The AP's Mark Long noted NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer is "taking a huge step in front of the lens" this season, "signing on to help call nine NASCAR Xfinity Series races for Fox Sports." Driver Kevin Harvick previously held the role. Bowyer's position "could serve as a launching pad for life after racing." He signed a one-year extension with Stewart-Haas Racing last year, and he "could be one of the next NASCAR regulars to exit stage left over the last five seasons." Bowyer provided a "glimpse into his always-on, sometimes over-the-top personality" during Fox' Daytona 500 production day (AP, 2/15).
HELP WANTED: In Philadelphia, Rob Tornoe noted FS1 is "finally looking to land a permanent replacement" for analyst Cris Carter on the net's morning show, "First Things First." Carter left the net last November, and it "remains unclear what caused the sudden departure." Sources said that the net is "leaning toward" Kevin Wildes, formerly of Relevent Sports Group and ESPN. Fox Sports also is "exploring the possibility of adding a fourth host alongside Nick Wright and Jenna Wolfe." But sources added that the net is in the "very early stages of considering talent and are not close to making a final decision" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 2/14).
NEW PERSPECTIVE: Former Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. is "on the verge of accepting a job as a studio analyst with NBC Sports Philadelphia," according to team sources. The job "would likely entail him working as a pregame and postgame analyst." Amaro served as Phillies GM from '09-15 before being fired by President Andy MacPhail (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 2/17).
