Normally, the offseason is a pretty quiet time of the year TV-wise. Not much happens as everyone relaxes with the holidays before prepping for another long season.
Not so much this year.
Because in regards to FOX’s NASCAR coverage in 2023, you’re going to see at least one big change: the disappearance of Vince Welch.
Today brings me to end of 2022 & my run at FOX. Will greatly miss seeing those in the NASCAR garage…so many smart, selfless, hardworking people I respect. Network TV world is unique space; blessed to spend 20+ yrs in it. Now onward. No bitterness. God is good. All the best to u.
— Vince Welch (@vincewelch) December 31, 2022
Yes, Welch appears to be out at FOX Sports after eight years. He originally came to FOX Sports after spending a little over 12 years with ESPN, first with its NTT IndyCar Series coverage, then moving to NASCAR coverage starting in 2007 when it returned to the network.
In addition to covering NASCAR for FOX Sports, Welch also served as a play-by-play commentator for college basketball.
In some industries, personalities can pick back up where they left off with relative ease. But Welch doesn’t have that many options that would allow him to stay in motorsports. That said, being able to call multiple sports will mean that this move will not likely be the end of his career. He might end up with a lower-profile job for a while, perhaps calling college basketball games that show up on channels like SportsNet New York like Allen Bestwick does from time to time.
For now, Welch can spend some time with Bestwick, like he did earlier this week.
Great to break bread with my pal AB tonight. He is one good dude. Blessed by his friendship. pic.twitter.com/LZkR61cBhz
— Vince Welch (@vincewelch) January 3, 2023
Naturally, Welch’s departure from FOX Sports brings change for all three of NASCAR’s national series broadcasts. For example, Welch was a regular pit reporter on NASCAR Cup Series broadcasts. The likely result of this move is that Josh Sims will be called up to work on Cup broadcasts for the first time.
If there is anyone in NASCAR broadcasting that was helped by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is Sims. Before, he was doing sports for WJZY (FOX 46) in Charlotte and was really not that known in the sport. Then, WJZY teamed with WGHP FOX 8 (FOX’s Greensboro, N.C., affiliate) to do a couple of locally produced TV shows at Darlington Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Both stations are owned by Nexstar Media…
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