FRESH FACES AMONG SUPERCARS BROADCAST TEAM

Fresh faces among Supercars broadcast team – Images: InSyde Media

The team presenting this year’s Supercars action on Network Seven and Fox Sports has been confirmed.

By HEATH McALPINE

A mixture of established names and new faces will feature in the Supercars broadcast this season, the first of a new five-year deal with Network Seven and Fox Sports.

The familiar commentary duo of Neil Crompton and Mark Skaife will continue to call each Supercars race this season covering 12-rounds. Although, it is expected new signing Garth Tander will also be in the commentary box for selected events.

Tander will take over from Kiwi Greg Murphy in pit lane and provide special comments in Super2, while fellow Bathurst winner Craig Lowndes continues the role he fulfilled in 2020.

Fox Sports presenter Jess Yates will again handle hosting duties alongside Network Seven’s Mark Beretta and at selected rounds Abbey Gelmi will join the Sunrise Sports presenter for when the free-to-air channel is live.

The heavily pregnant Yates is expected to miss the Tasmanian due to the birth.

Continuing his role as lead commentator for the support categories is Chad Neylon, who will also be in pit lane for non-simulcast broadcasts on Fox Sports. Molly Taylor will fulfil this role for Seven pending her Extreme E commitments but is confirmed to feature at Bathurst’s opening round.

As predicted by AUTO ACTION, Charli Robinson will join the team as a pit reporter and colour presenter. Network Seven adds Jack Perkins and ex-test cricketer Brad Hodge to its roster to present colour features during the telecast.

Supercars head of television Nathan Prendergast was excited to reveal this season’s line-up.

“It is a pleasure to announce our new-look commentary team in conjunction with Foxtel and the Seven Network as we prepare for one of the most anticipated championships in recent times,” said Prendergast.

“The credentials of our commentary team are unrivalled, from some of the greatest drivers to have ever driven a Supercar, to Australia’s most respected and experienced commentators and presenters.

“We’re excited to integrate new talent who, alongside our experienced team, will continue to provide fans in Australia and around the world with exceptional coverage of the world’s most exciting touring car series.”

Managing director Seven Melbourne and head of network sport, Lewis Martin was delighted to welcome back motor sport to the Seven roster.

“We’re counting down the days until the world’s greatest touring car championship returns to where it belongs, on Seven and 7plus.

“We are rapt to bring all Australians the passion, intensity, chaos and sheer excitement of V8 racing, with a fresh new commentary team that will give our new era of motorsport coverage a dynamic edge.

“There’s no better way to get things started than at Bathurst, the spiritual home of Australian motorsport.”

Visually, the broadcast will be different as the graphics package has been upgraded and will debut at the Bathurst 500 on February 26-28.

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