ESPN to air 14 races this season and ABC gets 3

ESPN to shift bulk of Cup races from ABC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — ESPN is shifting the bulk of its Chase for the Sprint Cup championship coverage to its cable network this season, taking 14 of the 17 NASCAR races it shares with partner ABC.

ESPN executive vice president John Skipper says the decision is based on the cable network’s higher ratings.

ESPN has aired six races a year the past three seasons, while ABC has had 11 each year.

ESPN’s portion of the NASCAR schedule will begin with the July 25 race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. ABC will air Saturday night races at Bristol, Richmond and Charlotte.

ESPN and ABC are units of The Walt Disney Co.