1987 Winston Western 500
Network: TBS
Date and time: November 8, 1987, 12:00 PM
Format: Live
Length: 3 hours and 45 minutes (scheduled for 3 and a half hours)
The race was broadcast live and flag-to-flag on TBS, billed as the "Western 500".
Chris Economaki was scheduled to be one of the pit reporters in the broadcast, but was forced to sit out due to a ruptured Achilles' tendon in his right leg. He did appear in the coverage, however, hosting a feature segment from his home in New Jersey, recapping some of the top stories of the 1987 season.
Due to a lengthy caution caused by a pit road accident that injured several of Bill Elliott's crew members, the telecast ran long, signing off at 3:45 PM instead of the planned 3:30 PM. This pre-empted an airing of New Leave It to Beaver.
Personnel:
Host: Dave Despain
Announcers: Ken Squier, Buddy Baker, Johnny Hayes
Pit reporters: Pat Patterson, Jerry Garrett
Features: Chris Economaki
Goodwrench Motor Racing Updates: Bob Richards