Renowned Broadcaster Jamie Little Makes Triumphant Return to INDYCAR
Jamie Little, a familiar face to motorsports enthusiasts through her work with FOX’s NASCAR Cup Series coverage, is set to expand her horizons this year. Little will be gracing screens across a more extensive range of FOX’s motorsports programming, showcasing her talent and expertise in a variety of roles.
This Sunday, Little will step into the role of pit reporter for FOX’s live coverage of the first INDYCAR race of the season, set amidst the vibrant streets of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. Simultaneously, she will take on the mantle of play-by-play announcer for FOX’s coverage of the entire Truck series season.
For Little, this return to INDYCAR racing marks a significant homecoming. Previously, she served as the pit reporter for ESPN and ABC’s coverage of the open-wheel series from 2004 to 2014. Little’s last INDYCAR race dates back to the 2014 Indianapolis 500, making her comeback all the more compelling. She will be stepping in for Georgia Henneberry, who is on maternity leave and will miss the initial races of the season.
Adding to her already packed schedule, Little will also be a part of FOX’s broadcast team for the iconic Indianapolis 500 on May 25. Expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming race, Little shared her hopes that NASCAR fans will also tune in, as the INDYCAR event precedes the NASCAR Cup Series road race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
In a bid to bridge the gap between the worlds of INDYCAR and NASCAR, Little has planned a special feature on Kyle Larson. Larson is gearing up once again to attempt the grueling doubleheader of the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Last year, adverse weather conditions thwarted Larson’s plans, but he remains determined to conquer this unique challenge.
This season, FOX will make history by broadcasting an entire motorsports series on network television. Little is thrilled about this development, emphasizing the incredible exposure this move will bring to the sport. With top drivers like Josef Newgarden, Alex Palou, and Pato O’Ward featured in promotional ads aired during the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl LIX, there is palpable excitement surrounding the upcoming season.
A significant change for Little this year is her expanded role in the NASCAR Truck Series. While she previously covered select truck races, Little will now provide play-by-play commentary for the entire season. This shift comes following a conversation with Leigh Diffey, who encouraged Little to explore play-by-play broadcasting in light of the growing number of women taking on such roles in the industry.
Reflecting on her journey into play-by-play announcing, Little acknowledges the initial doubts and uncertainties she faced. However, with each race, she has grown more comfortable in her role, adapting to the demands of being a traffic control officer while weaving compelling narratives that captivate audiences.
As Little gears up for Sunday’s INDYCAR race, she finds herself amidst a whirlwind of activity. From reporting on the Westminster Dog Show to covering multiple Truck races, the ARCA series, and the Daytona 500, Little’s schedule is packed to the brim. Amidst this chaos, she remains focused and determined to deliver top-notch coverage for motorsports fans across the country.
And as the motorsports season kicks into high gear, viewers can expect nothing short of a thrilling ride as Jamie Little takes the wheel, guiding them through the exhilarating world of INDYCAR and NASCAR with finesse and expertise.
Stay tuned for more updates and exciting moments in the world of motorsports.