Kestrel Communications guns the engine and puts it into overdrive this spring as SPEED Channel contracts the firm to produce a new reality series based in the NASCAR Busch Series in 2004. With the working title NBS 24-7, the show debuted in mid-February and will continue for 40-plus weeks. The show (a kind of Survivor at 200 mph, if you will) offers race fans an inside look at the personalities of the Busch Series participants, as well as at success and failure on the circuit.

Kestrel's Ned Simon developed the "reality on the racetrack" concept with former Busch driver Patty Moise. "There has been a lot of talk about NASCAR reality shows, but the key has always been the access," said SPEED Channel President Jim Liberatore. "With full garage access and the ability to incorporate actual race footage, we'll bring SPEED viewers closer to their sport than ever before, in ways that have never been possible before."