SPEED Signs Roberts, Venturini, Dillner

06-22-2006 | TruckSeries.com Report

Chris Long, SPEED VP of Studio Production, today announced SPEED has signed popular NASCAR RaceDay host John Roberts through 2009.

"John is the quarterback for two of our most popular NASCAR shows, and has shown a versatility that puts him among the best in the business," Long said. "We're thrilled that he will be a key part of the SPEED team for years to come."

"I'm extremely proud of what we've accomplished this year with NASCAR RaceDay," Roberts said. "I couldn't work with a better group of people and I couldn't be happier with the fact that SPEED wants me around for a few more years."

In related moves, SPEED re-signed veteran motor sports reporters Bob Dillner and Wendy Venturini to two-year deals.

"Bob and Wendy are all well-liked in the NASCAR garage area, giving SPEED the ability to deliver unparalleled access and storytelling ability to several of its programs," Long said. "Wendy will continue her 'Real Deal' interviews and garage reporting for NASCAR RaceDay and Bob will serve SPEED in a variety of roles."

"I'm honored to re-sign with NASCAR Raceday," Venturini said. "It's a humbling opportunity to work with our production and on-air team -- they are the best. You will not find a more loyal and grounded group than I work with at NRD. I'm committed to this network because I believe in their abilities to gather the best resources and present it to the fans in a variety of ways. SPEED makes waves in the garage area with our strong presence, I'm just glad they want me to be a part of the team. I have the best job!"

"SPEED is on the cutting edge of motor sports television … that's why I want to continue to be a part of it," Dillner said. "I'm excited about re-signing for a bunch of reasons, but that one is the most important. SPEED has been part of my family for five years now and we have built a great reputation in the NASCAR garage area. With our team of producers, we are always 'in the know' with what's happening in the world of NASCAR. You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with and I feel we have some of the best in the business. I am looking forward to hitting the garage area and being involved with a variety of shows on SPEED."

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 more than 71 million homes in North America, SPEED is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country, the home to NASCAR TV and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services.