Inside the making of NHRA’s ‘Chasing Speed’ docuseries

NHRA is ushering in its 75th anniversary season with a new docuseries that hopefully will help fans see the sport in a new light.

"Chasing Speed" premiered Jan. 21 on VICE TV and is now three episodes deep into the six that will make up the series. In addition to a behind-the-scenes look at race weekend and what makes drag racing unique, the series is showcasing driver personalities with access that fans don't have. And through open, honest commentary interwoven into the episodes.

Take, for example, Blake Alexander being shown at the top end of the racetrack after a run, being interviewed by Angelle Sampey, and not being happy with the question asked. Alexander made it known when the interview was over, commenting to Sampey, asking who told her to ask the question, and then wanting to speak with those directing the process.

Or there is the camera mounted in Tony Stewart's tow vehicle. It catches Stewart's emotion after losing to Clay Millican, and his comments to a team member about how he's trying to pay attention to whatever lesson God is trying to teach him.

Through it all, the goal of NHRA was to ensure casual viewers learn the sport without it being overbearing for the core fan.

"That's the biggest thing that you're kind of battling as you're going through all the episodes," Chris Meadows, NHRA broadcaster director, said. "Are we getting too deep on how a part broke? Or are we giving information that is way over the top, or is it just too simple of something where you spend too long on it? It can be simple; you just have to move through it quickly.

"I think that that's key for us, and definitely partnering with Vice and putting it on their platform, which is a completely different demographic for us. But that's the goal, to get it out in front of new people, but also to bring our core fans to that platform, and give as much as we can to both audiences."

CLICK HERE to listen to the full conversation with Meadows and Steve Reintjes, NHRA VP of broadcasting, or look for it on any major podcast platform.