Jamie Little is a name synonymous with motorsports broadcasting, particularly through her work with FOX Sports. Known for her dynamic coverage of NASCAR’s Cup Series, Little is set to expand her role significantly in 2023. Her responsibilities will now include pit reporting for FOX’s INDYCAR coverage, beginning with the season-opening race in St. Petersburg, Florida. Additionally, she will serve as the play-by-play announcer for the entire NASCAR Truck Series season. This is a homecoming of sorts for Little, who previously worked as a pit reporter for ESPN and ABC’s INDYCAR coverage from 2004 to 2014. Her return to INDYCAR comes as she fills in for Georgia Henneberry, who is stepping back from the role due to the birth of her child. Little is also set to be part of FOX’s Indianapolis 500 coverage on May 28, and she is hopeful that NASCAR fans will tune in for the INDYCAR race, especially given its placement in a FOX doubleheader with the NASCAR Cup Series race at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.
### Expanding Her Role in Motorsports Broadcasting
Little’s expanded role is a significant step forward in her career, as she takes on more responsibilities across FOX’s motorsports programming. Her presence in both INDYCAR and NASCAR coverage highlights her versatility and deep understanding of motorsports. Little has been a familiar face in NASCAR pits for years, but her return to INDYCAR brings a sense of nostalgia and renewed energy. She last covered an INDYCAR race at the 2014 Indianapolis 500, and her return to the open-wheel series marks a full-circle moment in her career. Little’s dual role as a pit reporter and play-by-play announcer underscores her ability to adapt to different formats and audiences. As she navigates these new responsibilities, she is eager to connect with fans across both series and bring them closer to the action.
### Bridging NASCAR and INDYCAR Fans
One of the key ways Little plans to connect INDYCAR and NASCAR audiences is through cross-promotion. With the St. Petersburg INDYCAR race airing before the NASCAR Cup Series race at the Circuit of The Americas, Little sees an opportunity to create a seamless viewing experience for motorsports fans. She will serve as a bridge between the two series, appearing in both broadcasts to highlight the overlap between the two worlds. One example of this cross-promotion is a feature on Kyle Larson, a driver who will attempt “The Double” this year—racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Larson’s ambitious schedule was foiled last year due to rain delays, but his return to the challenge offers a compelling story for fans of both series. By showcasing Larson’s journey in both shows, Little hopes to draw in viewers who might not typically watch both types of racing.
### A Historic Moment for Women in Motorsports Broadcasting
Jamie Little’s move to play-by-play for the NASCAR Truck Series marks another milestone in her career, as she continues to break barriers for women in motorsports broadcasting. In 2021, Little made history when she became the first woman to provide TV play-by-play for a U.S. national racing series broadcast, handling duties for the ARCA Menards Series. This season, she will take on the Truck Series, following the departure of Adam Alexander, who is moving to the CW to cover the Xfinity Series. Little’s transition to play-by-play was not always straightforward. She initially considered the role but was hesitant due to the long-standing tradition of male voices in motorsports broadcasting. However, encouragement from Leigh Diffey, a NASCAR announcer for NBC, helped her realize the importance of representation. “I just didn’t think it was possible because it’s just you always hear a man’s voice,” Little reflected. “I didn’t know if that was a role I would enjoy or if I would be welcomed in that role.” But with support from her peers and a willingness to step out of her comfort zone, Little has embraced the challenge.
### The Learning Curve of Play-by-Play
Transitioning from pit reporting to play-by-play has required Little to develop a new skill set. As a pit reporter, her focus was on telling stories and providing updates from the garage. In contrast, play-by-play demands a different approach, as she must serve as the primary voice guiding viewers through the race. Little likens her new role to being a “traffic control cop,” managing the flow of information and ensuring a smooth broadcast. While she still enjoys storytelling, she recognizes that play-by-play is more about seamlessly weaving together commentary, updates, and analysis. The support of her analysts has been crucial in helping her navigate this new territory. Despite the challenges, Little has grown more comfortable in the role, and her dedication to improving is evident in her preparation and performance.
### A Busy Start to the Season
The 2023 motorsports season has been anything but slow for Jamie Little. Since early February, she has been juggling a variety of assignments, including reporting at the Westminster Dog Show, calling two Truck Series races and one ARCA Menards Series race, and serving as a pit reporter for the first two NASCAR Cup Series races of the season. In one of her most high-profile moments to date, she interviewed former President Donald Trump before the Daytona 500. Her ability to balance such a diverse range of roles speaks to her versatility as a broadcaster and her passion for storytelling. Little’s schedule is a testament to her hard work and commitment to excellence, as she continues to carve out a larger role for herself in motorsports media.
### The Broader Impact of FOX’s Motorsports Coverage
Jamie Little’s expanded role is part of a larger effort by FOX Sports to elevate its motorsports coverage and attract new audiences. For the first time, an entire motorsports series—INDYCAR—will air on broadcast television, thanks to FOX’s partnership with the series. This move represents a significant opportunity to grow the sport’s viewership, as races will now be accessible to a broader audience. Little emphasized the importance of this exposure, saying, “I think there’s nothing better that you can do to help grow the sport and its viewership than to have it on a network where, if you’re sitting in a bar or having brunch on a Sunday, it’ll just be on TV. People will see it and be exposed to it like never before.” FOX has already begun promoting the series heavily, airing ads during the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl LVII, featuring top INDYCAR drivers like Josef Newgarden, Alex Palou, and Pato O’Ward. The network’s commitment to motorsports is evident, and Little’s involvement is a key part of this strategy.
In conclusion, Jamie Little’s expanded role in FOX’s motorsports coverage is a testament to her talent, adaptability, and dedication to the sport. As she bridges the worlds of INDYCAR and NASCAR, breaks barriers as a female play-by-play announcer, and juggles a packed schedule, Little continues to inspire fans and pave the way for future generations of women in motorsports broadcasting. Her passion for storytelling, combined with FOX’s efforts to broaden the reach of motorsports, promises to bring the excitement of racing to an even wider audience.
