1988 Goodwrench 500

Network: ESPN

Date and time: March 6, 1988, 12:00 PM

Format: Live

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

The race was shown live and flag-to-flag on ESPN.

Starting with this race, host Larry Nuber would be in the ESPN Pit Central. Features included computer assistance, a "cutaway car" where various technical features of the cars would be explained, and contact with the drivers' radios. Another new feature introduced on ESPN starting with this race was the "Winston Cup Replay", which showed brief recaps of old races during lulls in the action.

At one point, there was a scoring error. Buddy Baker took the lead after the first round of pit stops as he had pitted earlier under the caution for Richard Petty's crash. However, ESPN first thought that Bill Elliott, who had led earlier, was in front. Then NASCAR scorcer Morris Metcalfe relayed to the booth that Lake Speed was in front.

The broadcast was also temporary interrupted by a power failure, freezing before going to an ESPN "hold" slide. Though the power came back on, a computer they used called the "Race Strategy Advisor" to bring information about the race including when drivers would make their next pit stops was affected by it, resulting in some information being inaccurate.

Due to 7 caution flags, the broadcast ran long, signing off at 4:30 PM as opposed to the planned 4:00 PM, which pre-empted an airing of the Barber Saab Pro Series. Because of this, post-race coverage was very short, ESPN signing off after an interview with winner Neil Bonnett and a few closing comments.

Personnel:

Host: Larry Nuber

Announcers: Bob Jenkins, Ned Jarrett, Gary Nelson

Pit reporters: Dick Berggren, Jerry Punch

Race Strategy Advisor courtesy of SK Systems