Marty Smith, a veteran journalist who spent nearly two decades at ESPN, is set to reprise his early passion for NASCAR by front‑hosting a five‑race Cup Series slate on TNT Sports. The arrangement marks a homecoming for Smith, who first made his name as the network’s lead NASCAR reporter from 2007 to 2014.
The new role is not an isolated experiment but part of a larger licensing agreement between ESPN and Turner that was struck in 2024. That deal, originally forged to extend the networks’ collaboration on NBA coverage, now expands to include a dedicated NASCAR schedule on TNT, illustrating a strategic deepening of the partnership.
A New Chapter in a Growing Partnership
Smith will continue to anchor ESPN’s College GameDay, report from major golf tournaments, and host the popular SEC Network program Marty & McGee. His presence across these properties ensures that his voice remains a staple for viewers who follow a wide range of sports, even as he steps into the NASCAR booth.
The first race of the TNT slate is scheduled for June 28 at Sonoma Raceway in California. The event will mark TNT’s return to the sport after a hiatus and will give fans a fresh perspective from a reporter who once called the series his own.
Shannon Spake, who handled TNT’s NASCAR coverage last year, will step aside as Smith takes the reins. The transition underscores the shifting editorial strategy that reflects the evolving dynamics between the two media giants and the growing importance of cross‑network talent sharing.