NASCAR: Five Racing Shows Today’s Fans Missed Out On

Saturday Night Thunder

Something that race fans today are sorely missing out one is variety. Throughout the 80s and early 90s, ESPN broadcasted motorsports of all types. Perhaps the most beloved and missed is Saturday Night Thunder.

Saturday Night Thunder also aired on Thursday nights and featured drivers from the USAC sprint and midget divisions. The most notable of those to rise from the ranks into superstardom was Jeff Gordon who gained national fame through Thunder airings. Kenny Irwin, Jr. and Mike Bliss were also among the big names whose careers took off thanks in part to Thunder airing on ESPN during the summers.

What made Thunder so important and so exciting was the variety of drivers and tracks the series featured. Races were held at numerous paved and dirt tracks, most notably Winchester Speedway, Indianapolis Raceway Park, Anderson Speedway and Eldora Speedway.

Thunder began to lose its steam when it was moved to ESPN 2 in the late 90s and it sadly faded away. While the series is only a memory now, the powerful memories it left still live on with fans who were fortunate enough to tune in to Thursday/Saturday Night Thunder.

Next: American Sports Cavalcade