How TV Changed Racing Forever: The Thrill, the Tragedy, and the Transformation

This episode of The Logbook, our History of Motorsports series, features freelance writer Preston Lerner discussing the impact of television on motorsport from 1964 to 1973. Drawing from Lerner's upcoming book 'The Deadliest Decade,' the talk highlights how early television broadcasts, notably ABC's Wide World of Sports, began covering automobile racing, significantly expanding its reach and attracting commercial sponsors. The presentation touches on key events and figures that shaped this era, the mixed reception from enthusiasts, and the controversial focus on accidents. It also notes the gradual improvements in safety prompted by these broadcasts. Lerner concludes by reflecting on the dual-edged nature of television's influence, emphasizing how it both popularized and commercialized the sport while inadvertently spotlighting its dangers. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Meet Preston Lerner 00:54 Television's Early Days in Motorsports 03:32 ABC's Struggle and Strategy 05:35 The Rise of Wide World of Sports 09:01 Controversial Coverage and Safety Issues 17:10 The Impact of Television on Racing 21:29 Q&A and Closing Remarks ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.