ESPN Cuts Back Raceway Series

The ESPN cable network will reduce the number of live telecasts of the U.S. Auto Club’s Midgets series from Ventura Raceway from five nights to one this year because of its contract with the National Hockey League to cover the playoffs.

The past two years, ESPN kicked off its popular “Saturday Night Thunder” series with live broadcasts from Ventura on five successive Saturdays beginning in April. This year’s telecast is scheduled for 9 p.m. May 8.

ESPN spokesman Dave Nagle said the Ventura telecasts had earned good ratings but that the network was committed to its coverage of the NHL playoffs.

“We are in our first year of a contract with the NHL and we agreed to intensive coverage of the playoffs,” Nagle said. “We could have up to 30 playoff games in 40 nights in prime time and it cut back on the ‘Saturday Night Thunder’ broadcasts.”

USAC will open its season for Midgets and three-quarter Midgets at Ventura on April 10. Ventura also will play host to the series the following four Saturdays.