Fox Sports said that it will bring back the same booth to call Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races in '18 (Adam Stern, Staff Writer). Meanwhile, in Boston, Chad Finn writes he is "already convinced" that Dale Earnhardt Jr. joining NBC is "going to work." It is a "stroke of genius," as Earnhardt is a "candid and charismatic personality who made an impression during his guest appearances on NBC." It "won't feel like a job for viewers to listen to him" (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/28).
COUNTRY FIRST: In Charlotte, Rick Bonnell notes ESPN's Marty Smith will host "Marty Smith's America," debuting Aug. 2 at 7:00pm ET on ESPN2. The first episode will "include interviews/profiles focused on" Panthers QB Cam Newton and Real Madrid F Cristiano Ronaldo. Smith is also "doing pieces for the debut show" on USC QB Sam Darnold and LRMR Management Founder Maverick Carter (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 7/28).
THREE'S COMPANY: In Cleveland, Joey Morona notes both of ESPN's NFL pregame shows, "Sunday NFL Countdown" on ESPN and "Fantasy Football Now" on ESPN2, are being "expanded to three hours." They will start an hour "earlier than previous seasons," airing from 10:00am-1:00pm ET (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 7/28).
