Before the conclusion of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, NBC confirmed that Rick Allen would step down from his role as the lead announcer for the Cup Series races on NBC and USA Network, with Leigh Diffey taking over the position. This change is a significant development within the NASCAR Cup Series broadcast changes, marking the end of Allen’s decade-long tenure.
The shift in announcers is widely believed to be connected to IndyCar’s new broadcast agreement with Fox. Diffey, an Australian announcer who had been the lead voice for NBC’s IndyCar coverage since 2013, was retained to avoid losing him to Fox as they took over IndyCar’s broadcast rights. Subsequently, Fox appointed Will Buxton as its lead IndyCar announcer, joining former NBC analysts James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell who transitioned to Fox.
With this proactive move, NBC installed Diffey as the new lead announcer for NASCAR Cup Series races starting with the late August event at Daytona International Speedway. Meanwhile, Allen continued to call Xfinity Series races through the 2024 season before fully stepping away from NBC’s broadcasts.
Rick Allen’s Departure Marks End of an Era at NBC
Rick Allen had been NBC’s primary lap-by-lap announcer for NASCAR Cup Series races since 2015. However, with Leigh Diffey’s promotion, Allen did not have a broadcast role beyond 2024. Given Allen’s long-standing association with NBC and NASCAR, this exit surprised many fans and insiders alike.
As part of NASCAR’s new seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights agreement, all Xfinity Series races shifted to the CW Network, where Adam Alexander, a former Fox announcer, was named the lead voice. Alexander also leads broadcasts on Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports for their respective five-race packages. These broadcasts feature Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Steve Letarte, two former NBC colleagues of Allen, joining as analysts.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. left NBC on his own accord after 2023 and took a break during 2024. Steve Letarte remains an analyst on NBC, working alongside Diffey and Jeff Burton, continuing the three-person booth structure established during last year’s NASCAR Cup Series finale at Phoenix Raceway.
Fan Reactions and Future Prospects After Allen’s Exit
Allen recently expressed how deeply disappointing his departure from NBC was. With Fox’s broadcast team encountering difficulties, especially at the Truck Series level earlier this year, many NASCAR fans have urged the network to consider bringing Allen back for the 2026 season. Despite the public interest, no formal move has been announced.
Starting with the Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway on Sunday, August 3, 2024, it will be the first time since Allen’s tenure that he will not lead the transition from other networks to NBC’s portion of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. This event will air live on the USA Network at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Significance of the Broadcast Changes for NASCAR’s Audience
These announcer changes reflect the broader shifting landscape of NASCAR’s media partnerships and on-air talent. Retaining Diffey ensures continuity in NBC’s broadcast quality, while Allen’s departure leaves a notable void for longtime viewers who followed his commentary since 2015. The adjustment in broadcast teams across multiple networks—including CW, Amazon Prime Video, and TNT Sports—emphasizes the fragmented nature of NASCAR’s coverage moving forward.
As the 2024 season progresses, fans and analysts will watch closely to see how these changes impact the viewing experience. Meanwhile, Allen’s future involvement in NASCAR broadcasting remains an open question, particularly as fans hope for his eventual return to the booth in coming seasons.