Jamie Little: A Multifaceted Force in Motorsports
Motorsports enthusiasts might primarily associate Jamie Little with FOX’s coverage of NASCAR’s Cup Series, but her role is expanding significantly this year. Little will be one of the pit reporters for FOX’s first INDYCAR race, taking place on the streets of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. Moreover, she will take on the role of play-by-play announcer for the entire season of the Truck series, a new and challenging responsibility that marks a significant milestone in her career.
A Homecoming for Little
The INDYCAR assignment holds a special place in Little’s heart, as it represents a homecoming. From 2004 to 2014, she served as the pit reporter for ESPN and ABC’s coverage of the open-wheel series, with her last INDYCAR race being the 2014 Indianapolis 500. This time, she is stepping in for Georgia Henneberry, who is on maternity leave. For Little, the return to INDYCAR is both an exciting challenge and a nostalgic journey. She will also be a part of FOX’s coverage of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25, further solidifying her position as a versatile and respected figure in motorsports.
Bridging Two Worlds
One of Little’s key roles is to bridge the gap between INDYCAR and NASCAR. The IndyCar race at St. Petersburg precedes the NASCAR Cup Series road race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Little is tasked with cross-promoting both events, ensuring that NASCAR fans are aware of and interested in the INDYCAR race. She is particularly excited about a feature on Kyle Larson, which will air on both shows. Larson aims to attempt the challenging feat of racing in both the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, a goal that was thwarted by rain last year.
Growing the Sport Through Broadcast
The move to FOX marks a significant moment for INDYCAR, as it is the first time an entire motorsports series will be broadcast on a major network. FOX aired ads featuring top drivers Josef Newgarden, Alex Palou, and Pato O’Ward during the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl LIX. Little believes that this exposure is crucial for growing the sport and increasing viewership. She underscores the importance of having INDYCAR featured on a network where people are likely to stumble upon it, such as while watching a Sunday brunch or a football game. The promotion and visibility have already generated excitement within the motorsports community.
A New Challenge: Play-by-Play Announcer
In addition to her pit reporting duties, Little will call the entire NASCAR Truck series schedule this year. She has called select truck races over the past three seasons but will now have the entire year’s schedule. This role makes her the first woman to do TV play-by-play for a U.S. national racing series broadcast, a milestone she achieved in 2021 with the ARCA Menards Series. The idea of becoming a play-by-play announcer was initially daunting, but encouragement from colleagues, including Leigh Diffey, who does NASCAR races for NBC, gave her the push she needed. Little has embraced the challenge, recognizing it as an opportunity to test her skills and step out of her comfort zone.
Balancing a Busy Schedule
Little’s schedule is a testament to her versatility and dedication. Since early February, she has been a reporter for the Westminster Dog Show, called two Truck races and one ARCA race, served as a pit reporter for the first two Cup series races, and even interviewed President Donald Trump before the Daytona 500. Her role in the INDYCAR race in St. Petersburg is part of a busy and exciting stretch that highlights her ability to handle multiple responsibilities with grace and professionalism. As she continues to expand her portfolio, Jamie Little is proving to be a multifaceted force in the world of motorsports, bridging different racing disciplines and captivating audiences with her dynamic presence and insightful commentary.
