special".
Driver Neil Bonnett sat out the race due to injuries, and so joined Ken Squier and Ned Jarrett in the commentary booth. Three in-car cameras were used, in the cars of Bobby Allison, Harry Gant, and Rusty Wallace.
Due to 9 caution flags, the race ran somewhat longer than anticipated, signing off at 3:35 PM instead of 3:30 PM, and so CBS only aired an interview with race-winner Bobby Hillin Jr. to avoid pre-empting coverage of the final round of the Buick Open. Technical credits were not shown, and no other drivers were interviewed.
Personnel:
Announcers: Ken Squier, Ned Jarrett, Neil Bonnett
Pit reporters: Mike Joy, Chris Economaki
Footage provided by: Sunbelt Video, Ford Motor Company, WVTM-TV, Motorweek Illustrated, WBRC-TV, ESPN
Racecam assistance provided by: Bobby Allison/Stavola Brothers Racing, Harry Gant/Mach 1 Racing, Rusty Wallace/Blue Max Racing
A presentation of CBS Sports.