The motor sport world is still buzzing in the aftermath of the 2011 Bathurst 1000 – and for the first time ever, the race was broadcast live and in full to the United States in Saturday night prime time.
So, how did the race look to the US audience? Here’s the start and first two laps as shown on Speed – complete with a traditional “boogity boogity boogity” from Darrell Waltrip:
And how did it look in comparison to our domestic coverage on the Seven Network? Here’s a comparison between the coverage of the most dramatic incident in the race – (David Besnard’s massive crash and fire) – between Seven and Speed:
One of the main differences – (apart from different commentary, of course) – is the lack of the race management radio channel in the audio of the US version.
Judging by the response from US viewers on Twitter during the race, many of them are now hooked on the series, and waiting for the next event from the Gold Coast in two weeks.
Of course, in 2013 there will be a V8 Supercar event at the new Circuit of the Americas at Austin, Texas.
After yesterday’s astounding finish, I think we’ve just guaranteed them a big crowd!