Special Events Television Network
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Special Events Television Network (SETN) is the name of a defunct syndicated television package that broadcast tape delayed NASCAR races from 1984 to 1988. SETN aired races (typically from Martinsville and Pocono as well as from Rockingham, Charlotte, Richmond and Daytona for good measure) that didn't have live television deals at the time. The broadcasts were aired on tape delay because certain promoters still feared that live telecasts would hurt their gate. SETN also sold VHS videos of some races it carried, with additional footage not seen on TV. In addition to its stock car racing, the network produced twelve telecasts of International Hot Rod Association events.[1]
SETN was headed by Jim Wiglesworth (father of Survivor: Borneo runner up Kelly Wiglesworth) out of Greensboro, North Carolina. SETN was underfunded, and since profits were slim, so were rights fees. Ultimately, the growing popularity of racing on ESPN as well as the overall lack of cash flow drove them out of the business. SETN ceased operations in June 1988; the first Pocono race that year was seen on the Financial News Network's Score weekend sports service,[2] and Martinsville, the last holdout against live television rights, signed an ESPN deal for its fall race.[3]
After SETN folded, one Pocono race a year was produced by Jim Wiglesworth on pay-per-view for Viewer's Choice (now In Demand) from 1988 to 1990. They were not a huge success, as fans were reluctant to pay for what they could see last week for free. The Viewer's Choice shows were noteworthy in that they premiered viewer phone-in questions during the races.
Commentators[edit]
Lap-by-lap[edit]
Color commentary[edit]
Pit road[edit]
- Bob Heiss
- Pat Patterson
Stations[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Peltz, James F. (March 13, 1988). "Racing on TV Isn't a Drag Anymore, Thanks to Woodland Hills Firm". Los Angeles Times. p. 10. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
- ^ Higgins, Tom (June 18, 1988). "Kulwicki Takes Pocono Pole With Record Effort". Charlotte Observer. pp. 1B, 5B. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
- ^ Higgins, Tom (August 10, 1988). "Record Prize, New Deal Highlight Race At Charlotte". Charlotte Observer. p. 1B, 3B. Retrieved September 24, 2020.