NASCAR Suspends Use Of Overhead Cable Cams for TV

Which is completely understandable after what went down at Charlotte...
((HT: FOX Sports/NASCAR))


So, with the four-letter starting their NASCAR coverage next weekend- for the doo-ration... NASCAR has "consulted" with their broadcast partners and are telling them all (until further notice) that there will be no cable cam on a track until further notice...

Press releases...
Demonstrate...

"We have an excellent working relationship with NASCAR and totally understand their position," said Rich Feinberg, ESPN's vice president of motorsports production. "We look forward to beginning our NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule at Indianapolis and televising 17 great weeks of racing."

As if ESPN would say something else because of this...
((HT: Jeremy Lowder))


"The safety of our competitors and our fans remains NASCAR's number one priority," NASCAR's statement said. "And until total evaluation and analysis have been completed, usage of this particular technology enhancement and any similar enhancements has been suspended."

To be honest, the cable cam hasn't been missed all that much the past few weeks...
Just expect more ground-level angles for the balance of the season...

And Here's The Cable In Charlotte Failing Up Close...

((HT: Jeremy Lowder/WBTV))

Fox Networks is still trying to figure out what went down in Charlotte at the 600-miler over the weekend...

Here's a close-up view from two perspectives...


And then there's this one with a one-on-one with the dad of the guy who shot it...
WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC

Fox is saying that they will not use the overhead view until they figure out what went wrong and have profusely apologized...

Here's their statement after it happened:

Everyone at FOX Sports is relieved and thankful to know that the injuries to fans caused when CAMCAT malfunctioned at Charlotte Motor Speedway were minor, and those who received hospital treatment were released last night. As stated previously, we regret that the race was affected, and we apologize to the racers whose cars were damaged, to everyone at CMS, NASCAR, and NASCAR fans, especially those who were hurt. At this time, we still do not have a cause for what happened, but a full investigation is underway, and use of the camera is suspended indefinitely.

The rope is made of Dyneema, an ultra-strong synthetic that has the same approximate strength of a steel wire with the same diameter, and is less than a year old. According to the company, it had been factory-tested by the manufacturer and its breaking strength is certified before shipment. It was also inspected by CAMCAT upon receipt last June. The rope was certified to have a breaking strength of over 9,300 pounds. The force exerted during last night's race was less than 900 pounds.

FOX Sports is reviewing with CAMCAT equipment maintenance records, history and installation information and will share those findings with NASCAR and CMS.