HDNet and NASCAR announced today the schedule for the second season of NASCAR's high-definition television package on HDNet.  This year, HDNet will feature 20 live telecasts from the NASCAR Grand National Division, a tier of NASCAR's regional racing series which includes the Busch North Series and West Series.

"NASCAR Grand National Division on HDNet" coverage began Jan. 30 from Phoenix International Raceway, and continues Saturday, April 9, with a West Series race, the Lucas Oil 150 at Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, CA.  The first Busch North Series race on HDNet will be at Thompson International Speedway on Sunday, June 12.  HDNet's coverage will also feature select races from NASCAR's AutoZone Elite Division.

"We are really excited to continue our relationship with NASCAR," said Mark Cuban, co-founder and president of HDNet.  "HDNet viewers are committed NASCAR fans and we are excited to provide them race action like they have never seen it before."

"We are thrilled to be entering into our second season with HDNet and their spectacular high-definition production of NASCAR," said Jeffrey Pollack, Managing Director, Broadcasting and New Media, NASCAR Digital Entertainment. "With twenty live races scheduled for broadcast, fans will be able to enjoy a front row seat for more action than ever before and the entire series will benefit from increased exposure on this cutting-edge channel."

The HDNet broadcast team of Pat Patterson, Mike Hogewood and Kandace Krueger will return to host the programs, which will be produced and telecast in 1080i HDTV.

SPEED Channel will also re-air each of the HDNet-produced NASCAR Grand National Division races in standard definition.

About the NASCAR Grand National Division

The NASCAR Grand National Division includes two independent NASCAR series - the BNS and the West Series - competing with identical race cars. NASCAR Grand National Division cars are similar in appearance and design to those cars used on the NASCAR Busch Series. The cars are powered by 350 to 358 cubic-inch V-8 engines with a maximum compression ratio of 12:1. Both 105- and 110-inch wheelbase cars are allowed, with a minimum weight of 3,300 pounds. They are equipped with Goodyear bias-ply tires. The West Series enters its 52nd season in 2005, making it the West Coast's oldest stock car racing circuit, while the BNS enters its 19th year of racing this season.

Notable NASCAR Grand National Division "graduates" include 2004 NASCAR Busch Series champion Martin Truex Jr. (BNS), NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers Ricky Craven (BNS) and Brendan Gaughan (West Series), NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick (West Series) as well as crew chiefs Greg Zipadelli (No. 20 Home Depot Chevrolet) and Pete Rondeau (No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet).