The incredible ‘controlled chaos’ that goes into FOX Sports’ Indycar broadcasts

As you know, I am a longtime fan of open-wheel racing. I’ve watched every Formula 1 race since 1985 and probably every Indycar, Champcar and and Indy 500 race since that time as well. 

I follow motorsports intensely and one of my favorite sources of information is the Trackside podcast hosted by Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin. The podcast is typically weekly year-round, but ramps up to a daily schedule in May around the two Indycar races in Indianapolis. 

In addition, Lee, a terrific longtime Indycar and IMSA pit reporter and announcer, has launched a sister weekly podcast, Trackside Extra With Kevin Lee. 

The eighth and most recent episode is the most illuminating because it takes a deep behind-the-scenes dive into the FOX Sports production of its race broadcasts. In this episode, Indycar on FOX director Mitch Riggin describes the dozens of voices in his ears during race broadcasts, the 100-plus cameras in use for this year’s Indy 500 that he’ll have at his disposal, and why the world’s biggest motorsports spectacle is so special, both as a broadcaster and a fan. 

In my college years, I interned at KSEE 24 in Fresno, and spend many nights in the production room, marveling at how the director and his/her team navigated an evolving 30-minute newscast, juggling cameras, taped pieces and network feeds, and breaks to commercials. During that internship, I thought directing might be something I’d pursue as a career. I loved the manic, but controlled pace, and felt behind-the-scenes work would better fit my — at the time — introverted personality.