Last week, an era came to an end.
On Tuesday, June 11, NASCAR Race Hub‘s almost 15-year run concluded with a 90-minute special on FOX Sports 1, where staples of the show from back in the day and now came together for a sendoff.
This week, I look at what made the show unique and a staple of our days or weeks, why it mattered and some of its best aspects and the overall move to streaming and how that’s impacting things.
I’ll start with the personal since everyone has a story of their own: Race Hub was a huge part of my weekly viewings in my late high school / early college years in particular. I can pinpoint, especially, the summer of 2016 after graduation from Patrick Henry High School and prior to attending VCU.
That was the summer of William Byron‘s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series dominance and when Chris Buescher had his fog-shortened win at Pocono Raceway. I vividly remember watching Race Hub quite a bit during that stretch, as well as Speak for Yourself with Colin Cowherd and pre-off-the-rails Jason Whitlock.
Race Hub at 5 p.m. SFY at 6 p.m. Two hours of legitimately phenomenal programming on FS1.
Down to business. First, I’ll put on my Frontstretch‘s Phil Allaway hat here for a second and critique the special. The finale was excellently done. We start with frames of Jimmy Spencer in a clown wig, Jimmie Johnson’s pasty-white legs, Larry McReynolds holding a lobster and more.
I hugely appreciate the entire roster’s ability to commit to the bit (as someone who tries to do that too). Whether it was emulating wrestlers, doing the “chubby bunny” challenge year in and year out or otherwise, they always went all-in.
I also loved all the panels, from longtime hosts Adam Alexander, Shannon Spake, Danielle Trotta and others sitting down with drivers, crew chiefs, personalities and more. The tribute to Steve Byrnes — presented by son Bryson, no less — was excellent.
I also loved Kurt Busch being the centerpiece for the “Radioactive” highlights. That was the best part of the show, no matter the era or year. We got to hear the drivers we watch week in and week out lose their minds over the smallest (or biggest) things on the track, curse out other competitors and crack jokes.
My personal favorite “Radioactive” is still the 2014 Coca-Cola 600. We got two absolute gems, among others:
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