NASHVILLE, TN (August 2) In an effort to increase the ratings of its auto racing programming, TNN: The National Network has decided to tape-delay its five remaining Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series races in 2001.

"We at TNN are concerned about the ratings of our Saturday night telecasts," TNN Director of Motorsports Mark Kuchan said Thursday. "While televising the races live in those time periods is good, we have found the fans who want to watch World of Outlaws races usually aren't at home. With the available audience down for live races on Friday and Saturday nights, we're going to move the races to a different time period to see if we can boost our ratings."

The three-hour Amoco Ultimate Knoxville Nationals telecast will begin at 2 p.m. (Eastern and Pacific Time) Sunday, August 12th. TNN's two-hour telecast of the Texas Showdown from Texas Motor Speedway will start at noon (Eastern and Pacific Time) September 16th. TNN will telecast the race from Nebraska Raceway Park in Greenwood, NE, starting at noon (Eastern and Pacific Time) September 23rd. The Outlaws Championship from Lowe's Motor Speedway will be telecast between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. (Eastern and Pacific Time) October 7th. The two-hour telecast of the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series season finale from Las Vegas Motor Speedway will start at 3 p.m. (Eastern and Pacific Time) November 4th.

Kuchan also said TNN is looking forward to televising Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series races in 2002. "We're looking to make some changes in our programming for next year. We have budgeted for World of Outlaws telecasts next year."

TNN: The National Network formed a joint venture with the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series in July of 1996. Per the agreement, TNN is responsible for marketing and promotion of Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series events and oversees the media rights for the series. TNN is televising 18 Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series races in 2001.

Eli Gold and former Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series racer Brad Doty host TNN's sprint car racing telecasts. Bobby Gerould and Dave Argabright cover the action in the pit area.