Brian Vickers Back with SPEED’s ‘Inside NEXTEL Cup’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Jan. 31, 2006) – Dave Despain will once again climb into the host’s chair for SPEED’s popular Monday night program “Inside Nextel Cup,” beginning Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. ET. Joining Despain for 20 episodes in 2006 will be Hendrick Motorsports driver Brian Vickers. Veterans Kenny Schrader and Michael Waltrip will appear with the 22-year-old Vickers as regulars on the long-running show. “I think 2006 should be exciting for everyone -- especially the fans of Inside Nextel Cup,” said Vickers, the youngest national series champion in NASCAR history. “Kenny (Schrader) and Michael (Waltrip) are driving for new teams, the GMAC Racing team and I are ready and we’re all optimistic about a new season. “I’ve gained some valuable experience working with them and Dave (Despain) on the set, so hopefully I’ll pass the SPEED rookie stripe to someone else and we’ll bring viewers even more insight and entertainment. I appreciate the opportunity they’ve presented by welcoming me back to the program.” “It took a lot of courage for Brian to step onto a show that had changed for the first time in 10 years last year,” said Chris Long, vice president of studio production for SPEED. “We made some aggressive changes to a fan favorite SPEED show midway through the year and Brian did a great job blending in with the team. “We’re thrilled to have him back for 20 shows in 2006.” SPEED, celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2006, is the nation's first and foremost cable network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in nearly 70 million homes in North America, SPEED is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on-demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services.