Memorial Day weekend has long been synonymous with motorsports tradition. Two crown-jewel races in their respective series, the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600, have enticed many to attempt the 1,100 mile marathon known as the double. John Andretti, Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon and Kurt Busch have all done it, but not like this.
Doug Rice, president of the Performance Racing Network, is set to become the first broadcaster to complete the double, covering the Indy 500 from pit road at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the IMS Radio Network and co-anchoring the Coca-Cola 600 for the Performance Racing Network from Charlotte Motor Speedway that same evening.
With logistical support from Shell Oil Company, Rice will be able to attempt what no other broadcaster in the history of the two major events has done.
"We are very happy to help Doug and our friends at PRN make this happen," said Heidi Massey-Bong, Sr. Business Advisor - NASCAR Sponsorship, Shell Oil Company. "This effort with Doug along with other activities taking place over the Memorial Day race weekend are going to help us showcase some exciting news for Shell."
The opportunity to complete the broadcaster's version of the double has been on Rice's wish list for quite some time, so when the opportunity to partner with Shell came about, he jumped at the chance.
"This is something I've wanted to do for a very long time," said Rice. "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, to be truthful, it's been a dream of mine since Andretti pulled off the first double in 1994.
Shell is a sponsor on both the No. 3 Team Penske Verizon IndyCar Series entry driven by three-time Indianapolis 500 Champion Helio Castroneves and in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series with 2015 Daytona 500 Champion Joey Logano and the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil team. Both will run a similar and significant paint scheme during their respective races on Sunday, May 24, 2015.
Though this will not present the same challenges Andretti and other drivers have faced, Rice knows doing anything for 1,100 miles is going to be a challenge, whether it's wheeling a race car or calling the action.
"I've always been in awe of the drivers who were able to survive the impact of the double," said Rice. "And even though this will be different kind of double, it will still be a challenge. I'm betting on energy and adrenaline to keep me going through the day in Indy and during the night for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte."
You can follow along with Rice all weekend long leading up to and during Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 race day by following @PRNlive, @Shell_OnTheRoad and #DougDouble on Twitter.