In a development that is still breaking, it’s been learned that Bill Weber, TNT’s main NASCAR play-by-play voice will not be part of the network’s last two races. He was suspended last Friday for an unspecified incident at his hotel before the NASCAR event at Loudon, NH. Ralph Sheheen, a veteran of NASCAR on TV took his place and apparently did a professional job in his place. In addition, there was no mention as to why Weber was not on the broadcast.
There was speculation that the suspension would last through TNT’s last two races and the Daly Planet has confirmed that Sheheen will call the last two races through a statement from Turner Sports.
Still no word on what transpired at the hotel, but apparently it was serious enough for TNT to jettison Weber for the rest of its NASCAR package this year. Whether he returns for the 2010 season is anyone’s guess.
UPDATE, 11:15 a.m.: Here is TNT’s official statement on Weber.
TURNER SPORTS STATEMENT: Bill Weber
Bill Weber will not be part of TNT’s NASCAR coverage of the Cup Series for the network’s last two races. Ralph Sheheen will handle play-by-play duties for The Coke Zero 400 in Daytona and the LifeLock.com 400 from Chicagoland. Sheheen will be calling the races alongside analysts Kyle Petty and Wally Dallenbach in the booth.
No comment from TNT on whether Weber will return for 2010.
